5 things to know before preparing for the new B Corp standards

Don’t underestimate the work involved

I’m currently supporting several clients through B Corp certification under the new V2.1 standards, as well as a recertification submission due this week to align with new EU legislation (ECGT).

It’s been a steep learning curve getting our heads around the new requirements and evidence needs, but we’ve learnt a huge amount.

My biggest piece of advice - start earlier than you think!

The new standards require a deeper level of evidence, systems, stakeholder engagement and Board involvement than many businesses are expecting.

Here are 5 early lessons from supporting businesses through the process:

1. There’s more work involved in B Corp certification than many businesses expect

Even the strongest current B Corp businesses will find areas where they need to strengthen processes, or introduce new approaches.

The new standards raise the bar in several key areas, for example:

• Thorough environmental assessments

• New human rights assessment

• HR data disaggregation by gender

So give yourself a few months to actually do the work and build the evidence base before submission.

2. Build in time for Board approval

Many elements of the submission need Board input or approval, for example:

• Policies

• Assessments

• Exclusions

So plan for a few Board meetings rather than presenting everything just before submission. Your Board probably won’t thank you for dropping a stack of approvals on them at the last minute!

3. Understand the full picture before making your action plan

Lots of things are interconnected, for example:

• Human rights and environmental assessments

• Culture measurements and JEDI tracking

Take time to review the requirements across the whole submission first.

You’ll often find that one piece of work can support multiple areas and evidence can be cross-referenced, saving time and creating a more joined-up approach.

4. Start engaging your stakeholders early

The new standards require significant stakeholder engagement, for example:

• Materiality assessments

• Culture measurement

• Procurement decision analysis

Start building those relationships now, so when you need surveys, focus groups and data requests, you’re in a much stronger place for collaboration.

5. You may already be doing things that count, but evidence is the key

Many businesses are already doing great things, for example:

• Mentoring

• Lobbying

• Staff engagement

However, the new standards require much more thorough and detailed evidence than before.

Think about how you can formalise what you’re already doing so you have the evidence base you need before submission.

I’ll be sharing more lessons as we move through submissions and audits over the coming months.

If you’re preparing for B Corp certification and want to talk through your approach, questions or where to start, book a call and let’s explore how I can help.

Already started? What are you finding most challenging so far? I’d love to hear what you’re learning and any top tips.

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Mehalah Beckett is an executive, team and business coach, and the founder of Lead Powerful Impact, a certified B-Corp.

She works with purpose-driven leaders and sustainable businesses who want to move beyond performance, lead with clarity and self-trust, and create impact without burning out.

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