Achieving a company’s sustainability targets – whether science-based net zero targets, living wage accreditation, or wider environmental and societal aims – cannot be accomplished by one person or even one team. Sustainability is complex and requires consideration of a multitude of factors across the business, supply chain, and whole economy. Sustainability professionals are increasingly struggling to keep up with all the demands that the role requires, including emissions reductions, compliance and reporting, stakeholder engagement, innovation, and much more. However, sustainability within many companies currently operates within a silo without active engagement from other relevant functional areas in the business.

For sustainability to be truly integrated across the business, all core functions must be involved in helping the company achieve its sustainability objectives. This means that, at the very least, those working in key functions should have a fundamental understanding of sustainability and how their role impacts and contributes to company goals. This may include considerations around the Sustainable Development Goals, net zero and decarbonisation, diversity & inclusion, nature and biodiversity, resource use, just transition, human rights, anti-corruption, sustainable supply chains, and more.

This event series will enable those working in core business functions to contribute to their organisation’s sustainability goals in their day-to-day jobs. With a focus on peer-learning, the fifth sesssion will explore how humsn resources (HR) impacts sustainability, what corporate HR teams should know to support the integration of sustainability throughout the business, and what the sustainability and HR functions can do to work together towards sustainability goals. 

Key themes the event will cover include:

• Talent acquisition, retention, and performance management
• Training & skills
• Employee engagement & culture
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
• Fair labour, compensation, and benefits
• Community impact & social value
• Wellbeing, health, and safety
• Data, reporting, and metrics
• Sustainable leadership & long-term planning

Sustainability professionals are requested to invite a colleague from the HR function and attend alongside them to facilitate discussions on the day. For this reason, each attendee must register 2 participants. This event is especially useful for those who are new to ESG, companies who have not yet established cross-functional processes, or for colleagues who have not worked cross-functionally before. Please note this event is open to UN Global Compact Network UK members only and registration is subject to approval.

This event series is generously supported by our members Clyde & Co.