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Author: Anna Robinson

An ethical transition to renewable energy

Posted on by Anna Robinson

Transitioning Responsibly: Ensuring Ethical Supply Chains in the Renewable Energy Boom

The renewable energy transition is a defining challenge of our time. As countries, industries, and organisations accelerate their efforts to meet climate goals, an increasingly important question emerges: Are we ensuring an ethical transition to renewable energy?

The demand for renewable energy in Australia and New Zealand is growing exponentially, with a particular emphasis on technologies such as solar power, wind energy, and electric vehicles. However, the growth of these industries is accompanied by complex, often hidden risks related to modern slavery and forced labor in supply chains. These issues are increasingly being scrutinised by governments, NGOs, and industry leaders globally, as they recognise the need for not only a green transition, but also a just one.

Renewable Energy: A Double-Edged Sword

Cobalt mine workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo

As governments and businesses across the globe commit to achieving net-zero targets and transitioning to renewable energy, the demand for raw materials like solar panels, wind turbines, lithium, and cobalt has surged. This demand has led to a complex and often opaque global supply chain that is vulnerable to exploitation.

The solar panel industry, for instance, has come under scrutiny for the alleged use of forced labor in regions such as China’s Xinjiang province, where Uyghur Muslims are reportedly being subjected to forced labor in the production of materials for solar panels. A 2021 report found that roughly 45% of the world’s solar-grade polysilicon came from Xinjiang at the time, where systematic forced labour programs are widely documented. This has led to the coining of the term “solar slavery”, highlighting the dark underside of one of the world’s fastest-growing clean energy sectors.

Cobalt mining, which is essential for electric vehicle batteries, has similarly been linked to dangerous and exploitative working conditions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). A 2023 study by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre revealed that approximately 78% of cobalt workers in the DRC are subjected to forced labour conditions, including widespread use of child labour as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor.

While renewable energy is undoubtedly a critical part of the fight against climate change, these unethical practices threaten to undermine the industry’s moral integrity and diminish its potential benefits. Ensuring that renewable energy supply chains are free from modern slavery is becoming an imperative, not just for businesses, but for the entire planet.

The Regulatory Environment: Growing Expectations

As the global renewable energy transition accelerates, the importance of ensuring that this shift is both sustainable and ethical has never been clearer. The demand for clean energy technologies, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, is increasing, but with this demand comes a pressing need for transparency and accountability within global supply chains.

The connection between modern slavery and the renewable energy sector is critical. As countries set ambitious renewable energy targets, the question must be raised: Are these transitions truly ethical? A renewable energy future cannot be fully realised if it relies on exploitative practices that undermine human rights.

Countries like the UK, and the United States have already recognised this connection and taken steps to ensure that modern slavery is not embedded in the supply chains that fuel their renewable energy ambitions. While in Australia, where Modern Slavery reporting is legislated, and in New Zealand where the renewables sector is booming, awareness is growing. 

Does Australia’s Modern Slavery Legislation ensure an ethical transition to renewable energy?

Solar Panels On A Roof In A Suburban Setting, Melbourne, Australia

Australia is undergoing one of the fastest renewable energy transitions globally. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) projects that by 2030-31, around 83% of National Electricity Market (NEM) energy could be sourced from renewables. Solar will be a major contributor, with rooftop and utility-scale solar expected to dominate generation capacity. However, without careful management, Australia’s renewable energy transition risks being built on unethical foundations.

In Australia, the Modern Slavery Act 2018 requires entities with annual consolidated revenue over $100m to report annually on the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains, and the actions taken to address those risks. While the act does not include specific legislation to ensure an ethical transition to renewable energy, there is growing awareness and acknowledgment. The Australian Government recently updated its guidance, explicitly identifying renewable energy supply chains, particularly solar, as a sector of concern. The Clean Energy Council in Australia has also acknowledged the issue, citing in 2023 “detailed allegations of forced labour within the global solar supply chain”.  

New Zealand’s growing awareness – Support for a Modern Slavery Bill

Wind Turbine Farm with Mountain backdrop In New Zealand

New Zealand is leading the way in renewable energy generation, with 87% of its electricity now sourced from renewable sources, making it one of the highest globally (MBIE, 2023). This puts the country on track to meet its target of 90% renewable electricity by 2025 and to achieve 100% by 2030. However, alongside this clean energy progress, there are growing calls for greater accountability in ensuring that modern slavery is not embedded within supply chains, especially as demand for materials like solar panels, lithium, and cobalt grows. 

