The Future of ESG
This Castle Debates session examined how ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) has been shaping corporate and investor behaviour globally, and why it is increasingly influencing decision-making across the public and third sectors as well as business. The discussion considered ESG as a broad set of risks with potentially serious consequences for organisations, ranging from climate governance and supply chain controls to bribery and corruption exposure and board diversity. It also explored the growing debate over ESG’s credibility and direction, including criticism that ratings can be inconsistent or based on unreliable information, and whether reform is needed.
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This session explored the evolution of ESG as a UN-originated concept and how it is changing organisational policies and practices. Discussion focused on how ESG is influencing environmental outcomes and governance standards, how ESG factors are being built into strategic decisions, and the challenges created by diverging ratings and rising political and market criticism.
Key questions
How is ESG changing and improving environmental behaviours and outcomes in practice?
How are organisations integrating ESG factors into key decision-making and governance?
What risks sit within ESG, and which can be most material or even existential?
Why has ESG attracted increased criticism, and how reliable are current ratings and data?
Is ESG in need of reform, and what would “better” ESG look like?
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Speakers
Anne Johnstone — Founder and Director, Fair Futures Partnership; Head of ESG, Northtree Investment Management
John Henry Looney — Managing Director, Sustainable Direction
Huw Davies — Head of ESG, Jones Hargreaves
Chair
Stephen Sykes — Managing Partner and Solicitor, The Sykes Partnership LLP
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Location: London
Format: Panel discussion and audience dialogue
Attendance: Held by prior registration
Schedule: 14:30–16:00; welcome and opening remarks; panel discussion and audience dialogue; audience Q&A