This report presents the findings of the study by the Overseas Development Institute which seeks to aid upstream and integrated oil and gas companies in meeting the social performance standards and good practice guidance issued by international financing institutions (IFIs). The report focuses on issues relating to soliciting international project finance of multi-national companies by looking at the reasons behind approaching IFIs and the social risks of doing so. It analyses social performances in terms of companies’ practices, standards and guidance. Furthermore, this report discusses the performance requirements and IFIs and presents a ‘road map’ for meeting the social performance standards of IFIs, particularly by the World Bank Group and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This road map is the result of work commissioned by Shell International. It focuses on the social and political implications of trying to meet the social performance standards. It helps the reader understand why multi-national oil and gas companies are involved in negotiations over project finances with IFIs and explores the nature of these social performance standards in detail.