Our latest event brought together a panel of sustainability, communications and policy experts to unpack Britain’s green strategy, and what it means for the sustainability talent landscape in 2024.
On the day, we were joined by expert guest speakers Dr. Rebecca Heaton, Max Wind-Cowie, and Charlie Morrow. They each shared insights on a range of topics, from Labour’s ambitious climate pledges to the increasing sustainability skills gap.
Discussion chair and Hanson Search Head of Sustainability, Johnny Goldsmith, compiled his four key takeaways from the event, and what they mean for both organisations and sustainability/public affairs professionals in the UK today.
Take a look:
New in power, Labour is playing catch up in the face of slow progress over the past few years. The party’s ambitious pledges and investments highlight accelerated action. This presents new challenges and opportunities for those within the sustainability space.
For organisations: Prepare for potential rapid policy changes and increased sustainability requirements. This may necessitate quickly scaling up and upskilling sustainability teams and strategies.
For professionals: Expect a surge in demand for commercial sustainability talent as organisations scramble to keep up. Those with experience in policy analysis, sustainability strategy, and implementation of incoming legislative change will be particularly valuable.
As sustainability initiatives become more complex, organisations are still struggling to find the right talent. Knowing what skills to prioritise in a rapidly changing, government-regulated environment can be challenging. What’s more, sustainability as a focus area is still a relatively nascent concept, meaning there aren’t a huge number of experts out there already.
For organisations: Consider your sustainability talent strategy with upskilling or reskilling in mind or look to hire candidates with transferable skills who can adapt to new challenges.
For professionals: Identify skills gaps in the market and focus on developing expertise in high-demand areas like nature-based solutions, circular economy, and just transition strategies.
The ability to effectively communicate sustainability initiatives to a diverse group of stakeholders, investors, and consumers is becoming increasingly important. During the panel, it was noted that people largely want to do right by the planet, but don’t want to be made to feel bad about themselves in the process.
For organisations: When building sustainability teams, prioritise strong communicators who can engage with various stakeholders, from internal employees to investors to the public.
For professionals: Understand that sustainability communications is a fast-growing sector in its own right. To stand out, develop your ability to translate complex sustainability concepts into clear, compelling messages for different audiences.
The sustainability talent landscape is changing rapidly. As a result, we’re seeing new regulations, technologies, and stakeholder expectations emerging constantly.
For organisations: Prioritise driving a culture of continuous learning within your sustainability teams. Provide opportunities for professional development and encourage knowledge sharing.
For professionals: Horizon scan for the latest developments in sustainability. Be prepared to adapt your skills and knowledge as the field evolves.
As the sustainability sector continues to grow and evolve, these takeaways can help both organisations and professionals navigate the changing sustainability recruitment landscape.
So, whether you’re looking to hire a commercially-minded sustainability leader, build teams of subject matter experts or advance your career in this field, understanding these trends will be crucial for success. And for those looking for support, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly: JohnnyG@HansonSearch.com
Johnny Goldsmith, Head of Sustainability, Hanson Search
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