• The CSR Europe Board of Directors approaches the end of its mandate, marked by the successful launch of Europe’s first Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO) Network.

• The process of electing new Board representatives will commence in February 2025.

Sustainability leadership is at a decisive point and is positioned between the avalanche of regulatory requirements and the demand from Boards and Executives for business value, innovation, and its contribution towards enhanced competitiveness. Sustainability executives need to push forward with the implementation of this transformation whilst at the same time addressing the need for value creation, business transformation, reporting,  and evolving regulatory requirements.

The Board of Directors of CSR Europe has grasped this evolution at its core, and created, in the last year of its Board-term, the European Chief Sustainability Officers (CSO) network. This platform aims to engage industry peers and representatives of the European Commission to leverage regulations for greater impact and enhanced competitiveness.

As the Board approaches the conclusion of its mandate, the main challenge of the incoming Board will be to further shape the agenda of the European CSO Network.

Next steps

On 7 February 2025, CSR Europe will launch the election process for the new Board, which will serve from June 2025 to June 2028. The maximum number of Board members for the next 3-year term will be 10, comprising 8 from Corporate Members and 2 from National Partner Organisations.

Corporate members will have the opportunity to mandate their (European) sustainability executives to apply to become a Board member of CSR Europe. National Partner Organisations (NPOs) may propose their Executive Director or senior representative, including corporate representatives from their corporate Board Members or Chairs. Current Board Directors are also eligible for re-election.

The Role of the Board of Directors

The Board plays a critical role in defining the strategy of the organisation and supervising its implementation. Board members are fully committed to providing adequate support to the organisation when needed. Amongst its various responsibilities, the Board is accountable for:

• Defining, approving, and overseeing the implementation of the strategy;

• Defining the membership policy and approving new members;

• Appointing the executive director, who manages the organisation and reports directly to the Board;

• Approving the annual budget and financial results for presentation to the General Assembly;

• Proposing internal regulations and, when needed, amendments to the by-laws.

At the same time, CSR Europe expects Board members to:

• Allocate sufficient time and availability to contribute to the strategic development of CSR Europe.

• Engage regularly with current and potential members of CSR Europe through participation to the network’s activities, outreach to prospective members, promoting of CSR Europe’s initiatives, and representation of the network at external conferences and in the dialogue with EU policymakers.

• Provide practical and business support to the CSR Europe secretariat, including hosting meetings, overseeing governance and audits, sponsorships, networking opportunities, as well as supporting team members through mentorship.

For more information:

Carine Hinchcliffe,

EA and Head of Office

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