At Sustainable Trading, we are dedicated to helping our members implement practical, positive changes within the operations of their trading businesses.
In support of this commitment, we are excited to launch the Member Progress Framework. Aligned to the unique operational needs of the trading industry, it provides members with an effective way to engage with sustainable practices, make meaningful progress and earn recognition.
How did we develop the Member Progress Framework?
Over the past year, many of our members expressed a need for a clear and actionable way to track and communicate their sustainability progress. In response, we worked closely with a dedicated group to create a simple, yet effective roadmap for member firms.
We recognise that sustainability in the trading industry requires a tailored approach—one that reflects where our industry stands today. It needs to address the unique characteristics of trading while complementing broader, large-scale corporate initiatives.
We also understand that every organisation is at a different stage on its sustainability journey. That’s why the framework needs to provide an accessible starting point for everyone, offering clear steps to advance at a pace that aligns with their priorities and resources. Whether just starting or well on the way, members can make continuous improvements and reach higher levels of sustainability over time.
The result is the Member Progress Framework—a structured yet flexible, step-by-step pathway for trading organisations to embed sustainability into their operations.
How does it work?
The Member Progress Framework features five incremental levels—Participating, Contributing, Adopting, Integrating and Delivering—each level building on the previous one. It allows members to evaluate where they are today and then advance through the levels.
At the heart of the framework are three core pillars, with specific goals at each level:
- Work programme participation: Active engagement in our work programme including attendance in, contribution to and the leading of working group meetings.
- Best practices implementation: Incorporate practical change within the trading business and measure progress on implementation of this change.
- Engagement on sustainability: Advocate for change by socialising sustainability internally within the member organisation and externally across the trading industry.
As members complete each level, they are awarded a digital badge that can be shared with stakeholders, clients and industry peers. This recognition helps members to reinforce their commitment to sustainability and build credibility within the industry.
By the time a member reaches the highest level, sustainable practices will be fully embedded into its trading operations, creating measurable and lasting impact.
Driving industry wide change
As member firms move through the levels, they not only drive change within their own organisations but help raise sustainability standards across the entire trading industry. As more trading businesses adopt and advance through the framework, we raise the bar for sustainability, fostering long-term, holistic change.
Our ultimate goal is to set a precedent for making sustainability a core aspect of the trading industry and creating lasting benefits for individual trading businesses, the wider industry and the environment.
Contact our team to start your journey today
If your trading organisation is ready to take the next step in its sustainability journey, now is the perfect time to get involved. The framework offers the structure, guidance and recognition needed to make meaningful progress—helping move toward a more sustainable future.
Get in contact or check out the FAQs to learn more.