> 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/engaging-with-the-esg-pathway/the-esg-pathway-journey-step-by-step.md).
# The ESG Pathway Journey: Step by Step
The ESG Pathway is more than an assessment — it’s a practical improvement process that helps organisations understand where they stand today and take confident steps toward more sustainable, responsible operations.
This page introduces how the ESG Pathway process works, what to expect at each stage, and where to find support along the way.
***
## A Guided, Repeatable Process
The ESG Pathway follows a consistent pathway aligned with the broader SCS maturity model. Whether you're starting from scratch or building on existing work, the process is:
* **Proportionate** – Start from your current position and scale as needed
* **Transparent** – Maturity levels and expectations are clearly defined
* **Repeatable** – Use it for annual improvement or multi-year planning
* **Supportive** – Tools, templates, and practitioner support are available
***
## The Typical ESG Process
Organisations often follow this high-level journey:
**1. Explore**\
Learn how the ESG Pillar is structured, including domains, themes, and the 0–3 scoring model.
**2. Engage**\
Prioritise ESG internally or receive it as part of your Baseline Maturity Assessment (BMA).
**3. Prepare**\
Gather key documents, engage stakeholders, and review available templates.
**4. Assess**\
Complete the ESG Pillar assessment, scoring each question based on your current level of maturity.
**5. Act**\
Review your results, interpret the recommendations, and build your improvement plan.
**6. Reassess**\
Return to the tool to update your progress, maintain your maturity level, or work toward the next stage.
***
## Practitioner & Partner Support
If you're working with a recognised delivery partner or ESG practitioner, they can support by:
* Explaining how each question and outcome works
* Helping benchmark your current practices
* Reviewing your draft assessment or evidence
* Interpreting your results and supporting improvement planning
> Don’t have a partner or practitioner? You can still complete the assessment independently using this Knowledge Hub and the templates provided.
---
# 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/engaging-with-the-esg-pathway/the-esg-pathway-journey-step-by-step.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.