In December 2024, a coalition of human rights experts released the “Building Consensus” report, introducing the ‘Combating Trafficking in Persons and Modern Day Forms of Slavery Bill‘. This Modern Slavery Reporting Bill has now entered the ballot. The proposed legislation will mandate that private and public entities with revenue exceeding $50m report on how they identify, address, mitigate, and remediate risks of trafficking and modern slavery within their operations and supply chains. The bill has garnered significant favour, with the Labour caucus indicting their support for the Bill, and Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) and the Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking Asia Pacific, releasing a public statement supporting the introduction of the Bill.

By aligning ethical supply chains goals with their leadership in the renewables space, New Zealand will put themselves in a favorable position to demonstrate how sustainability and ethical business practices can coexist.

UK Setting the Standard – Great British Energy Bill Amendment

Scroby Sands Offshore Wind Farm Turbines Great Yarmouth Uk

The UK has taken strong legislative steps toward eliminating modern slavery in supply chains in the past, with recent developments strengthening these further in the renewable energy sector. In April 2025, an amendment was made to the Great British Energy Bill outlining a comprehensive framework to ensure that energy companies, particularly those in the renewable energy sector, adhere to strict ethical guidelines in their supply chains. This includes measures to verify that no forced labour is involved, especially in the production of materials like solar panels and batteries. Businesses now have to take reasonable steps to remove forced labour from their renewable supply chains across the UK. This landmark change underscores the UK’s ambition to ensure an ethical transition to renewable energy with a focus on a sustainable energy sector free from exploitation.

The USA’s targeted approach – The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act

Electric Car Battery Or Pack Of Battery Cells

In the United States, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (2022) presumes that goods sourced from Xinjiang, including critical materials for solar panels and electric vehicle batteries, involve forced labor unless proven otherwise. This regulation has significant implications for global solar and battery supply chains, as it directly impacts the importation of goods tied to Uyghur forced labor. Companies face stringent requirements to prove that their products are free from forced labor, or risk being barred from entering the U.S. market. This law has already led to several high-profile cases where goods, including solar panels, have been blocked from entry due to suspected forced labor connections.

The Path Forward: Transparency, Collaboration, and Accountability

As governments continue to introduce and strengthen modern slavery regulations, Australian and New Zealand businesses transitioning to renewable energy must adapt by ensuring transparency in their supply chains. This is not only a moral imperative but also a business necessity. Failing to address modern slavery risks can result in reputational damage, legal repercussions, and potential loss of market share.

Key steps Organisations Can take to Ensure an Ethical Transition to Renewable Energy:

  1. Supply Chain Mapping and Risk Assessment
    • Identify suppliers at tier 1, 2 3 and beyond and assess regions of operation.
    • Pay particular attention to high-risk commodities like polysilicon, cobalt, and lithium.
  2. Supplier Engagement and Contracts
    • Require suppliers to disclose sourcing information and labour standards.
    • Build contractual obligations for ethical sourcing into procurement agreements.
  3. Independent Auditing and Verification
  4. Transparency and Reporting
    • Publicly disclose modern slavery risks and mitigation efforts.
    • Meet reporting obligations within your organisation’s jurisdiction.
  5. Data Consolidations, Efficiency and Continuous Monitoring
    • Platforms like Informed 365 help organisations track, manage, and mitigate supply chain risks through real-time data analytics, supplier assessments, and compliance reporting tools.

As the world accelerates its shift toward renewable energy, it is essential that this transition is just as well as green. Organisations in Australia and New Zealand transitioning to renewable energy must take note of evolving regulations and commit to ethically sourcing materials, embracing transparency, and contributing to a fair and just global energy future.

Informed 365 is here to help your organisation navigate the complexities of the renewable energy transition and ensure your supply chains are ethically sound. Whether you are looking to strengthen your modern slavery reporting or simply want to ensure your supply chain is free from exploitation, we offer tools and guidance to support you every step of the way. Book a demo today.

Grievance Mechanisms to address Modern Slavery

Posted on by Anna Robinson

Strengthening Grievance Mechanisms to Address Modern Slavery: A Guide to Supporting Worker Voice and Justice

Modern slavery remains an often-hidden reality within global and local supply chains. While awareness is growing, the grievance mechanisms and systems that should support affected individuals are not always doing enough.

