Social impact, rights & just transition · Working
Vulnerable group
Also called: at-risk group
ELI5
A group facing heightened exposure to harm or barriers, requiring context-specific definition.
Used in conversation
“The sustainability report needs the method, exclusions and assurance status for vulnerable group.”
Pitch context
You will see “Vulnerable group” 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