Social impact, rights & just transition · Core
Grievance mechanism
Also called: complaints mechanism
ELI5
A channel and process for raising and resolving concerns or harms.
Used in conversation
“The operating model needs to show how grievance mechanism works in practice.”
Pitch context
You will see “Grievance mechanism” in sustainability reports, impact decks, climate plans and assurance materials when the discussion reaches social impact, rights & just transition.
Why it matters: In social impact, rights & just transition, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- IFRS Foundation / International Sustainability Standards Board — IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 Sustainability Disclosure StandardsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — BLS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- GHG Protocol — Standards and GuidanceSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- International Organization for Standardization — ISO Net Zero Guidelines and related workSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16