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Social Impact Policy

Updated: Mar 12


Ascend GRC is committed to driving positive social impact through its governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) education, training, and advisory services. This policy outlines our approach to ensuring that our activities contribute meaningfully to ethical leadership, sustainability, and organisational resilience across Australia and globally.
Ascend GRC Social Impact Policy

1. Purpose

Ascend GRC is committed to driving positive social impact through its governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) education, training, and advisory services. This policy outlines our approach to ensuring that our activities contribute meaningfully to ethical leadership, sustainability, and organisational resilience across Australia and globally.


2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, board members, consultants, volunteers, and stakeholders involved in Ascend GRC’s programs, services, and partnerships.


3. Definitions

  • Social Impact: The effect an organisation has on society, including ethical leadership, sustainability, governance improvements, and economic development.

  • Sustainability: Practices that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

  • Stakeholders: Individuals or groups affected by Ascend GRC’s activities, including clients, partners, regulatory bodies, and beneficiaries.


4. Policy Statement

Ascend GRC commits to:

  • Promoting Ethical Leadership & Governance – Strengthening organisational integrity through education and advocacy.

  • Supporting Sustainable Development – Ensuring our programs and services foster long-term resilience and sustainability.

  • Enhancing Accessibility & Inclusion – Making GRC knowledge and training available to diverse communities, including underrepresented groups.

  • Advancing Thought Leadership – Producing research that addresses key governance, risk, and compliance challenges.

  • Engaging in Meaningful Partnerships – Collaborating with government, not-for-profits, and industry to drive social change.

  • Ensuring Responsible Operations – Upholding ethical business practices, environmental responsibility, and transparency.


5. Responsibilities

  • Board of Directors: Oversee and ensure adherence to the Social Impact Policy.

  • Executive Management: Integrate social impact principles into decision-making and strategic planning.

  • Employees & Consultants: Uphold and promote the values outlined in this policy.

  • Partners & Stakeholders: Align with Ascend GRC’s commitment to ethical governance and sustainability.


6. Implementation & Monitoring

  • Social Impact Metrics: Establish KPIs to measure impact across governance, sustainability, and inclusion.

  • Annual Reporting: Publish an impact report outlining key achievements and areas for improvement.

  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and refine strategies to enhance social impact.


7. Compliance & Enforcement

Non-compliance with this policy may result in corrective action, including training, review of partnerships, or termination of engagement.


8. Related Legislation & Standards

  • Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) – Governance & compliance standards.

  • Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Governance Standards.

  • ISO 37000:2021 – Governance of Organisations.

  • United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


9. Review & Approval

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.


10. Contact Information

For queries regarding this policy, please contact:

Ascend GRC Compliance Team

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