Net zero programme assurance for an international media organisation

Challenge

Net zero was one of this organisation’s critical programmes, sponsored by the Group CFO. The client requested an assurance review of the activities and programme to understand if the business was on track to achieve its science-based net zero targets, and to identify risks and mitigation actions.

This required an assessment of the entire operating model for their sustainability programme, including target setting, strategy, structure and resourcing, governance and funding.

Approach

To structure the programme review, we applied the Transition Plan Taskforce Framework to ensure we assessed all components of the programme against gold standard class guidance. We then worked alongside the sustainability team and senior business leaders on:

Assurance method: Developed an agreed methodology to assess programme quality, risks and key areas for intervention.

Stakeholder interviews: Conducted structured interviews with over 20 stakeholders on the net zero programme, understanding planned activities to decarbonise, status, risks and blockers, root causes of issues and dependencies.

Programme operating model assessment: Reviewed net zero programme governance, reporting, capabilities and skills.

Recommendations: Developed a summary of the confidence in the programme, a breakdown of performance and risks by workstream and programme element and practical actions.

Best practice: Shared best practice on key activities such as net zero data and reporting, programme management and supply chain.

Exec alignment on findings: Presented recommendations to the group CFO and Chief Sustainability Officer.

Results

Delivered clarity on areas of delivery risk versus net zero targets.

Identified clear mitigation actions with owners assigned and a timeline for the sustainability team to take forward.

Provided insights on best practice in key areas of recommendations, including creating an effective transformation operating model.

Aligned programme performance and risks with senior executive stakeholders.