Building Your Sustainability Dream Team: What Top Companies Know

E186: Show Notes

Title: Exploring Careers in Sustainability In this episode, hosts Will Richardson and Charlie Luxton explore the booming landscape of sustainability careers, a sector that has witnessed huge growth in the UK job market. With sustainability-focused roles accounting for 1/3 of UK job postings, the industry has become a focal point for professionals looking to make positive environmental impact. To delve into this topic, we are joined by Serrol Osman, Director of Verdant Search, a renowned firm specialising in Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and sustainability recruitment. Together, they unpack the evolving dynamics of the industry and provide invaluable insights, advice, and strategies for individuals looking to transition into sustainability careers.

1. Market Dynamics and Industry Disruption:

· Serrol reflects on the rapid growth of sustainability careers up to 2022, noting a slowdown due to global economic factors.

· The discussion covers shifts in salary structures, challenges in accommodating rising costs, and talent shortages at mid-level positions.

· Despite uncertainties, Serrol predicts continued growth driven by regulatory changes and corporate sustainability initiatives.

2. Confusion and Evolution in Job Descriptions:

· The podcast addresses confusion in job descriptions amidst the fast-paced evolution of sustainability roles.

· Serrol discusses challenges in finding the right talent, inconsistent salaries, and the need for clear job definitions to streamline recruitment processes.

3. Demand for Purpose-Led Companies:

· Both hosts emphasise candidates' desire to work for purpose-driven companies.

· Serrol underscores the importance of aligning company values with employee aspirations for enhanced retention and growth.

4. Evolution of Recruitment Profiles:

· Serrol predicts that, like digital transformation, specialised sustainability roles will be integrated into traditional business operations.

· The discussion highlights the role of sustainability leadership and reporting structures in driving meaningful organisational change.

5. AI and Future Job Trends:

· Serrol offers insights into AI's potential impact on green jobs, predicting shifts in productivity and new roles in design, research, and policy.

· Serrol stresses the significance of soft skills and emerging opportunities within the sustainability domain.

6. Advice for Aspiring Professionals:

· Serrol advises aspiring professionals to assess their skill sets and explore opportunities in education, voluntary sectors, and current companies.

· The discussion emphasises starting with broad sustainability concepts before specialisation and the value of diverse skill sets, including communication and adaptability.

Green Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to accelerate the just transition to a stable climate. The Group consists of Green Element Limited, Compare Your Footprint Limited, and Sustainability Solved Podcast and Resource Hub. Find out more about Green Element Group here and benefit from a 20% discount on the first year of subscription to Compare Your Footprint, the highest quality carbon footprint software for your organisation. When registering, click ‘Got a Coupon’ and enter code ‘PODCAST‘ to claim discount.

A big thank you to our sponsors!

This episode of Sustainability Solved is sponsored by Business Declares, a not-for-profit business network who inspire, encourage, and accelerate action within businesses to address the climate, ecological, and social emergency.

They are an active network of 100+ businesses who back our commitments to reach net-zero, restore and protect nature, and advocate for regulatory change.

Join Business Declares as a member to get help accelerating your action on net-zero targets and on nature targets for your business from the network. Find out more here: Business Declares

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Climate Transition that Works

Don't stop at carbon measurement. Go from insight to action with 51toCarbonZero. Measure & Report Effortlessly gauge your impact: swift and precise carbon footprint and ESG measurement. Transition Navigate towards net-zero and your impact goals: set accountable plans and governance. Engagement Inspire your stakeholders: the board, colleagues, suppliers, clients and investors More Than a Platform: Your Strategic Sustainability Partner Embark on your net-zero and sustainability journey with confidence with 51toCarbonZero. We go beyond providing a platform; with Climate Unlimited™, our expert advisory service, we ensure simplicity every step of the way. See us as an extension to your team; guiding you through the measurement process, charting your net-zero path, obtaining disclosures, engaging your stakeholders, consulting on complex climate subjects as well as addressing any questions that arise.

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