Sustainability & Corporate Governance

Three decades of principled leadership in environmental and social solutions, guided by robust governance and an unwavering commitment to sustainable outcomes

At Digby Wells Environmental, governance isn’t corporate theatre – it’s the foundation of how we deliver measurable impact across 45+ countries.

As an employee-owned company guided by the QCA Corporate Governance Code, we maintain the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical practice. Our approach integrates ESG principles throughout our operations, from board-level strategy to project delivery, ensuring that sustainable development remains central to every decision we make.

Our Governance Framework

Structured for accountability, designed for impact

QCA Code Adoption

As a commitment to excellence in governance, we voluntarily adopt the Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate Governance Code. This framework ensures transparent practices, dedicated risk management, and alignment with shareholder and stakeholder interests across our global operations.

Employee Ownership Model

Our employee-owned structure aligns long-term value creation with sustainable practices. This model fosters innovation, ensures continuity of expertise, and creates genuine accountability to the communities and environments we serve.

Board Independence

With non-executive directors providing independent oversight and sector expertise, our board ensures balanced decision-making that considers all stakeholder interests – from local communities to international investors.

Integrated Risk Management

Our enterprise-wide risk framework addresses environmental, social, governance, and operational risks through regular assessment, mitigation strategies, and board-level oversight, ensuring resilience across market cycles.

Board Leadership & Composition

Diverse expertise driving strategic direction

6

Board
Members

50%

Independent
Directors

4

Board Meetings Annually

30+

Years Combined Experience

ESG: The Golden Thread

Environmental, Social, and Governance excellence woven through every aspect of our operations.

Environmental Leadership

From biodiversity frameworks to climate risk assessments, we operationalise environmental stewardship through TNFD-aligned strategies, science-based targets, and comprehensive impact assessments that protect ecosystems while enabling responsible development.

Social Responsibility

Our social impact extends beyond compliance – we facilitate genuine stakeholder engagement, protect cultural heritage, ensure equitable resettlement processes, and build local capacity through education partnerships and skills development programmes.

Governance Excellence

Transparent reporting, ethical business practices, and robust internal controls ensure accountability at every level. Our governance structures support informed decision-making while maintaining the agility to respond to evolving stakeholder needs.

Compliance & International Standards

Meeting and exceeding global frameworks for sustainable development

International Reporting Frameworks

We align our sustainability reporting and client advisory services with leading global frameworks, ensuring transparency and comparability across jurisdictions.

Frameworks:

  • GRI Standards
  • SASB Standards
  • TCFD Recommendations
  • TNFD Framework
  • UN SDGs
  • CDP Disclosure

Performance Standards

Our work meets or exceeds international performance standards, ensuring projects deliver sustainable outcomes while managing environmental and social risks.

Standards:

  • IFC Performance Standards
  • Equator Principles
  • World Bank Guidelines
  • ICMM Principles
  • Voluntary Principles
  • OECD Guidelines

Management System Certifications

Our operations are certified to international management system standards, demonstrating our commitment to quality, environmental management, and health & safety.

Certifications:

  • ISO 45001:2018 (Health & Safety)
  • ISO 14001 (Environmental)
  • ISO 9001 (Quality)
  • Level 1 B-BBEE
  • ISO 31000 (Risk)

Board Committees & Accountability

Specialised oversight ensuring comprehensive governance

Finance & Risk
Committee

Oversees financial reporting integrity, internal and external audit processes, risk management frameworks, and ensures robust internal controls. Reviews enterprise risks quarterly and monitors compliance with our Code of Conduct.

Remuneration
Committee

Ensures remuneration policies align with long-term value creation, company strategy, and stakeholder interests. Reviews performance-related pay, share awards, and succession planning for senior executives.

Health & Safety
Committee

Maintains our ISO 45001:2018 certified health and safety management system, oversees safety performance across all operations, and ensures a culture where safety is paramount in every project we undertake.

Transparency & Reporting

Open communication building stakeholder trust

Our ecological services team employs robust methodologies including:

Annual Reports

Comprehensive financial and operational performance reviews, externally audited and aligned with international standards.

Impact Reports

Detailed accounts of our environmental and social contributions across projects, regions, and communities

Governance Disclosures

Regular updates on board composition, committee activities, and adherence to the QCA Corporate Governance Code

ESG Performance

Quantitative and qualitative metrics demonstrating progress against sustainability targets and commitments

TAKE ACTION

Partner with Purpose

Experience the difference that three decades of principled environmental and social consulting brings to your sustainability journey

Download Governance Framework

View Impact Report

RELATED PRODUCTS

Our Capabilities

Compliance Services

Ecological Services

Water Geosciences

Renewable Energy
Services

 Social, Heritage &
Stakeholder Services

Geospatial &
Atmospheric Sciences

Climate & Resource
Management

Rehabilitation
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