Sustainable Hiring

As ESG priorities increasingly shape business strategy, UK organisations are finding that hiring the right professionals is less about overall numbers and more about finding candidates with the right combination of skills. Understanding these challenges is essential for effective ESG recruitment.

1. Elusive Combination of Skills
While there are many ESG professionals in the market, finding individuals who combine ESG expertise with complementary skills—such as supply chain management, finance, regulatory knowledge, or technical sustainability skills—can be difficult.

2. Regulatory Complexity
ESG reporting standards and sustainability regulations are evolving rapidly. Employers need professionals who can navigate these requirements confidently and ensure compliance.

3. Greenwashing Risks
Ensuring ESG initiatives are genuine and measurable is crucial. Hiring someone without the right experience can result in superficial reporting and reputational issues.

4. Sector-Specific Skills
ESG priorities differ across industries. Finance, manufacturing, and the public sector all demand unique expertise, which can make recruitment more complex.

5. Retention and Career Development
ESG professionals increasingly expect clear progression paths and growth opportunities. Organisations must focus on engagement, skills development, and career planning to retain experienced candidates.

Overcoming ESG Recruitment Challenges
Addressing these challenges requires:

Broadening talent pipelines
Investing in professional development
Aligning ESG roles closely with organisational strategy

By taking these steps, UK companies can build teams capable of delivering meaningful sustainability outcomes, even in a market with a strong supply of ESG professionals.

Need Expert Support?
If you’re navigating ESG recruitment in the UK, professional guidance can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to attract candidates with multi-functional skills, develop clear career pathways, or align ESG roles with your broader strategy, we can help you build strong, capable teams that deliver lasting impact.
Contact us: info@esgrec.com

The UK ESG Talent Market shows strong recovery in August 2025. Employers face rising demand for professionals with skills in sustainable finance, regulatory compliance, and green technology to support organisational ESG and net-zero goals.

ESG Job Vacancies in the UK ESG Talent Market

The UK ESG Talent Market has seen a surge in hiring across finance, renewable energy, and public sector roles. ESG-related roles have grown from around 25,000 positions in 2018 to an estimated 75,000 roles in 2025¹ (Octane Accountants).

This rebound is particularly evident in mid-sized and large enterprises that are aligning business strategies with sustainability objectives. Companies investing in ESG frameworks are also more likely to offer competitive salaries and development opportunities, attracting top-tier talent.

In-Demand ESG Skills for Employers in the UK ESG Talent Market

Sustainable Finance Opportunities in the UK ESG Talent Market

Roles in ESG asset management, impact investing, and sustainability reporting are expanding rapidly² (Green Careers Hub). Employers are actively looking for professionals skilled in ESG data analysis, metrics evaluation, and reporting.

Regulatory Compliance Roles in the UK ESG Talent Market

Professionals who can navigate evolving ESG regulations and ensure organisational compliance are in high demand. This is particularly critical as regulatory frameworks continue to evolve across sectors.

Green Technology Roles in the UK ESG Talent Market

Expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure is essential³ (JD Supra). Employers are seeking candidates who can combine technical knowledge with project management experience to accelerate ESG initiatives.

Sectors Driving the UK ESG Talent Market

Finance and Accounting: Commercial and industrial employers are driving a 17% surge in accountancy hiring⁴ (Morgan McKinley).
Renewable Energy: The UK’s commitment to clean energy is projected to create between 135,000 and 725,000 new jobs⁵.
Public Sector and Urban Planning: Government net-zero initiatives are generating roles in sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure, and climate policy⁶.

Recruitment Challenges and Strategies for Employers

While ESG hiring is accelerating, broader recruitment challenges remain, including skill shortages and economic uncertainty⁷ (KPMG UK Jobs Report).

Strategies for Employers:

Upskill Existing Teams: Invest in ESG training and compliance courses.
Expand Recruitment Channels: Leverage ESG-focused job boards, networking events, and professional associations.
Offer Competitive Benefits: Highlight career development, flexible work, and ESG-aligned missions.
Collaborate with Educational Institutions: Develop pipelines of qualified ESG professionals.

Looking Ahead in the UK ESG Talent Market

The ESG talent market is expected to maintain upward momentum throughout 2025. Employers targeting professionals with a combination of technical skills, regulatory knowledge, and cross-functional experience will gain a competitive edge. Aligning recruitment strategies with organisational ESG objectives ensures businesses can accelerate sustainability initiatives while remaining competitive.

Supporting Talent Development

Employers can play a role in building the ESG workforce by encouraging continuous learning, mentorship, and practical projects³⁵⁶.

Explore ESG REC services to support talent acquisition and workforce development.
For further insights or guidance on navigating the UK ESG job market, contact us at info@esgrec.com.

Five Key ESG Recruitment Challenges in the UK