Nicholas Bernhardt, CEO of Informed 365, highlights a critical gap between intention and impact when it comes to grievance mechanisms. While over 70% of companies report having such systems in place, fewer than 50% of workers in surveyed global supply chains can access them in their own language (The Mekong Club, 2022). Even fewer see meaningful outcomes: the number of actual grievances reported in modern slavery statements is almost zero, revealing a significant disconnect between policy and practice.

Nicholas points out that there is some progress with larger suppliers (>$100M revenue) increasingly implementing formal grievance systems, with improved access to HR, trade unions, hotlines, and digital tools. However, smaller suppliers, lower-tier operations, and migrant workers are often left behind.

Recent Australian research by Macquarie University’s Business and Human Rights Access to Justice Lab found that only 10 of 25 top companies provided remedial mechanisms for external individuals and communities to raise human rights complaints.

Likewise, the KPMG and Property Council’s 2022 report notes that while grievance mechanisms are recognised as essential in the property and construction sectors, many businesses rely on suppliers’ systems rather than building their own. Implementation remains patchy, inconsistent, and largely ineffective without direct engagement and worker-centric design.

In this guide we bring together insights from leaders in the field, across business, law, humanitarian services, and technology; on what effective grievance mechanisms look like, and how they can be improved to truly support the people they’re meant to protect.

What Makes a Grievance Mechanism Work?

Grievance mechanisms come in many forms:

  • Informal options like worker forums and community-based organisations
  • Formal corporate channels like complaint procedures and codes of conduct
  • Independent third-party providers and anonymous hotlines
  • Certification body complaints systems (e.g. Cleaning Accountability Framework)
  • Trade union processes and statutory bodies (e.g. Fair Work Commission)

Regardless of format, effective mechanisms share a common foundation. Robin Mellon, CEO of Better Sydney, outlines eight essential elements for success:

The 8 Essential Elements of Effective Grievance Mechanisms
  1. Legitimate – Mechanisms must be trustworthy and accountable.
  2. Accessible – Workers must know they exist and be able to use them easily, with support if needed.
  3. Predictable – Steps, timelines, and potential outcomes should be clearly outlined.
  4. Equitable – Users must be treated fairly and given access to relevant expertise and information.
  5. Transparent – Stakeholders should have insight into how the mechanism functions and performs.
  6. Rights-Compatible – Outcomes must respect and uphold international human rights standards.
  7. Continuous Learning – Feedback from users should be used to improve processes.
  8. Dialogue-Based – Workers and affected parties must be engaged in the design and review of mechanisms.

Effective grievance mechanisms are not one-off interventions, they are part of a broader remediation pathway. After an issue is raised, organisations must commit to:

  • Safeguarding individuals’ rights
  • Understanding the harm and the organisation’s role
  • Using leverage to address root causes
  • Implementing remedies that are just and appropriate
  • Preventing future harm through systems improvement

Supporting People Through the Process

Natalie Maxwell-Davis, from the Australian Red Cross, brings critical insight into the real-life experiences of survivors in Australia. Since 2009, Red Cross has supported more than 750 individuals through the Support for Trafficked People Program (STPP) – many of whom only learned they were experiencing modern slavery once they accessed help.

One survivor shared:

“I had not even heard of the term modern slavery until I came into the Red Cross program.”

The Work Right Hub, developed by the Australian Red Cross, is a digital platform aimed at preventing and addressing labour exploitation. It provides both workers and responders with tools to recognise exploitation and find support, including:

  • A decision-tree tool to connect with free, confidential services
  • Basic rights checklists and workplace tips
  • Survivor stories to foster awareness
  • Multilingual flyers and brochures

Natalie highlights seven key actions for improving grievance mechanisms:

  1. Provide clear, accessible information for workers and suppliers
  2. Use inclusive and supportive language
  3. Raise awareness and encourage reporting
  4. Break down barriers to access
  5. Develop and test response procedures
  6. Engage workers in reviewing and refining systems
  7. Support suppliers to strengthen their own grievance processes

What Happens After You Speak Up?

Lauren Dale, of Anti-Slavery Australia, emphasises that grievance mechanisms must support survivors beyond the initial disclosure. Many people fear that speaking up may jeopardise their visa, employment, or safety, and these fears are not unfounded.

Quotes from survivors reflect this anxiety:

  • “Will I lose my visa?”
  • “Will my family and I be safe after this?”
  • “Do they actually care about what happens to me?”

