Dev Insights

In today’s global marketplace, investors, regulators, and consumers are no longer content with traditional measures of business success like revenue or market share alone. They want to know how companies manage their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibilities. This growing demand for transparency and accountability has elevated the importance of ESG ratings , which have become a vital benchmark for evaluating corporate sustainability and ethical performance. This article explores what ESG ratings are, why they matter, how they are calculated, and how companies can leverage them to drive sustainable growth, manage risk, and strengthen stakeholder trust. What Are ESG Ratings? ESG ratings assess a company’s performance and resilience concerning environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance practices. Unlike traditional financial ratings, which primarily evaluate credit risk and profitability, ESG ratings focus on how well a business aligns with...

In an era defined by data-driven decision-making and increased scrutiny, organizations delivering social programs, CSR initiatives, or donor-funded projects face a critical question: Are our interventions truly making a difference? To answer this credibly, many turn to third-party evaluation services , which provide objective, methodologically sound assessments that go beyond internal reporting. This article explores what third-party evaluations are, why they matter, how they are conducted, and how partnering with professional firms strengthens accountability, learning, and long-term impact. What Are Third-Party Evaluation Services ? Third-party evaluation services involve hiring an independent, specialized organization to assess a program, policy, or intervention’s design, implementation, outcomes, and overall effectiveness. Unlike internal monitoring teams, third-party evaluators bring external expertise, objectivity, and methodological rigor to the evaluation process. Thes...

  “Giving back to society” is what we often hear these days. With HNIs (High Net-worth Individuals) heavily involved in Philanthropy and with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) coming into effect, Corporations had an obligation to spend 2 per cent of their net profit on CSR activities. Such a mandate made these corporations start investing in education, health, environment and livelihood projects. With continued investments year on year, these projects expand in their outreach or initiate newer programs under the thematic areas. But a few best practices that are adopted throughout the sector can help elevate the program.  Best practices observed in the sector The best practices observed in the sector are discussed below: Needs assessment and other assessments: A needs assessment is essential before starting any new program. The needs assessment provides direction to the program design, and accordingly, the program gets designed as per the needs of the community. But asses...

  In today's changing corporate landscape, ESG Reporting has become an essential tool for businesses looking to showcase their commitment to sustainable and responsible practices. In India, the relevance of ESG Reporting is growing as businesses face new regulations, investors look for accountability, and there's an increasing emphasis on responsible corporate behaviour.   ESG Reporting involves sharing how a company or organization is doing in terms of: ●         Environment – How does it affect the planet? (e.g., waste, energy, emissions) ●         Social – How does it treat people? (e.g., employee wellbeing, community engagement) ●         Governance – How is it run? (e.g., ethics, transparency, board practices) Through consistent ESG Reporting practices, companies offer their stakeholders (both internal and external) an in-depth perspective on their non-fin...

In a world driven by innovation, investment, and development, the term social impact has gained substantial traction. But what does social impact truly mean, how is it measured, and what role do social impact consulting firms like DevInsights play in shaping meaningful change? This article explores the concept of social impact, delves into the methodologies used to measure it, and highlights how consulting firms are essential catalysts in driving sustainable and evidence-based social transformation. Understanding Social Impact Social impact refers to the effect an organization's actions have on the well-being of communities, individuals, and the environment. It includes both intended and unintended consequences, and spans sectors such as health, education, livelihoods, gender equity, and environmental sustainability. In essence, social impact is about creating positive change — be it improving access to maternal healthcare, reducing child malnutrition, enabling quality ed...