Responsible Business Report Template

A Responsible Business Report is now a vital part of how organisations demonstrate transparency, environmental responsibility and long-term commitment to social impact. Many organisations know they need to produce one but are unsure where to begin. To make this easier, we have created a Responsible Business Report Template that provides clear structure, practical guidance and real-world relevance for businesses of all sizes.

This page offers a full Responsible Business Report Example, a step-by-step guide on How to Write a Responsible Business Report, and a downloadable Responsible Business Report Template that you can use immediately. The structure aligns with UK reporting expectations, GMCA policy signals and the environmental and social ambitions shaping Greater Manchester.

Responsible Business ESG Ltd supports organisations across the UK with sustainability reporting, ESG strategy and responsible business advisory services. This template reflects the practical approach we use with clients who want clear, confident and compliant reporting.

Why Use a Responsible Business Report Template?

A structured template helps organisations:

• understand what should be included in a Responsible Business Report
• avoid missing key environmental or social disclosures
• follow a consistent reporting framework year after year
• align with UK reporting expectations
• support procurement bids, investor engagement and internal governance
• communicate progress with clarity and confidence

Using a template also saves time. Many organisations worry that they do not have enough data or impact to report. In reality, even new companies benefit from structured reporting because it helps shape future commitments.

A high-quality Responsible Business Report also strengthens trust with stakeholders, supports credibility and shows commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.

Responsible Business Report Template

Below is a complete structure that organisations can copy directly into their own reporting documents. This template is suitable for SMEs, public bodies, larger organisations and non-profits.

Section 1: Introduction

Who you are
Your purpose and values
Why responsible business matters to your organisation
Your commitment to environmental and social impact

Section 2: Organisational Overview

Summary of operations
Key locations and markets
Governance and leadership
Stakeholder groups

Section 3: Responsible Business Strategy

Your approach to responsible business
Material issues (what matters most to your organisation)
Alignment with national and regional policy (e.g. GMCA 2038 net zero target, DEFRA biodiversity requirements)
Long-term goals and vision

Section 4: Environmental Performance

Carbon footprint and energy use
Waste reduction and recycling
Water management
Climate risks
Biodiversity Net Gain impact
Alignment with nature recovery goals
Environmental targets for the next year

Section 5: Social Performance

Employee wellbeing
Fair employment and ethical working practices
Diversity and inclusion
Training and skills development
Community engagement
Social value contributions (aligned to GMCA expectations if relevant)

Section 6: Governance

Board oversight
Risk management
Policies and procedures (environmental policy, ethical supply chain policy, anti-corruption, data protection, etc.)
Compliance with regulations or sector standards
Progress monitoring and reporting cycle

Section 7: Case Studies and Examples

Real examples of environmental improvements
Stories that demonstrate positive social or community impact
Partnerships or collaborations
Lessons learned

Section 8: Performance Summary and Future Commitments

Summary of progress this year
Priorities for the next reporting period
Long-term commitments
How the organisation intends to improve its Responsible Business Report over time

Section 9: Data Tables and Metrics (Optional)

Carbon and energy data
Social value metrics
Workforce statistics
Environmental KPIs
Supply chain ESG data
Biodiversity metrics if available