Understanding the Maturity Scoring Model

The ESG Pathway uses a 0–3 scoring model to measure how embedded your organisation’s ESG practices are. This model doesn’t just test compliance — it reflects real-world capability and maturity. Each score tells a story about where your organisation is on its ESG journey and what’s needed to progress.

The 0–3 Scale Explained

Each question in the ESG assessment is scored on a scale from 0 to 3:

• Score 0 – Not Considered This means the organisation has not yet begun to address the topic. There may be little awareness of the issue, no policy or plan in place, and no evidence of action. This score is typical for early-stage or unfamiliar ESG areas.

• Score 1 – Defined The organisation has started to consider the issue. A policy may exist, or planning may be underway, but implementation is limited or inconsistent. This score indicates intention and early thinking — but not yet practice.

• Score 2 – Managed ESG activities are now actively managed. Roles are defined, procedures are in place, and performance is being monitored. This reflects a level of maturity where ESG is part of day-to-day operations, but still evolving.

• Score 3 – Optimised ESG practice is fully embedded and continuously improving. The organisation can show a consistent track record, data-driven decision-making, and leadership engagement. These practices are well-integrated and sustained over time — typically for at least two years.

This maturity model applies across all ESG domains and is used consistently throughout the SCS framework.

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How Scores Translate to Maturity Levels

The ESG Pillar uses the 0–3 maturity scale to help organisations understand where they stand — and where to improve. While this scoring model provides insight into your current level of maturity (e.g. Bronze, Silver, or Gold), it does not rely on simple averages to determine whether a level has been passed.

Instead, the system works like this:

• Each question is assigned a criticality rating — Key, Moderate, or Low Priority.

• To achieve a given level, you must meet minimum thresholds across Key and Moderate questions, not just reach a particular average.

• The Assessor Platform uses these thresholds to guide whether an organisation is ready for recognition — or needs to address specific gaps first.

So while Bronze generally reflects early ESG capability, Silver indicates managed practice, and Gold demonstrates optimisation — these levels are earned through targeted performance on priority questions, not just overall scoring patterns.

The platform also uses your scores to generate tailored recommendations for improvement. This is where the AI within the Assessor Platform becomes valuable: it interprets your scoring profile and identifies where actions are needed to meet your desired level — now or in future reassessment cycles.

Where formal certification is requested, results may be moderated by an SCS reviewer to ensure that scoring and evidence align with expectations, particularly at Silver and Gold levels.

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Scoring Best Practices

• Be honest — The maturity model is designed to help you improve, not catch you out.

• Read each outcome statement carefully — It shows what each level looks like in real terms.

• Use the comment boxes to explain partial progress or context where relevant.

• Check consistency — Mixed scores across similar themes may signal the need for internal alignment.