Audit of a mission-driven company: how we verify your quality as Mission-driven company
A methodology compliant with ISO 17029 detailing the work carried out to assess the implementation of your mission, the consistency of your commitments and compliance with applicable requirements.
Admissibility of the application
Before accepting a mission, we analyze potential conflicts of interest, risks of impartiality, and reputational risks, based on publicly accessible information (website, bylaws, publications, legal databases).
We also appreciate the overall context of the mission and the associated challenges.
The mission is only engaged when the conditions of impartiality and competence required by ISO 17029 are strictly met.
Framing and pre-engagement
We analyze the scope of the mission, the statutory objectives to be assessed, the applicable framework, and the level of assurance expected.
We also specify the intervention modalities and the main points of attention identified.
These elements allow defining a framework adapted to the challenges of your Mission-driven company.
On this basis, we are formulating a proposal for intervention detailing the modalities, timeline and conditions for implementation.
Planning and risk analysis
We define a verification approach based on the analysis of the risks of significant inaccuracies.
This analysis allows you to identify the key issues related to your statutory objectives.
It also allows determining the evidence to be collected and the interviews to be conducted with the relevant stakeholders.
A verification plan is established to organize the work in a rigorous and proportionate manner, in line with the level of assurance chosen.
Verification work
We carry out the work by collecting sufficient and appropriate evidence, through documentary analyses, interviews and, where appropriate, on-site inspections.
The verification is conducted along three complementary axes: Mission coherence [objectives, raison d’être, objectives and operational implementation]; Mission committee [composition, functioning, work and reporting]; Mission execution [means, actions, results and achievement of objectives]. The objective is to assess the effective implementation of the objectives and the adequacy of the resources mobilized in light of the evolution of the business.
Independent review and decision
The works are subject to an independent review to ensure their compliance with the applicable regulatory framework.
The decision regarding the issuance of the opinion is made by persons separate from those who carried out the work.
The conclusions are drawn in accordance with the professional decision tree (CEM/CNCC) and the requirements of the Commercial Code.
This step guarantees a structured, homogeneous, and transparent evaluation, as well as the objectivity of the conclusion.
Issuance of the verification opinion
At the end of the process, a verification opinion is issued based on sufficient and appropriate evidence.
It expresses a reasoned opinion on the respect of the statutory objectives and the consistency with the raison d’être.
Three types of conclusions can be drawn: compliance, non-compliance, or the impossibility of reaching a conclusion.
At the end of the mission, a summary note detailing the findings is submitted to the client.
An appeal is possible according to a formalized and impartial process.
Finally, the opinion can be revised in the event of significant new elements.
Points to note
Your obligations as a mission-driven company: the essentials
The status of a Mission-driven company involves a structured legal framework and independent periodic verification. To be compliant, your organization must meet these key requirements:
Clearly defined statutory objectives
Your raison d’être and your social and environmental objectives must be included in your statutes and form the foundation of your approach.
A dedicated governance framework
A mission committee must be established to monitor the implementation of the objectives. Its work must be documented and subject to annual reporting.
Mandatory independent verification
The implementation of the statutory objectives must be verified by an Independent third-party body. This verification results in a public statement, allowing the assessment of compliance with the commitments.
To note
The verification takes place at a frequency defined by regulations (18 or 24 months for the first mission, then every 2 to 3 years depending on the size of the company). It concerns the consistency of the mission, the functioning of the mission committee and the effective implementation of the commitments.
Your legal obligations towards this mission-driven company
🟩 Make the information and documents necessary for the verification available to the OTI
🟩 To allow access to the individuals, institutions and mechanisms involved in the mission
🟩 To attach the latest reasoned opinion from the OTI to the management report
🟩 Publish it on the website for at least five years
Do you have a question about the quality verification of Mission-driven company?
POWNESS-OTI answers you
Your most frequently asked questions about the verification of a company with a mission
Why is the cost of an verification not standardized?
What is the point of the verification if the mission committee is already following the objectives?
Why is the mission model central?
Resources
Regulatory framework and verification criteria PACTE law
The verification work is carried out on the basis of a structured regulatory and methodological framework, allowing the assessment of the Company’s compliance with the applicable requirements.
Applicable regulatory framework
The obligations of mission-based companies and the verification procedures are defined by a specific legislative and regulatory framework.
- Law No. 2019-486 of May 22, 2019 (PACTE Law) Founding text introducing the raison d’être (Article 1835 of the Civil Code) and the status of a mission-driven company (Article L. 210-10 of the Commercial Code).
- Decree No. 2020-1 of January 2, 2020 Clarifies the initial operating procedures and the declaration of the status of a mission-driven company.
- Decree No. 2021-669 of May 27, 2021 It defines the verification deadlines (18 or 24 months for the first one, then every 2 or 3 years depending on the size) and the procedures for appointing the OTI.
- Arrest warrant of 27 May 2021 Operational roadmap of the verification, it details the 5 mandatory actions of the OTI and the structure of the reasoned opinion (means, results, internal and external circumstances).
Reference points and methodological guides
The work is based on recognized guides that allow the robustness of the mission and its systems to be assessed.
- Methodological guide of the CEM (Community of Enterprises with a Mission) – Version 2024
- Technical Opinion of the CNCC (June 2024)
- AFNOR FD X30-039 (May 2022)
- Norm NF EN ISO 26000
- The Practical Guide « PACTE Law & Reason for being » from ORSE (Observatory of Corporate Social Responsibility)
Communication and requirements of consistency
The information provided is evaluated in the light of the applicable standards for responsible communication.