ESG in Action

Putting ESG into practice through real conversations

ESG in Action is our podcast series exploring how values-driven leadership, sustainable thinking, and inclusive culture are shaping the business landscape.

Hosted by Alexandra Holsgrove Jones, Knowledge Partner and TLT’s ESG lead, each episode features a conversation with leaders who are driving ESG progress in their organisations, from charities to household brands.

Together, they discuss the actions that are already making a difference, what motivates them, and why this work matters. These are practical, honest conversations designed to offer fresh perspectives and inspiration for anyone looking to make ESG part of their everyday decision-making.

Listen to the latest episode

Inside the Government Legal Department's social mobility agenda

In this episode, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Richard Cornish, Director General and Chief Operating Officer at the Government Legal Department (GLD). GLD is made up of around 3000 lawyers and provides legal advice to the UK government on the development, design, and implementation of government policies and decisions.

Alex and Richard discuss the structural barriers that stop many young people from considering careers in the legal sector. They discuss how GLD’s initiatives – ranging from school engagement and university partnerships to paid sandwich placements and internships with the Sutton Trust – help to break down these barriers by offering students meaningful insight into legal work in the public sector.

Catch up with Season 1

For our inaugural season, we're joined by guests from financial institutions, social mobility charities, leaders in the hospitality sector, and more. Catch up with the other episodes and meet our guests:

Climate resilience in real terms: Breaking sustainability silos with Santander

What should you be doing to ensure your business is fit for the future? And what’s being overcomplicated in the journey to sustainability?

In this episode, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Wendy Whewell, Head of Sustainable Solutions and Finance in Corporate and Commercial Banking at Santander.

Hospitality and sustainability working together for future successes

How does sustainability lead to more engaged teams? And how do you navigate that among the pressures of everyday decision-making?

Alex is joined by Charlie Fisher and Sarah Waddington from Greene King, one of the UK's leading pub retailers and brewers, exploring how sustainability is being woven into the fabric of everyday decision-making across 2,700 pubs, restaurants and hotels.

Beyond returns: Inside the world of responsible investment

What’s the future of responsible investment in a landscape of ESG pushback and greenhushing? How can your ‘ABCs’ help make responsible investment decisions?

Alex is in conversation with Jaid Longmore, Responsible Investment Manager at Hymans Robertson, to discuss integrating ESG into financial decision-making, effective stewardship, and B Corp status.

Trailblazing with Ablaze: Helping young people succeed

How can you change a young person's attitude to education? And how can we create opportunities for young people in our communities?

Alex is joined by Gilly Samuddin, CEO of Ablaze. Ablaze is an independent charity that mobilises business volunteers to provide the support, insight and guidance to help young people thrive.

Power from the panels: Profit with Purpose with Eden Sustainable

Why is perceived complexity the biggest hurdle to the green energy transition? And how do you drive transparency in the solar panel supply chain?

We're joined by Justin Leger, Co-Managing Director of Eden Sustainable, one of the UK's leading developers of commercial and industrial solar energy solutions.

Top-down and bottom-up momentum: The next chapter of social mobility with SMBP

How do you build confidence in the next generation? And how can businesses increase social mobility in their local communities?

We're joined by Jess Clarkson, Managing Director at Social Mobility Business Partnership (SMBP), a charity helping young people from low-income backgrounds to access meaningful career pathways.

Balancing the basket with the British Retail Consortium

Why does the traditional retail model need to change? And why does the language of sustainability matter?

Alex chats to Sophie De Salis, Sustainability Policy Advisor at the British Retail Consortium, about the sustainability landscape of the retail industry.

Banking on biodiversity with Nationwide Building Society

How has Nationwide Building Society embedded sustainability across its operations - and what has an otter in the Nationwide House lake got to do with it?

‍Alex is joined by Amy Thomson, Head of Sustainability, and Andrew Martin, Facilities Consultant, at Nationwide.