Community of Practice
In 2025, the SER facilitated the Community of Practice (CoP) on Meaningful Stakeholder Dialogue. In this CoP, companies worked together to strengthen their approach to meaningful stakeholder engagement in the context of (international) responsible business conduct.
Outcomes and insights
Within the Community of Practice (CoP), companies and experts shared experiences, challenges, and solutions with one another. Themes such as stakeholder analysis, internal alignment, engaging rights holders, and dialogue skills were explored in greater depth. The insights gained are incorporated in the various tools and trainings on meaningful stakeholder dialogue.
Participants in the CoP, among others, arrived at the following insights
Use dialogue as preferred means of engagement
Stakeholder dialogue brings a human perspective into the due diligence process. It helps companies gain a real understanding of their value chain and the people involved in it. Improvement starts when you move beyond spreadsheets and engage directly with the stakeholders concerned. You do not need to engage in dialogue with everyone, but you do need to engage the right people at the right moments.
Involve internal stakeholders as well
Effective dialogue with external stakeholders requires solid internal alignment. Make sure relevant departments, such as procurement, are aligned on the conversations you conduct in the value chain. Only then can you speak with one clear and consistent voice to your stakeholders.
Continuously invest in trust-building in your value chain
Meaningful dialogue is only possible when participants feel safe to share information. This requires transparency, regular (preferably in-person) engagement, and collaboration with local partners such as trade unions and NGOs.
Keep learning and improving
Engaging in dialogue, especially with vulnerable stakeholders or in high-pressure contexts, is a skill that needs ongoing development. Keep practicing, reflect together with colleagues, and work with organisations and experts who do this work on a daily basis.
Do not forget the silent stakeholders
Not all stakeholders have a voice. Consider nature, the environment, and future generations, and consciously embed their interests in your decision-making.
Use the knowledge and experience of others
A wealth of expertise is available, both within the SER and among companies that work on these issues every day. Learn from this experience, for example through sector initiatives or multi-stakeholder collaborations. By working together, you learn faster, make greater progress, and avoid reinventing the wheel.
During the program, the SER organised two publicly accessible deep dives
- Summary deep dive ‘How to engage nature as a stakeholder?’
- Summary deep dive ‘How to conduct internal engagement on sustainability?’
Participating companies
The following companies participated in the Community of Practice: ANWB, Arte Groep, ATS All Tape Supplies, DSM-Firmenich, Fashion Favourites Group, G-Star, JOG Group, Koninklijke Ahrend, Kuyichi, Mes Voeux, Nature's Pride, Royal LC Packaging International, TATA Steel, Total Care, Vattenfall, Verstegen Spices & Sauces, Wilmar/Olenex, and Zeeman.
Stay informed
The Community of Practice has concluded. Would you like to stay informed about follow-up initiatives, new programs, or insights building on this CoP? Then sign up for the project update.
The SER project 'Meaningful stakeholder dialogue in (international) supply chains' is partner of Humanising business, supported by the Goldschmeding Foundation.
