> 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/scoring-and-reporting/what-to-include-policies-metrics-disclosures-and-commitments.md).

# What to Include: Policies, Metrics, Disclosures, and Commitments

When completing your ESG Pathway assessment — especially at Silver or Gold levels — it’s not just about what your organisation *does*. It’s also about what you can *show*. Maturity is demonstrated through the strength and visibility of your actions, backed by clear supporting inputs.

This page outlines the four main types of inputs to include — and what they typically look like across Environmental, Social, and Governance domains.

## The Four Input Types 🧩 

You can support your answers using the following categories:

* **Policies**\
  Formal documents that establish ESG intent, scope, and governance.\
  *Examples include:* environmental policies, health and safety policies, anti-bribery statements.
* **Metrics**\
  Quantitative measures that reflect ESG performance.\
  *Examples include:* greenhouse gas emissions, training hours, incident rates, waste intensity.
* **Disclosures**\
  Internal or external reports showing ESG performance or progress.\
  *Examples include:* SECR reports, DEI dashboards, ESG summaries in annual reports.
* **Commitments**\
  Public or internal targets that indicate your forward plans or aspirations.\
  *Examples include:* net zero pledges, ISO certification plans, social value goals.

### Environmental Examples

* Policies: Energy management policy, waste reduction policy, environmental responsibility statement.
* Metrics: Scope 1–3 GHG emissions, energy use per employee, percentage of renewable energy used.
* Disclosures: SECR submissions, internal carbon reports, energy audits or site reviews.
* Commitments: Net zero targets, ISO 14001 implementation plan, energy reduction commitments.

### Social Examples

* Policies: Diversity and inclusion policy, safeguarding procedures, modern slavery statement.
* Metrics: Lost time injury rate, mental health training completion, community hours logged.
* Disclosures: Internal wellbeing survey results, published DEI statistics, stakeholder feedback summaries.
* Commitments: Living wage accreditation, social value pledges, workforce development targets.

### Governance Examples

* Policies: ESG governance framework, whistleblower protection policy, anti-corruption code.
* Metrics: ESG board-level KPIs, audit completion rates, training compliance metrics.
* Disclosures: ESG sections in annual reports, governance reports aligned with TCFD, audit summaries.
* Commitments: Adoption of ISO 37001 (anti-bribery), joining the UN Global Compact, ESG risk review integration in board agendas.

## How to Use This Guidance

* When completing a question, consider whether your response is backed by at least one of the four input types above.
* At Bronze level, informal evidence or early-stage material may be acceptable. At Silver and Gold, more formal, dated, and attributed documentation is expected.
* Where possible, upload documents directly into the platform or reference where they can be found.
* Use the comment section to explain any context, especially if your evidence is developing or non-standard.


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