Sustainability policy
In 2024, we continued to take significant steps towards compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This year, we did not introduce new material topics, as we have fully redesigned our materiality assessment process through our collaboration with the ESG platform Master Sustainability Today. Surveys tailored to each stakeholder group have been developed and distributed via this platform, with the process scheduled to be concluded by summer 2025. We will present the updated and potentially recalibrated material topics, in alignment with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), in our 2025 Annual Report.
Based on our previous materiality analysis using the ESRS topical standard as a guideline, combined with earlier entity-specific topics, we identified nine most material topics. These topics highlight specifically where HeadFirst Group can generate substantial impact. By distinguishing clearly between our own workforce, professionals in our value chain, and customers under the Social pillar, we are able to report more accurately on our overall value chain impact.
More detailed information about our materiality assessment methodology is available in the section 'About this report'. Our sustainability policy is structured around four strategic sustainability pillars, each highlighting our most significant material topics. Concurrently, we have assessed the financial impacts as part of the double materiality analysis mandated by CSRD, which provided deeper insights into key issues and allowed us to further refine our strategic focus according to specific CSRD requirements.
In the subsequent sections of this report, we detail the most material topics per strategic sustainability pillar, alongside a summary of our key actions in 2024 and planned activities for 2025. Additionally, we address other significant topics relevant to HeadFirst Group, even though they were not identified as most material in the current assessment.
Our sustainability statement
As a fast-growing HR tech solutions provider, we take our responsibility seriously for our impact on people, the environment, and society. We believe that future success will be measured not only by profitability, but also by the value we create and the positive impact we generate across the value chain.
To secure that future, we are taking action now. We aim to reduce our carbon footprint while maximising our social impact. Our ESG policy, built on four strategic pillars, is the foundation for preparing HeadFirst Group for long-term sustainable growth.
With our impact, we shape the changes towards the next world of work, that is increasingly tech-enabled, without bias and regardless of contract type. Together with our network of professionals, clients, and suppliers, we strive for one common goal: a transparent, balanced, and inclusive job market, where organisations and mission-critical talent are perfectly connected.
We accept this responsibility not only within our own organisation, but across our entire ecosystem. Our focus remains on generating positive impact in the areas of people, planet, and society — as also illustrated in our value creation model.
Leading in ESG: from ambition to action
We bring our sustainability ambition to life through our ESG policy, built on four strategic pillars and nine material topics. Clear processes are in place to monitor progress and drive results. Our goal is not just to comply, but to lead. As a frontrunner in the HR services industry, we believe we have a responsibility to take the lead on sustainability, and we act accordingly.
That ambition is reflected in our ESG strategy, where sustainability is a top organisational priority. In 2023, HeadFirst Group publicly committed to becoming B Corp certified — a globally recognised status for companies that meet high standards on social and environmental impact, accountability, and transparency. We are proud to have received this certification early 2025, demonstrating that we are truly walking the talk and integrating sustainability into everything we do.
In addition, we are proud to have earned a Gold rating from EcoVadis, one of the world’s most respected sustainability assessment platforms. This rating places us among the top-performing companies in our sector and is a testament to the quality and impact of our ESG efforts.
Our sustainability work is led by a dedicated ESG team, under the leadership of our Head of Sustainability & Certification, ensuring that ESG is not only a strategic priority but also embedded in daily operations across the organisation.
All new employees attend the Sustainability and Certifications workshop as part of their onboarding. In addition, we provide practical guidance via digital flyers on sustainable commuting and working from home. These materials raise awareness and encourage behavioural change aligned with our climate goals.
Over the past three years, HeadFirst Group has actively prepared for compliance with the CSRD. In 2024, we partnered with the ESG platform Master Sustainability Today to support the structured collection and validation of both qualitative and quantitative CSRD data points. This work is currently underway and will be completed in 2025. At this point, we expect to be largely compliant with CSRD requirements.
We closely follow ongoing developments, including recent changes under the Omnibus Directive. Despite timeline adjustments and transitional measures at the EU level, our ambition is to publish a report in 2025 (covering the financial year 2025) that is as aligned with CSRD and ESRS as possible while recognising that some gaps may remain.
We believe that reliable ESG data creates transparency, strengthens accountability, and provides a powerful foundation for continuous improvement. This commitment drives us to move forward — not just to meet expectations, but to set a new standard in our industry.
