We're concerned about our legal exposure to new human rights legislation — should we be speaking to lawyers or joining ETI?

Both have a role to play, but they answer different questions. Legal counsel can tell you what the law requires and map your current exposure — that's valuable, and for some companies it's a necessary first step. 

But legislation like the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and strengthened Modern Slavery Act requirements don't just ask companies to document a policy. They require companies to demonstrate ongoing, meaningful action to identify and address human rights risks across their supply chains.

That's where ETI membership becomes essential. A legal opinion is a snapshot. ETI gives you the programmes, peer learning, supplier engagement tools, and documented track record of improvement that regulators, investors and civil society actually want to see — and that no legal firm can provide on your behalf.

Put simply: legal counsel maps the road. ETI gives you the vehicle to travel it.

See also: What does human rights due diligence legislation mean for my company?