Shape the Future of Supply Chain Due Diligence with Catena-X

What is the purpose of the Expert Group “Due Diligence Governance”?

The automotive industry faces growing regulatory demands to ensure responsible business practices, human rights protection, and environmental sustainability across global supply chains.
To strengthen these efforts, Catena-X has established the Due Diligence Governance (DDG) Expert Group under the Sustainability Committee.

This group serves as a long-term governance body dedicated to developing standards, guidance, and tools that help companies — especially SMEs — meet their due diligence obligations in line with key regulations such as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

What are the goals of the Expert Group “Due Diligence Governance”?

The DDG Expert Group focuses on three main work areas — Human Rights, Grievance, and EUDR — with cross-group coordination ensured by the Sustainability Committee.

Human Rights

• Finalize the Human Rights Guidance Book as a practical reference for companies.

• Monitor regulatory developments to adapt guidance and maintain alignment with evolving laws.

• Map Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs) against key legislations to streamline compliance.

• Identify relevant human rights certificates, audits, and questionnaires to support consistent due diligence practices.

Grievance (former ESS)

• Further develop and update the ESS Kit, ESS Standard, ESS Code of Conduct, and Practical Guide.

• Define roles and responsibilities for a grievance clearing agency within the Catena-X ecosystem.

• Conduct a pilot to test and validate the grievance process before formal release.

EUDR

• Develop a standardized data exchange format for uploading Due Diligence System (DDS) certificates or waivers to different platforms.

• Define requirements and data parameters using semantic models, JSON schema, and APIs.

• Ensure interoperability by testing data flows and integration across connected systems.

Beyond these core areas, the expert group collaborates with key industry associations such as VDA, CLEPA, ACEA, and PFA, as well as academia and ESG experts, to ensure alignment and maximize the overall impact across the automotive value chain.

Why should you participate?

• Contribute directly to shaping the industry’s approach to sustainability, compliance, and responsible governance.

• Collaborate with leading experts and organizations to develop Catena-X standards that drive transparency and accountability.

• Influence cross-industry interoperability for due diligence data and processes.

• Strengthen your organization’s expertise and role in advancing ESG practices within the automotive sector.

• Help define practical, scalable, and regulatory-compliant solutions for human rights, environmental, and governance challenges.

Who should apply?

We are seeking experienced professionals with:

• Expertise in ESG-related regulations (LkSG, CSDDD, ESRS, UFLPA, EUDR).

• Experience in committee governance or expert group collaboration.

• Strategic and collaborative mindset with the ability to align multiple stakeholders.

• Availability of approximately 4 hours per week for participation in meetings and analyses.

• Commitment to active engagement, including regular online sessions and contribution to working documents.

Further information and detailed requirements can be found in the profile of the Expert Group “Due Diligence Governance”.

How to apply?

All registered Catena-X members have received an email on 21 October 2025 regarding this call for applications, including a link to the application form.

If you are a member of the Association and did not receive this email, please contact your organization’s primary contact person. If you cannot reach them, please write to info@catena-x.net.

Please submit your application (one candidate per company) by 7 November 2025, 5:00 p.m. CET.

We look forward to your application!