Too often, survivors are left with unanswered questions and minimal support:

“They said they weren’t responsible, but it was their products I packed.”

Anti-Slavery Australia’s work, including legal support, research, and training, continues to push for stronger systems and survivor-centered responses. One major recommendation is the establishment of a National Compensation Scheme, to ensure all survivors can access meaningful justice and recovery.

Amplifying Worker Voice at Scale

Mark Taylor, from the Issara Institute, shared how worker-centered grievance mechanisms can be implemented at scale across global supply chains. Issara’s model places worker voice at the heart of ethical sourcing by integrating multiple communication channels, including:

  • Golden Dreams App – A job platform with reviews, guides, alerts, and a “Yelp-like” rating system
  • Multilingual helplines – Available 24/7 in languages including Khmer, Lao, Thai, Bengali, and more
  • Direct outreach – On-the-ground teams engage with communities, workers, and partners

With over 300,000 workers engaged and up to 20,000 monthly calls and messages, Issara operates one of the largest independent worker voice systems in the world.

Mark stresses the importance of moving from audit-based compliance to worker-driven human rights due diligence. This approach strengthens trust, drives systemic improvements, and centers the experiences and needs of workers.

Visit: Worker Voices

Everyone Has a Role to Play

Creating better grievance mechanisms requires collaboration across every level of business, government, and society. Whether you’re in procurement, operations, HR, legal, or advocacy, there’s something you can do:

  • Refer people to organisations that provide legal aid, support, and safe reporting channels
  • Collaborate with experts to build more responsive and inclusive systems
  • Provide feedback on existing grievance tools and platforms
  • Donate or volunteer with frontline organisations advancing worker rights
  • Keep the conversation going—raise awareness, listen to survivor voices, and advocate for justice

To hear more about how Informed 365 can support you to identify and mitigate modern slavery risk in your supply chain, while streamlining your annual reporting and Modern Slavery Statement process, book a demo here.

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Taking action against chocolate slavery

Posted on by Anna Robinson

Chocolate Slavery: How Organisations and Consumers Can Help End Cocoa Slavery and Support Anti-Slavery Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the world’s most beloved treats, but behind the sweetness lies a harsh and deeply troubling reality: chocolate slavery and the ongoing exploitation of children and vulnerable workers in the cocoa supply chain. While awareness is growing and progress has been made, the fight against cocoa slavery continues with both organisations and consumers having a vital role to play.

A Bitter History of Cocoa Slavery

For decades, the cocoa industry has been plagued by systemic issues, particularly in West Africa, where around 70% of the world’s cocoa is grown. Children as young as five have been reported working long hours on cocoa farms under hazardous conditions. Many are trafficked or forced into labour, often unpaid, due to poverty, lack of access to education, and exploitative supply chains. This is the harsh reality of cocoa slavery.

In 2021, we explored these issues in our blog, “Modern Slavery and Child Labour in the Cocoa Industry”, which outlined how chocolate slavery persists in global supply chains. Since then, there have been important developments, but there is still much work to be done.

Regulatory Momentum Against Chocolate Slavery

Around the world, governments are introducing and strengthening legislation to address human rights abuses in supply chains, including those linked to cocoa slavery. These regulations not only demand transparency but also accountability and proactive risk mitigation from companies.

In Australia, the Modern Slavery Act 2018 requires large entities (over $100 million in annual revenue) to report annually on the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains, as well as actions taken to address those risks. The Act has raised awareness and driven stronger reporting among companies with exposure to anti-slavery chocolate commitments.

In the European Union, the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) will go even further. It will require certain companies to identify, prevent, and remedy adverse human rights and environmental impacts – not just in their own operations, but across their entire value chain. This will apply to many global chocolate producers and retailers sourcing cocoa from high-risk regions.

Other relevant regulations include:

  • UK Modern Slavery Act (2015) – Requires companies to publish a Modern Slavery Statement.
  • German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) – Enforces due diligence for companies with over 1,000 employees, including in foreign operations.
  • U.S. Tariff Act (1930, Section 307) – Prohibits import of goods produced with forced labour, which has already led to actions against cocoa suppliers.

Together, these frameworks are increasing pressure on companies to move from voluntary efforts to mandatory compliance in eliminating cocoa slavery and supporting anti-slavery chocolate production.

