In recent years, responsible business has shifted from a niche interest to a core expectation, and stakeholders increasingly want organisations to demonstrate that they operate with integrity, purpose and positive impact.
The challenge for many businesses is knowing how to turn good intentions into meaningful, measurable action.
At Genee Consulting Ltd, a North East-based environmental consultancy, we believe accreditations play a vital role in bridging that gap. As a B Corp certified consultancy; a delivery partner for the nationally recognised Investors in the Environment (iiE) accreditation with Green iiE accreditation ourselves; and an organisation accredited by the Good Business Charter, and Shine Advanced, there is no denying that we love an accreditation! Not because they look good on a website, but because they provide structure, clarity, and momentum.
At their best, accreditations are not tick-box exercises. They are practical tools that help organisations take stock of where they are, understand their impacts, and put clear plans in place to improve. For Genee, pursuing accreditations has been as much an internal journey as an external statement. Using the Investors in the Environment framework helped us establish a robust environmental management system that was proportionate to our size and genuinely useful day to day. That same framework then supported us in evidencing our environmental performance when working towards B Corp certification, the Good Business Charter, and the regional Shine Award.
This experience is why we are so passionate about delivering Investors in the Environment to organisations across the North East and North West of England. The framework provides practical tools, templates and guidance that enable organisations to build environmental management systems that work for the business, rather than adding unnecessary complexity. Time and again, we see organisations uncover cost savings, reduce their environmental impacts, and increase employee engagement simply by taking a more structured approach. Importantly, the framework is flexible, meeting organisations where they are, whether they are just starting out or looking to strengthen existing ESG and sustainability commitments. One client described their iiE audit report as “writing his 2026 business plan for him”, utilising Genee’s guidance to support their ongoing sustainability goals.
Of course, responsible business is about more than environmental action alone. Real, lasting impact happens when environmental performance, wellbeing and inclusion are considered together. That belief underpins a recent webinar Genee hosted in collaboration with two other North East organisations, Positive About Inclusion and Venture Zero, titled “Unlocking the Benefits of Responsible Business”. The session brought together expertise in environmental performance, workplace wellbeing, and inclusive culture to explore how organisations can move beyond buzzwords and create genuine, joined-up impact.
The webinar explored why responsible business is becoming essential rather than optional, how strong frameworks drive real progress, and how people-centred leadership supports trust and engagement. Drawing on real-world experience with businesses, public sector bodies and VCSE organisations across the UK, the discussion left attendees with ideas they can put into practice and is available to watch at www.genee.org.uk.
As initiatives such as Good Business Week and B Corp Month approach, now is a timely moment for North East organisations to reflect on how they evidence their commitments and whether they are using the right frameworks to support long-term improvement. Accreditations are not an end in themselves, but when implemented well, they can be powerful tools for turning values into action. From our experience at Genee, they have helped us build a stronger, more resilient business, and they remain one of the most effective ways we know to help organisations drive progress.
To discuss how Genee can support your organisation’s sustainability goals, contact jo@genee.org.uk