Exercises > Exercise: Turn missing topics into actionable requirements

Start by selecting one key topic (e.g., human rights, environmental requirements, climate clauses, or traceability) that is missing or unclear in your contract stack. The aim of this exercise is to make it explicit and ensure it can guide action.

Step 1: Make it explicit

Define what is currently missing:

• What is the expectation or requirement?
• What topic, risk or issue does it address?
• Is it currently implicit, informal, or handled elsewhere?

Step 2: Translate into a clear requirement

Formulate it as a clear contractual requirement:

• What needs to be done?
• By whom?
• Under what conditions?

Step 3: Place it where it works in practice

Decide where this requirement should be embedded:

• Product level (specifications, materials, traceability)
• Operations and process level (how work is carried out)
• Supply chain level (requirements for suppliers)

Step 4: Make it actionable

Ensure that the requirement can guide action:

• Is it clear and understandable?
• Are responsibilities defined?
• Can it be monitored or verified?