I started as a Personal Assistant and am now an ESG Lead
Whilst working as a Personal Assistant, I learned a lot about Corporate Governance and Project Management. This led me to apply for a role within the Company Secretary Team as Reporting and Governance Officer. Through this experience I learned the importance of transparency, accountability and ethical decision-making in the boardroom - which are all essential components of effective governance. Building on this foundation and linking to my personal passion for the environment and social rights - I applied for the promotional opportunity to become the business's first ESG Lead. My new role empowers me to use my administrative and governance skills, in a way which makes our company a better place.
I lead the strategy and delivery of Environmental, Social, Governance
As the ESG Lead, I'm at the forefront of designing and delivering our company's ESG strategy and approach, as well as leading our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives. I also have the pleasure of facilitating our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where we have candid discussions about important matters such as disability, neurodiversity, LGBT+, ethnicity, race, socioeconomics, age, life stage, and religion in the workplace. In addition to this, I'm also the facilitator of our Climate and Sustainability Group, which is dedicated to reviewing our supply chain, products and services, facilities, and carbon emissions.
And that's not all - I also provide ESG reporting and dashboards, all while juggling over 25 different projects at once! Whilst this may sound like a lot, I absolutely love what I do. Being able to make a real impact in the world by helping to create a more sustainable and inclusive future is a truly rewarding experience. And let's be honest - who wouldn't want to work on projects that have such a positive impact on society, all while having fun doing it?
Changing the world for the better
Enivronmental Social Governance (ESG) is about is all about creating a better world for everyone. By integrating ESG considerations into business practices, we can promote ethical decision-making, reduce environmental impact, foster diversity and inclusion, and ultimately, create a more sustainable and equitable future. When companies prioritise ESG, they're not only benefiting their stakeholders, but also society as a whole. By reducing their carbon footprint and embracing sustainable practices, they're helping to mitigate the impact of climate change and protect our planet for generations to come. By fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, they're promoting equality and providing opportunities for everyone to succeed, regardless of their background. And by prioritising ethical decision-making and transparent governance, they're building trust with their stakeholders and contributing to a more stable and prosperous economy.
At the end of the day, ESG isn't just about checking boxes or meeting regulatory requirements - it's about creating positive change in the world. Whether you're an investor, a business leader, or simply someone who cares about the future of our planet, ESG is an essential part of building a better world for everyone.
Volunteer to do more than your job description
Volunteering in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Climate / Social Rights Groups can be an excellent way to get exposure to ESG and set yourself up for future career opportunities. Not only does it give you a chance to learn more about the issues at hand and the various approaches being taken to tackle them, but it also allows you to develop key skills such as leadership, project management, and communication - all of which are highly valued in the ESG space.
By getting involved in ERGs and social groups, you can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how it intersects with ESG. You can also learn about the various ways in which companies are approaching sustainability, social responsibility, and governance, and gain valuable insights into how these approaches impact business performance and reputation.
But perhaps most importantly, volunteering in ERGs and social groups is a great way to build connections and expand your network in the ESG space. By working alongside like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating a better world, you can forge relationships that may lead to future career opportunities or collaborations.
Placing in the top 5% for Inclusiveness in the Financial Sector
In our most recent colleague engagement survey, we scored in the top 5% of the Financial Sector for Inclusiveness. Despite this not being my personal achievement (it was very much down to our outstanding HR and Culture Teams) I am proud to be a part of the bigger picture and working for an organization that prioritises people.
