Nature-Positive Investments Fuel Business Success and UK GDP Resilience

A new report from the Green Finance Institute and WWF reveals how nature-positive transition pathways (NPPs) are not only driving environmental improvements but also delivering measurable commercial gains.

• First Milk, a UK dairy cooperative, recorded a 38% sales uplift in 2023 after embedding regenerative farming practices, alongside reductions in water (5.5%) and energy (6%) usage.
• Wates Group and Velcourt have also embraced NPPs, resulting in enhanced biodiversity, stronger supply chains, and long-term resilience.

The report highlights a critical warning: inaction on nature could cost the UK economy nearly 5% of GDP. However, businesses actively integrating nature-positive strategies are demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

The People’s Pension Reallocates £28 Billion Toward Responsible Investing

In a decisive move, The People’s Pension, one of the UK’s largest workplace pension schemes, has withdrawn £28bn from State Street Global Advisors due to concerns over weakening ESG commitments.

The capital has been redeployed to:

• Amundi for equities
• Invesco for fixed income

Both managers carry explicit responsible investment mandates, ensuring members’ capital is aligned with stronger sustainability principles. This move represents one of the largest ESG-driven reallocations in UK pension history and sends a powerful signal to asset managers on the importance of ESG stewardship.²

St James’s Place Awards £5.2 Billion ESG Mandate to Schroders

Wealth management firm St James’s Place (SJP) has awarded a £5.2bn sustainability mandate to Schroders, underscoring growing demand for asset managers with robust ESG credentials.

Schroders will now manage the SJP Sustainable & Responsible Equity Fund, applying a clearer sustainability lens in line with FCA ESG guidelines. This bold shift illustrates how leading financial institutions are strengthening commitments to long-term responsible investment strategies.³

Why These Wins Matter for ESG Talent

These developments highlight a crucial point: as businesses and investors accelerate ESG integration, the demand for skilled sustainability professionals continues to grow. From carbon accountants to sustainable finance specialists and ESG analysts, organisations need the right talent to deliver on ambitious ESG mandates.

At ESG REC, we specialise in connecting forward-thinking companies with the top ESG and sustainability talent they need to succeed. Whether you’re building a team for nature-positive transition, responsible investment oversight, or sustainable operations, we can help.

 Get in touch at info@esgrec.com to discuss how we can support your ESG recruitment needs.

Footnotes and References: 

1. The Guardian – Nature-positive investments driving UK business growth ↩
2. Financial Times – The People’s Pension reallocates £28bn to responsible investing ↩
3. FN London – St James’s Place awards £5.2bn ESG mandate to Schroders ↩

Behind every successful sustainability initiative is a team of skilled professionals. From carbon accountants and renewable energy specialists to ESG analysts and impact consultants, these individuals are driving change across the UK economy. But identifying and securing this expertise can be complex, which is why organisations are increasingly turning to a Sustainability Recruitment Agency connecting top green talent. 

n recent years, ESG recruitment UK has emerged as a defining trend in the job market. With sustainability issues moving from the margins to the mainstream, businesses now require professionals who can integrate environmental, social, and governance considerations into decision-making. 

This shift is not limited to traditional sustainability roles. Skills in ESG reporting, climate risk analysis, sustainable finance, and stakeholder engagement are increasingly being embedded into business functions across industries. The demand for these skills far outpaces supply, making it essential for organisations to plan recruitment strategies carefully. 

A trusted Sustainability and ESG Recruitment Agency in UK is well placed to guide employers through this challenge. These agencies understand sector developments, track candidate pipelines, and connect businesses to the professionals who will shape the transition to a low-carbon economy. 

By working with a Sustainability Recruitment Agency connecting top green talent, organisations gain access to specialised networks and insights into the evolving green jobs landscape. This support allows businesses to move quickly, securing talent before competitors do. 

As part of Professional ESG services, recruitment plays a central role in enabling businesses to deliver on sustainability commitments. If your organisation would like tailored support, please contact us at info@esgrec.com. 

The UK has set ambitious climate goals, including a legally binding net zero target by 2050. Delivering on these commitments requires not just technology and policy, but also people with the right expertise. That is why Sustainability Recruitment UK has become such a pivotal area of focus for organisations of every size. 

