Information Agency: Ombudsman Prof. Marcin Wiązek Convinces: the social work of the business begins not with the ESG reports, but with the Polish Constitution. During the 3rd Congress, the ESC talks about the function of law, the mentality of entrepreneurs, stereotypes that exclude full social groups, and why reporting must be based on real actions alternatively than declarations.
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Constitution as a foundation for the work of entrepreneurs
What are the main legal instruments that regulate social work for entrepreneurs?
Prof. Marcin Wiączek: The fundamental legal instrument that regulates all spheres of social life is the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. I believe that this is the main paper that should be utilized by all – including entrepreneurs, due to the fact that many of the standards contained in the Constitution are addressed to them.
What we are talking about present at the congress, namely ESG reporting obligations, are secondary issues. They are intended to guarantee respect for the freedom, rights and dignity of all human being, including in the business sphere. This is the main guideline for all entities in the country – including entrepreneurs.
From “soft right” to real verification
How long can 1 talk about the awareness of specified instruments in Polish law?
Prof. Marcin Wiączek: This has always been discussed in national, European and global disputes. There are many alleged soft law papers that indicate how entrepreneurs should implement standards for the protection of freedom and human rights.
Today, however, this issue is entering a fresh level. From next year, very formal reporting obligations will emerge. And reporting must mention to reality – to what actually happened.
Therefore, a real, effective instrument for verifying entrepreneurs is being created in terms of whether their activities are based on respect for human rights and how this respect is implemented. Moreover, it is increasingly said that the level of implementation of the ESG will become 1 of the key elements of the image of the entrepreneur – besides in economical trade.
In this I see a large chance for a revolution – both intellectual and legal – in the name of the protection of freedom and human rights.
The voice of the excluded goes to the Ombudsman
Is the Ombudsman taking concrete action in the area of corporate social responsibility?
Prof. Marcin Wiączek: They compose tens of thousands of people all year to the Ombudsman. Many of these complaints concern business, business and employers.
We are being written by people who are excluded, who request support and equal opportunities – including in the labour market. These include people with disabilities, aged people, foreigners, refugees, women, people who come out of a homelessness crisis, intellectual crises, and those who leave criminal establishments and educational centres.
It is my work to strengthen the voice of these people and fight stereotypes. due to the fact that most frequently the problem is not the law itself, but the mentality itself. Stereotypes – that a individual with disabilities is simply a worse worker, that an aged individual is little efficient, that a foreigner or a female is simply a ‘risk’. You gotta fight it due to the fact that it happens in your head.
Interventions that change practice
What concrete effects do the Ombudsman have?
Prof. Marcin Wiączek: Very often, the Ombudsman joins court proceedings, complains to administrations and courts. And these complaints are frequently taken into account.
The courts see the possible of protecting individual rights, due to the fact that unfortunately we are inactive dealing with the heartlessness or arbitraryness of the state's action. The main function of the Ombudsman concerns the relation between the citizen and the state, but I always support human rights initiatives in business too.
I get signals that entrepreneurs are increasingly seeing these problems. There is simply quite a few talk about them – and I am very happy about it.
Prof. Marcin Wiązek: The law should encourage and not deter
Does the Polish legal strategy request fresh solutions to encourage entrepreneurs to have greater social responsibility?
Prof. Marcin Wiączek: Definitely. Entrepreneurs request to be encouraged and removed legal barriers that discourage the employment or support of those in request of circumstantial support.
This is simply a substance of state policy – tax, insurance, economic. The law should be designed to motivate liable actions alternatively than make further obstacles. There is inactive a lot to do in this area.
Europe, ESG and Polish entrepreneurs
How do you measure the level of awareness of Polish entrepreneurs against the background of Europe?
Prof. Marcin Wiączek: Law and consciousness are 2 different planes. The law may be perfect, but problems frequently lie in mentality.
However, I believe that Polish entrepreneurs find themselves very well in the European environment of the ESG. This direction is correct. However, there are inactive harmful stereotypes and their elimination requires time, conversation and education.
The law isn't enough. You gotta work with people. But everything is going in the right direction – that is my observations as the Ombudsman.
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AI Interviews Source: Subcast Socially liable XBW Foundation / photograph by Prof. Marcin Wiązek – origin – X RPO ♪ Oh, yeah ♪ 23 December 2025
