In a landscape where sustainability reporting is no longer optional, it’s easy to become preoccupied with job titles, Chief Sustainability Officer, ESG Analyst, Head of Impact. But as ESG regulation becomes more rigorous and stakeholder expectations rise, the question for UK organisations is shifting from who holds the title to how ESG is embedded across the business.

What ‘Good’ ESG Looks Like in Practice

Across the UK, high-performing organisations are approaching ESG not as a standalone function, but as a core, cross-functional capability. Here’s what we’re seeing:

• Integrated ESG responsibilities across departments like procurement, finance, legal, and HR—making sustainability everyone’s business.
• Sustainability reporting used not just for compliance, but as a tool for strategic communication and transparency.
• ESG roles that evolve, often intersecting with digital transformation, change management, and risk—reflecting the dynamic nature of ESG itself.

Key Considerations for UK Hiring Managers

As ESG expectations continue to shift, so too must hiring strategies. It’s not just about credentials—it’s about capability, mindset, and adaptability.

• Hire for influence: Look for professionals who can engage diverse internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Support cross-functional impact: Structure teams in a way that ESG professionals can lead change, not just monitor metrics.
• See ESG as value-creating: Treat ESG not as a cost centre but as a lever for long-term business resilience and competitiveness.

Why Structure Matters More Than Titles

A job title alone doesn’t deliver impact. Effective ESG outcomes come from well-aligned structures, collaborative cultures, and clear ownership across the business. The strongest ESG teams are those embedded into the core of operations, strategy, and governance—not isolated in one department.

Planning Your ESG Hiring Strategy for 2025?

Whether you’re scaling up ESG reporting, responding to CSRD or ISSB requirements, or building a responsible sourcing team—structure and role clarity are key.

At ESG REC, we work with UK-based companies to help design and recruit ESG teams that are built for impact.

Explore our insights, roles, and recruitment support at www.esgrec.com