The growing demand for sustainability expertise has created opportunities across sectors – from renewable energy and construction to finance, retail, and professional services. Employers are recognising that hiring individuals with ESG knowledge is essential for long-term competitiveness. 

A Sustainability and ESG Recruitment Agency in UK plays an important role in this shift. These agencies identify, engage, and connect businesses with professionals who understand both the technical aspects of ESG and the broader impact on corporate strategy. 

As a Sustainability Recruitment Agency connecting top green talent, the work goes beyond matching CVs to job descriptions. It’s about building partnerships with employers, advising them on skills in demand, and helping to create inclusive pathways for diverse candidates to enter the ESG workforce. 

For companies looking to strengthen their ESG strategies and secure top talent, Professional ESG services in recruitment are a valuable resource. If your organisation is considering expanding its sustainability team, you can reach us at info@esgrec.com. 

Across the UK, businesses are under increasing pressure to demonstrate meaningful progress in sustainability, climate action, and corporate responsibility. With new regulations, heightened investor expectations, and growing public demand for transparency, the need for Professional ESG services has   never been greater. 

These services help organisations build clear strategies, measure environmental and social impact, and align governance structures with long-term goals. Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, improving workforce diversity, or ensuring compliance with reporting standards, ESG-focused expertise is becoming a cornerstone of business resilience. 

For many employers, working with a Sustainability and ESG Recruitment Agency in UK provides access to the talent required to put these strategies into action. Specialist professionals with technical expertise in sustainability reporting, supply chain management, or green finance are highly sought after. Recruitment agencies that focus on ESG ensure organisations connect with individuals who can deliver on these critical priorities. 

In practice, the role of a Sustainability Recruitment Agency connecting top green talent extends beyond filling vacancies. It involves understanding sector trends, building networks of sustainability professionals, and advising companies on emerging skill sets that will be needed in the years ahead. 

With competition for skills intensifying, organisations that act early will be best placed to lead. If your organisation would like support, you can reach us at info@esgrec.com. 

As ESG continues to shape business priorities across the UK, hiring the right professionals is essential. From recruiting an ESG manager to embedding sustainability into broader HR practices, organisations are seeking leaders who can deliver measurable impact. 

The Role of an ESG Manager 
A successful ESG manager combines technical expertise with strategic insight. Key skills include: 

• Understanding ESG reporting frameworks 

• Assessing environmental and social impact 

• Translating insights into actionable strategies 

Equally important are communication and stakeholder engagement, alongside adaptability, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. Skills can vary by sector: 

• Finance: sustainable investment and risk management 

• Manufacturing: carbon reduction and supply chain sustainability 

• Public sector: policy alignment and regulatory compliance 

Embedding ESG into Recruitment 
Beyond individual hires, UK organisations are increasingly integrating ESG into recruitment practices. A clear ESG hiring strategy ensures sustainability is considered at every stage, from job descriptions and candidate assessment to onboarding and performance evaluation. 

This approach helps: 

• Attract candidates who share the organisation’s values 

• Enhance diversity and inclusion 

• Strengthen employer reputation 

• Align with investor and regulatory expectations 

Driving Impact Through ESG Recruitment 
By focusing on the right ESG professionals and sustainable recruitment practices, organisations can make meaningful progress on sustainability goals while building resilient, value-driven teams. 

For guidance on ESG manager recruitment in the UK or designing a sustainable hiring approach, you can contact us at info@esgrec.com. 

As ESG priorities become central to corporate strategy, appointing a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) in the UK is a strategic step. Companies looking to embed sustainability across their operations need a CSO who combines vision with practical expertise and the ability to navigate multiple functional areas. 

The CSO’s Role 
A CSO’s responsibilities go beyond compliance. Key areas include: 

• Setting meaningful sustainability targets 

• Navigating regulatory requirements 

• Ensuring robust ESG reporting aligned with UK frameworks 

A strong CSO also leads initiatives that create real impact: 

• Engaging stakeholders effectively 

• Enhancing corporate reputation 

• Delivering measurable ESG outcomes 

Attracting the Right Candidates 
While there is a strong pool of ESG professionals in the UK, finding a CSO with the right combination of strategic, operational, and sector-specific skills can be challenging. Organisations can stand out by: 

• Clearly defining the role and expectations 

• Demonstrating full executive support 

• Providing opportunities to shape long-term sustainability strategy 

These steps help attract candidates who can make a genuine, multi-dimensional impact. 

