
Our approach to standards governance
Understand the independent, multi-stakeholder groups responsible for overseeing the B Lab Standards, with specific expertise in responsible and sustainable business.
Who governs the B Lab Standards?
B Lab Board
B Lab is governed by an independent Board of Directors. The Board establishes Regional Advisory Councils to ensure continuous incorporation of best thinking and practices into B Lab’s mission and activities, including creation of the B Lab Standards. The Board also has ultimate decision-making authority on recommendations coming from the Advisory Councils.
Standards Advisory Council
The Standards Advisory Council (SAC) is an independent body established by the B Lab Board of Directors. It is responsible for providing expert guidance and governance on the development of the B Lab Standards. Members come from backgrounds in business, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector, and bring experience and expertise on a diverse range of topics related to purpose-driven business. These include governance, social, environment, impact management, and stakeholder engagement.
The role of the SAC and current members
The main role of the Standards Advisory Council is to review and endorse the content of the B Lab Standards. The group ensures development is in line with the Terms of Reference for standards development agreed upon by the B Lab Board of Directors and the Standards Development Procedure.
The SAC is responsible for ensuring that the B Lab Standards remain:
Impactful: Performance requirements focus on prioritized governance, social, and environmental impact areas.
Clear: The standards are understandable and accessible, facilitating easier comprehension and adoption by all stakeholders.
Responsive: Aligned with prioritized impact areas, industry best practices, the latest scientific data, and the evolving needs and expectations of stakeholders.
Standards Advisory Council members
Find an up-to-date list of current SAC members here.
Legal Advisory Network
The role of the network and current members
The Legal Requirement Advisory Network is a partnership between B Lab and Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers (GAIL). GAIL is a non-profit that brings together a global community of lawyers dedicated to using the practice of law for positive impact on people and the planet.
Through its work on advancing legal knowledge, standards, and practice, GAIL uses the expertise of lawyers to shift corporate models, and capital to maximize the positive impact of law and business on people and the environment. B Lab works with GAIL, including through its network of B Lab Advocates in addition to the GAIL members listed above, to strengthen and advance our shared mission.
Legal Requirement Advisory Network members
Find an up-to-date list of current Legal Requirement Advisory Network members here.