Glossary
2025 VSME Recommendation

Policy

A set or framework of general objectives and management principles that the undertaking uses for decision-making. A policy implements the undertaking’s strategy or management decisions related to a sustainability issue. Each policy is under the responsibility of defined person(s), specifies its perimeter of application, and includes one or more objectives (linked when applicable to measurable targets). A policy is implemented through actions or action plans.
For example, undertakings with less resources may have few (or no) policies formalised in written documents, but this does not necessarily mean they do not have policies.
If the undertaking has not yet formalised a policy but has implemented actions or defined targets through which the undertaking seeks to address sustainability issues, it shall disclose them.

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