What to Look For 
When recruiting for ESG leadership roles, prioritise candidates who have: 

• Strategic foresight 

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills 

• Practical experience with ESG metrics and reporting 

• Experience integrating ESG across multiple functions (e.g., supply chain, finance, operations) 

The right CSO can help your organisation move beyond compliance to drive sustainable growth and innovation across the business. 

Need Guidance? 
Navigating the UK market for a CSO can be complex. If you’re considering an appointment and would like professional advice, we’re here to help. 

Contact us: info@esgrec.com 

As ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) continues to shape business strategy, regulation, and reputation, demand for skilled professionals in this space is growing rapidly across the UK.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career switcher, or an experienced professional looking to transition, this beginner’s guide will help you understand the fundamentals of ESG and how to position yourself for a career in sustainability and responsible business.

Scroll through the slides below to explore key ESG concepts, job types, essential skills, and practical steps to start your journey.

For ESG jobs and career advice, visit www.esgrec.com

ESG Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Your ESG Career

Learn what ESG means and how to begin a career in this fast-growing, high-impact sector.

What Is ESG?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance—three pillars that help organisations measure non-financial performance.

• Environmental: Climate impact, energy efficiency, waste and resource use
• Social: Diversity and inclusion, employee wellbeing, supply chain ethics
• Governance: Board accountability, transparency, ethical business practices

These factors are increasingly used by UK employers, investors and regulators to assess long-term risk and value.

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Why ESG Careers Matter in 2025

Sustainability careers are becoming mainstream as companies face greater scrutiny and new reporting obligations.

• Global frameworks like ISSB and CSRD are setting new expectations for ESG disclosure.
• Employers across industries—from finance and tech to retail and manufacturing—are seeking professionals with ESG awareness.
• A career in ESG offers purpose, long-term relevance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact.

Explore ESG job opportunities and insights at www.esgrec.com

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What Types of ESG Jobs Are Available?

The ESG job market is diverse and growing. Roles span across departments—not just sustainability teams:

• ESG Reporting Analyst
• Climate Risk Consultant
• Responsible Sourcing or Supply Chain Manager
• Net Zero or Climate Strategy Advisor
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Lead
• ESG Communications or Investor Relations Specialist

Search live ESG vacancies in the UK at www.esgrec.com

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Skills Needed for a Career in ESG

You don’t need to be a scientist to thrive in ESG. Many roles value:

• Stakeholder engagement and communication
• Understanding of ESG regulation and reporting standards
• Data interpretation and sustainability metrics
• Project management and change leadership
• A purpose-driven and impact-focused approach

Looking to pivot into ESG? Let ESG REC help you translate your existing skills.

How to Start Your ESG Career

• Complete short courses or certificates (e.g., GRI, ISSB, CSRD, ESG investing)
• Follow ESG news, regulatory updates, and thought leaders
• Volunteer or support ESG initiatives in your current role
• Join ESG-focused LinkedIn groups and UK-based networks
• Update your CV to reflect sustainability knowledge and transferable skills

Visit www.esgrec.com for ESG learning resources and job listings.

Where to Find ESG Jobs in the UK

• Use ESG-related keywords on job boards (e.g. “sustainability analyst”, “climate risk”, “responsible business”)
• Register with specialist ESG recruitment firms
• Attend industry webinars, sustainability careers fairs, and professional events
• Bookmark www.esgrec.com — your hub for ESG jobs and talent advice

Final Tip

ESG is not just a trend—it’s the future of work.
Employers are seeking professionals who understand sustainability, ethical business, and regulatory expectations—even if they’ve never held an ESG-specific role.

Start by building knowledge, connecting with purpose, and developing the right mindset.

Ready to explore? Browse ESG roles and resources at www.esgrec.com

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