Simplifying ESG

Every time I come to a new term or another sector’s buzz word, I need to simplify it for myself so I can understand it.

ESG is the same in my opinion. What was once CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), many people today, still ask what CSR is? So do we really want ESG to be the same? No! Not when it’s the only way to ensure a business/organisations future.

The other reason ESG needs to be simplified is because if we have any hope of businesses, organisations and the public understanding it, their role and the potential opportunity, then we need to make it simple and relevant.

There has been SO much change in the last two years and more change to come, so let’s be clear about what we’re hoping to achieve.

For me, I’d like to simplify ESG to be better understood, ESPECIALLY the opportunity for businesses and organisations.

Environmental

Social

Governance

These are three principles on which organisations are starting to act on and measure impact. They also meant that organisations are having to think more and be more strategic.

This is where my Synergy Framework comes in. It covers all the thinking, planning, aligning, developing actions and measurement. A one-stop framework to help businesses be more sustainable, protect their future and that of their staff, whilst building a legacy.

I see a lot of communication pros talking about ESG in weird ways. My view is that, as public relations and communication pros, we need to be advising on the best approach to engaging stakeholders, delivering what stakeholders need and want and from there, everything else flows. Please don’t forget your internal stakeholders too!

My business brain is sending lots of messages to my PR brain talking about all the opportunities within organisations to join up projects, to think more long-term and bring all departments together to collaborate. I’m pretty sure the FD (Finance Director) is key to opening up the purse for our strategy and plan, and I’m pretty sure HR (Human Resources) needs to get on board to ensure we’re resourcing accordingly. Likewise, the Head of Risk will be key to developing the risk register with us and Compliance will play its part in signing things off.

But governance is where I’m fascinated in BIG organisations. The way decisions are made, the consultations to get there, who was included, and the transparency of the process and outcomes. This is where things can get sticky and where public relations and communication professionals need to be able to question, challenge and offer alternatives, to ensure that reputation is upheld and relationships and trust are still real.

I consider my role as a consultant and advisor, to help make this whole process simple, clear, ethical and that practical plans are developed to help accelerate change and future-proof businesses, teams, communities and more.

Are you in? Drop me an email and we can chat further. I’m now taking clients on for Q3 and Q4. It might be the full blown framework we use and totally transform your business/organisation, or it may be a 1-2-1 relationship we have, where I help guide you to be the leader you need to be.