The Chocolate Scorecard: A Powerful Anti-Slavery Tool

One of the most valuable tools for tracking progress and holding companies accountable is the Chocolate Scorecard, an initiative by Be Slavery Free. The 6th edition has just been released, evaluating over 60 chocolate companies on their performance across six key categories:

  • 1. Traceability & Transparency
  • 2. Living Income for Farmers
  • 3. Child Labour (including efforts to end cocoa slavery)
  • 4. Deforestation & Climate
  • 5. Agroforestry
  • 6. Chemical Management

The Scorecard highlights both leading companies and those failing to meet ethical standards. It also showcases “Good Egg” award winners – companies recognised for their commitment to anti-slavery chocolate practices and more sustainable cocoa farming.

Whether you’re a business sourcing chocolate or a consumer buying your favourite brand, the Chocolate Scorecard is an invaluable resource for identifying companies working to eliminate chocolate slavery and support human rights.

What Organisations Can Do to Combat Cocoa Slavery

Organisations using cocoa in their supply chains have a responsibility to address and eliminate cocoa slavery. Here’s how:

  • Conduct Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD): Proactively assess and address human rights risks in your supply chain.
  • Use the Chocolate Scorecard to assess suppliers and align procurement with your ESG goals.
  • Engage suppliers on traceability, certifications, and progress against industry benchmarks.
  • Support multi-stakeholder initiatives such as the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) to promote long-term change.
  • Track and report progress using platforms like Informed 365 to maintain transparency and accountability.

Organisations leading the fight against Chocolate Slavery

Tony’s Chocolonely

Tony’s Chocolonely is dedicated to producing 100% slave-free chocolate. The company collaborates directly with farmer cooperatives to maintain a fully traceable supply chain, ensuring transparency and ethical sourcing practices. By paying farmers a living income and committing to long-term purchasing agreements, Tony’s Chocolonely addresses the root causes of child labor and exploitation in the cocoa industry. Read more about their operations here.

Olam International

Olam Cocoa, a subsidiary of Olam International, has partnered with the Fair Labor Association to digitally register nearly 7,000 cocoa farmers and their households in Cameroon. This initiative includes implementing rigorous traceability and reporting systems, educating communities about child labor, and establishing Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation Systems (CLMRS). Olam Cocoa plans to expand this program to cover approximately 223,000 farmers across West Africa.

International Cocoa Initiative (ICI)

The International Cocoa Initiative is a Geneva-based nonprofit organisation funded by major chocolate manufacturers. ICI focuses on addressing child labor in cocoa production in West Africa by collaborating with communities, farmers, unions, the cocoa and chocolate industry, civil society, and national governments. Their efforts aim to improve the lives of children involved in cocoa farming through awareness programs, education, and the implementation of child protection policies.

These organisations exemplify the multifaceted approach needed to eradicate child labor and promote ethical practices in the cocoa supply chain.

How Consumers Can Choose Anti-Slavery Chocolate

Every chocolate purchase is a choice and consumers have more influence than they realise. To support the fight against chocolate slavery, consumers can:

  • Check the Chocolate Scorecard before buying chocolate and support high-ranking brands.
  • Look for ethical certifications like Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or direct trade models.
  • Share information about cocoa slavery and ethical chocolate with your community.
  • Advocate for change by supporting policies and groups that promote human rights in global supply chains.

Useful Resources for Awareness and Action

Here are some essential tools and resources to help organisations and consumers take meaningful action:

The Road Ahead: Ending Chocolate Slavery Together

While the 6th edition of the Chocolate Scorecard shows signs of improvement, it also reveals that many companies still need to do more to eradicate cocoa slavery from their supply chains. Change is happening – but it needs to happen faster.

Whether you’re an organisation or a consumer, your choices matter. By demanding anti-slavery chocolate, supporting transparent companies, and pushing for accountability, we can help create an ethical chocolate industry. 

Ready to Take Action?

Informed 365’s ESG and modern slavery reporting platform makes it easy to gain transparency across your supply chain, monitor risk, and report with confidence.

Book a demo today to see how Informed 365 can support your anti-slavery goals and help you build a more ethical and sustainable business.

Revisit our original blog on this topic here: Modern Slavery and Child Labour in the Cocoa Industry

Informed 365 and Orka Advisory ESG Strategy Partnership

Posted on by Anna Robinson

Informed 365 and Orka Advisory Announce Strategic Partnership to Drive ESG Innovation and Regulatory Readiness

Informed 365, a leading ESG data and risk management SaaS provider, and Orka Advisory, a purpose-driven advisory firm specialising in ESG strategy development and implementation, sustainability reporting and disclosures, stakeholder engagement and materiality assessments, ESG training and capacity building, are excited to announce a strategic partnership. This collaboration brings together cutting-edge technology and deep industry expertise to help organisations accelerate their ESG journeys and respond confidently to the evolving sustainability and compliance landscape.

