Social Licence To Operate

At Reagan Blankfein Gates Legal Practitioners (RBGLP), we empower our clients to achieve commercially successful and socially beneficial outcomes by securing the social licence to operate. This critical concept integrates social considerations into legal frameworks, enabling businesses to align their objectives with the interests of communities, stakeholders, and society at large.

Mission Statement

We are committed to supporting our clients in fostering sustainable development by helping them secure and maintain the social licence to operate. This approach ensures that our clients achieve their commercial goals in a manner that is both inclusive and sustainable.

The Issue

The social licence to operate extends beyond regulatory compliance. It is a product of meaningful engagement between a business enterprise and its stakeholders, including local communities, governments, and the broader society. This dynamic relationship builds recognition that the enterprise contributes mutual benefits, fostering acceptance and, in many cases, active support for its goals.

The concept is deeply intertwined with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and fostering innovation. Specifically, SDG Target 9.2 calls for inclusive and sustainable industrialisation to significantly increase industry’s share of employment and GDP in line with national contexts, particularly in least developed countries.

By securing the social licence to operate, businesses can:

• Build trust with stakeholders.
• Advance sustainable industrialisation efforts that benefit both business and society.
• Minimise risks of conflict, delays, or challenges to projects.

What We Do

At RBGLP, we understand that a legal licence is foundational, but it is the social licence to operate that truly enables seamless and sustainable business operations.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

We assist clients in obtaining the necessary licences, permits, concessions, and agreements that provide the legal right to operate.

Securing the Social Licence

Our support goes beyond regulatory requirements to help clients:

• Engage meaningfully with communities and stakeholders.
• Build mutual trust and ensure that projects are perceived as socially beneficial.
• Address community concerns proactively to foster long-term partnerships.

Stakeholder Engagement Strategies

We work closely with clients to develop robust frameworks for stakeholder engagement. Our services include:

• Assessing policies and regulations to identify consultation and engagement opportunities.
• Crafting frameworks that exceed regulatory requirements to foster deeper connections with stakeholders.
• Facilitating dialogue between clients and communities to align objectives and address concerns.

Project Development and Finance

We assist in integrating stakeholder engagement into project planning and execution, ensuring that:

• Transparency and accountability remain central to business operations.
• Community concerns are incorporated into project designs and implementation.
• Legal agreements and instruments are developed to manage risk while promoting trust and collaboration.

Customised Frameworks

Our expertise allows us to create bespoke frameworks and agreements that:

• Facilitate transparent communication.
• Ensure alignment with community goals.
• Protect our clients’ legal and commercial interests while fostering goodwill.

Our Impact

Representative Achievements

• Conflict Mitigation: Assisted multinational clients in resolving potential community conflicts through proactive stakeholder engagement frameworks.
• Inclusive Development: Supported project developers in securing both legal and social licences for energy and infrastructure projects in Zambia and across the region.
• Sustainable Industrialisation: Worked with clients to align their operations with UN SDG 9, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability in project design and implementation.

Building Sustainable Success Together

Securing the social licence to operate is a continuous process requiring commitment, transparency, and collaboration. At RBGLP, we partner with clients to create lasting value not only for their businesses but also for the communities they serve.

Let us help you achieve commercial success while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future.