> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.adsgroup.org.uk/8RnoQ2Y1ZgHQnhYYpqoO/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.adsgroup.org.uk/8RnoQ2Y1ZgHQnhYYpqoO/esg-pillar/assessment-guide/roles-in-the-assessment-process-practitioners-smes-moderators.md).
# Roles in the Assessment Process (Practitioners, SMEs, Moderators)
Effective ESG assessments are rarely completed by one person alone. They draw on insight and evidence from across your organisation — combining operational knowledge, strategic oversight, and subject expertise.
This page outlines the key roles typically involved in completing a successful ESG Pillar assessment.
## Key Roles and Responsibilities
### **1. Assessment Lead / Coordinator**
Usually the person driving the assessment process internally.
* Organises the workflow and timelines
* Coordinates input from multiple teams
* Submits the final responses
* Acts as the main point of contact for feedback or moderation
**Ideal background:** ESG manager, compliance officer, sustainability lead, or generalist with strong internal access.
***
### **2. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)**
Provide input on specific questions where detailed knowledge is needed.
* Answer or support questions in their area (e.g. H\&S, HR, Finance, Operations)
* Help interpret outcome statements and assess maturity
* Provide supporting evidence or documentation
**Common SMEs include:**
* Facilities / Operations – for emissions, energy, waste
* HR – for wellbeing, ethics, inclusion
* Finance – for data disclosures and reporting
* Governance / Legal – for policies, risk, and oversight
* Senior leadership – for strategic direction and culture
***
### **3. Practitioners (Optional)**
Trained ESG practitioners or consultants can help guide you through the process.
* Support scoping, evidence gathering, and scoring
* Offer advice on how to interpret questions
* Help prepare for formal moderation or certification
* May be internal (if trained) or external (third-party support)
***
### **4. Moderators / Reviewers**
If your organisation is seeking formal certification or external verification:
* A moderator will review your submission
* They assess scoring consistency, evidence quality, and alignment with maturity levels
* May request clarification or additional evidence before confirming your level
**Note:** Not all assessments require moderation — it applies when organisations request certification or audit-ready results.
***
## Working as a Team
* 🧩 **Collaborate across departments**: Most ESG topics are cross-functional — bring people together early
* 🗂 **Use shared folders or prep sessions**: Document collaboration makes the process smoother
* ✅ **Assign questions by theme**: Delegate to the most relevant person or team
* 🔍 **Base responses on reality**: Ensure answers reflect actual practice, not just written policies
* 📋 **Use the Recommendations Report**: Once complete, this becomes a shared improvement plan
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://knowledge.adsgroup.org.uk/8RnoQ2Y1ZgHQnhYYpqoO/esg-pillar/assessment-guide/roles-in-the-assessment-process-practitioners-smes-moderators.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