The partnership integrates Informed 365’s dynamic SaaS platform with Orka Advisory’s pragmatic, impact-led approach to ESG advisory, enabling clients to access real-time insights, enhance decision-making, and embed ESG performance into core business strategy.

“This partnership aligns with our shared vision of supporting organisations to move beyond compliance and towards meaningful, measurable ESG impact,” said Nicholas Bernhardt, CEO of Informed 365. “Orka Advisory’s on-the-ground expertise in sustainability strategy and stakeholder engagement complements our platform perfectly.”

Dr Kaushik Sridhar, Founder of Orka Advisory, added: “At Orka, we believe that good ESG strategy is as much about people and purpose as it is about data. By teaming up with Informed 365, we can offer our clients a robust, end-to-end ESG solution that combines technology, insight, and experience. This collaboration will help organisations not only meet regulatory expectations but lead the way in sustainability.”

With increasing pressure from regulators, investors, and stakeholders, the need for integrated ESG solutions has never been greater. Together, Informed 365 and Orka Advisory will help organisations navigate disclosures, mitigate risks, and drive long-term sustainable value across their operations and supply chains.

To learn more about this partnership, get in touch with us here.

Intrepid Travel’s Commitment to Sustainable Supply Chains and Inclusive Growth

Posted on by Anna Robinson

Intrepid Travel announced as Banksia Awards finalist

Intrepid Travel, a leading adventure travel company, has been announced as a finalist in the prestigious 36th National Banksia Sustainability Awards – Supply Chain and Responsible Procurement Category, sponsored by Informed 365. This recognition highlights Intrepid’s impressive efforts to embed sustainability and social impact throughout its global supply chain.

Liz Manning, Intrepid’s Global Responsible Supply Chain Manager, shared details on the company’s innovative supply chain initiatives. 

“When we re-certified as a B Corp in 2021, we identified an opportunity to better track the local impact we’re creating through our supply chain,” explained Liz. “We’ve since implemented new systems to gather data on the ownership demographics of our suppliers, including the percentage that are locally-owned, women-owned, or owned by Indigenous or ethnic minority groups.”

Intrepid has set an ambitious goal that by 2030, 30% of its operational suppliers will be from diverse, underrepresented backgrounds. To support this, the company is proactively working to create more pathways and training programs, particularly for women, to become certified guides and tour leaders.

“In Morocco, for example, we’ve collaborated with the government to establish training courses that help prepare women to pass the guide certification exam, which was previously a male-dominated field,” said Liz.

Intrepid’s vertically integrated business model, with 30 global offices managing the majority of its own trips, also enables the company to have greater visibility and control over its supply chain compared to many traditional travel operators.

“Having our own in-country teams allows us to implement best practices and quickly respond to any issues that arise, whether it’s related to health and safety, human rights, or environmental impact,” Liz noted. “Transparency and continuous improvement are core to how we operate.”

The company’s commitment to sustainability and social impact extends beyond its supply chain. Intrepid is a certified B Corporation and was one of the first travel companies globally to achieve carbon-neutral certification. It also supports numerous community-based tourism initiatives and social enterprises in the destinations it operates.

Liz and the Intrepid team are thrilled to be recognised as Banksia Award finalists. “It’s a great opportunity to share the work we’re doing and hopefully inspire other travel companies to raise the bar on responsible procurement and supply chain management,” she said.

The 36th National Banksia Sustainability Awards Gala Dinner is being held in Melbourne on 3 April, 2025. Support Intrepid and the other finalists by booking your tickets to this wonderful evening here.

To read more about Intrepid’s initiatives and achievements, continue below. 

A Unique Approach

Intrepid Travel has long been a pioneer in responsible tourism, setting the standard for sustainable and community-focused travel experiences. As a vertically integrated adventure travel company with over 35 years of experience, Intrepid operates with direct control over its trips through 30 country offices worldwide. This operational model ensures greater oversight, allowing the company to embed sustainability, ethical procurement, and social impact into every aspect of its business.

Unlike traditional travel companies that may rely heavily on local ground operators or third-party suppliers, Intrepid’s approach enables it to work directly with local, independent businesses. By prioritising authentic experiences such as home-cooked dinners with local families and visits to social enterprises, Intrepid not only enhances customer satisfaction but also ensures that tourism revenue benefits the communities it serves.

Supply Chain Measurement and Diversity Program

One of Intrepid’s key initiatives in advancing sustainability is its Supply Chain Measurement and Diversity Program. This program was launched in response to the company’s 2021 B Corp recertification, which identified gaps in tracking local and diverse supplier impact. As a result, Intrepid has implemented new systems to monitor the demographics of its suppliers, including locally owned businesses, women-led enterprises, and Indigenous or minority-owned companies.

The company has set an ambitious goal: by 2030, 30% of its operational suppliers will come from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Achieving this target presents challenges, as supplier diversity varies across different cultural and regulatory landscapes. However, Intrepid remains committed to overcoming these barriers by fostering local partnerships and supporting supplier development initiatives.

Women’s Empowerment Initiatives

Empowering women in the travel industry is a cornerstone of Intrepid’s mission. The company has long championed community-based tourism and women-led experiences, recognising that greater gender inclusion benefits both local economies and travelers seeking unique, culturally immersive trips.

In recent years, Intrepid has ramped up its efforts to collect data, set goals, and implement targeted programs for women in tourism. A key focus has been on breaking gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated roles, such as tour guiding. For example, in Morocco, Intrepid has worked with the government to encourage them to open its tour guide test to allow women to sit the exam. Intrepid has provides a free specialised training program that helps women prepare for the national guide certification exam.

Additionally, Intrepid’s Women’s Expeditions provide exclusive access to female-only spaces in destinations where gender segregation is the norm. These expeditions, led by female guides, allow travelers to experience local cultures from a different perspective while directly supporting women’s employment and leadership opportunities in tourism.

Responsible Procurement at Intrepid

Sustainability and ethical sourcing are at the heart of Intrepid’s 2030 strategy. The company’s responsible procurement efforts ensures that its future growth aligns with sustainable practices and local community support. Intrepid is taking proactive steps to integrate responsible procurement across all areas of its business.

A key element of this strategy involves aligning with evolving regulatory requirements, such as the European Union’s human rights and modern slavery policies. Intrepid imposes stringent requirements on its suppliers, ensuring compliance with human rights standards and environmental sustainability. By embedding these principles into supplier contracts, Intrepid fosters accountability and drives positive change across the travel industry.

Learn more about Intrepid Travel here.
Learn more about the Banksia National Sustainability Awards here.

Informed 365 and SEAOAK Consulting Announce Strategic Partnership

Posted on by Anna Robinson

Informed 365 and SEAOAK Consulting Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen ESG, Climate Risk, Sustainability, and Modern Slavery Compliance Solutions

Informed 365, a leading ESG data and risk management SaaS company, and SEAOAK Consulting, a specialist advisory firm in climate risk, ESG compliance, and sustainability strategy, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership. This collaboration will empower businesses with data-driven insights and expert advisory services to navigate the complexities of climate-related financial risks, ESG reporting, and regulatory compliance.

By combining Informed 365’s powerful SaaS platform with SEAOAK’s deep expertise in climate governance, risk assessment, and sustainability frameworks, businesses can better measure, manage, and report on their environmental and ESG commitments. This partnership ensures organisations stay ahead of evolving disclosure requirements while driving meaningful impact.

“This collaboration strengthens our ability to provide businesses with the tools and guidance they need to make informed, strategic ESG decisions,” said Nicholas Bernhardt, CEO of Informed 365. “SEAOAK’s expertise in climate and sustainability risk complements our data-driven approach, helping support organisations as they transition to more sustainable and resilient business practices.”

Ebony Greaves, CEO of SEAOAK Consulting, added: “Partnering with Informed 365 allows us to deliver powerful, technology-driven sustainability solutions to our clients. By integrating real-time ESG data with strategic sustainability planning, we can help businesses future-proof their operations against climate risks, evolving market demands, and regulatory shifts.”

SEAOAK Consulting has extensive experience supporting businesses in climate scenario analysis, risk mitigation, and ESG compliance, ensuring organisations are well-prepared for emerging regulatory and investor expectations. Together, Informed 365 and SEAOAKwill help businesses enhance ESG performance, improve climate risk transparency, and align with global sustainability standards.

If you’re interested in learning more about this collaboration, get in touch here.