UN Global Compact Network UK - November Newsletter
UN Global Compact Network UK
We promote sustainability leadership to create a world we want to live and do business in
Welcome to the November edition of the UN Global Compact Network UK Newsletter – a snapshot overview of our upcoming industry-leading programming and events.
Get in touch if you want to find out more about us - we hope you find our newsletter useful!
For many businesses, measuring, reducing, and reporting on its Scope 3 emissions is the most challenging aspect of achieving a science-based net zero target. Collecting robust and accurate data can be difficult, yet it is a critical process to understand the company’s true impact on the climate, present trustworthy information to customers, investors, and suppliers, and back up net zero claims and targets. To help, the UN Global Compact Network UK produced an exclusive report with action-led business case studies on efficiently collecting Scope 3 emissions data. Click here to download the free report.
On-Demand Content: Business Sector Exchange - Food Systems Fireside Chat
The global food system is at a critical turning point, contributing to climate change but offering $14 trillion in opportunities for innovation and transformation. Achieving a net-zero food system that promotes sustainability, addresses food insecurity, and supports biodiversity requires a just transition across the entire value chain. Watch our fireside chat with EY and the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) to explore how businesses can lead this transformation, unlock new opportunities, and foster collaboration for a more sustainable future. Click here to watch.
Resource: Sustainable Business Learning Platform
Access an exclusive selection of UN Global Compact Network UK resources as on-demand content for free on our brand-new Sustainable Business Learning Platform. Designed to allow users to easily navigate our action-led programmatic and training offering while tracking their progress and accessing the necessary learnings and skills to tackle key business sustainability challenges. Click here to access the platform.
The Business and Human Rights Accelerator is a six-month programme designed for UN Global Compact Network UK participants to move from commitment to action on human rights. It helps businesses identify key human rights impacts, establish a due diligence process, and develop actionable plans. A certificate is awarded upon completion of the programme and the deadline to apply is 20th December 2024. This offering is for members only, so please click here to learn more about how to join the UN Global Compact Network UK.
Programme: SDG Ambition Accelerator (Members-Only)
Companies that align their sustainability objectives with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are better positioned to navigate emerging risks, seize new market opportunities, and secure a competitive advantage - all while addressing pressing global challenges. Join our SDG Ambition Accelerator, a three-month programme that aims to support companies in setting ambitious corporate targets and accelerating the integration of the SDGs into core business management to deliver long-term value to their business, and society. This programme is for members only, so please click here to learn more about how to join the UN Global Compact Network UK.
Member Spotlight:
Jessica Wilkes-Ball MICRS AIEMA , Head of Sustainability and Net Zero, Mills & Reeve
About me:
Jessica is responsible for setting the firm’s sustainability aims and deliverables to support net-zero targets in line with their science-based commitments. She’s a core member of the senior leadership team and supports the firm’s strategic direction and advancing sustainability ambitions. Beyond her internal contributions, Jessica is a regular guest on the Mills & Reeve Talking ESG podcast. She also shares her sustainability insights with the legal and professional services sectors through thought leadership pieces and speaking engagements at ESG events, both locally and nationally.
In addition to her professional commitments, Jessica sits on the West Midlands Board for Business in the Community, chairs their Climate Change Working Group, and is a member of the Sustainability West Midlands External Advisory Committee. She’s an active member of the Legal Sustainability Alliance and the United Nations Global Compact. Jessica’s dedication and expertise make her a leading voice in sustainability, inspiring others to contribute to a more sustainable future
Favourite restaurant, bar, pub or coffee shop?
I love our local market in Wellington, Shropshire. It has the most amazing food hall filled with independent restaurants serving delicious food made from locally sourced ingredients. Also, a shout out to our local zero waste shop, the Little Green Pantry, where products are supplied loose or in recyclable or reusable packaging so I can take my own containers to fill! – I’ve just picked up my Christmas cake kit for this year from there.
Favourite TV show, book, podcast, or film?
Anything David Attenborough – growing up I was obsessed with watching all the BBC natural world shows and my personal handwritten letter from the man himself is one of my most prized possessions.?
What's something an outsider wouldn't know about your industry?
That sustainability and a desire to protect and invest in the natural world is incredibly important to law firms – not just from being able to advise clients, but our staff and the wider community are demanding we do better for the environment through our day-to-day operations.?
Who or what inspires you in your career?
Being able to do what I love every single day; no day is the same. I love to learn, and seeing innovations in sustainability gives me hope that we can collectively make a difference to the world around us. The work we’re doing in Norfolk with the Stoke Ferry Wetlands Restoration Project?is the catalyst for us to start to invest more in the world around us and create wider societal benefits for the local community, as well as investing in nature restoration. Without nature, we can’t survive as a species, and I for one want to work to protect that.
The UN Global Compact is proud to work with over 25,000+ forward-thinking global companies committed to advancing the sustainability agenda.?You can check if your company is a participant here.
We welcome some of our newest UK members, including:
ABERDEEN LAUNDRY SERVICES | The Access Group | Inspirational Group | Buro Happold | BCR Associates | Comera Group | Cube Green Energy ? | ERIKS UK & Ireland | EP Group | Exceed Corporate Events | SAP Global Supplier | Impact Global Media | IDPDIRECT.COM | Inuvi | Knightsbridge Financial? | The Leadership Trust | Medik8 | Momentum Services Ltd | newcleo | Nexta Capital Partners ? | NG Transport ltd | Orbis Protect | PATRIZIA Foundation UK | Rebound Electronics | Sterling Pharma Solutions | SHW Property | Stone Technologies Ltd, A Converge Company | The Pensions Regulator | WCM&A Ltd
If you would like to know more about the benefits of joining the UN Global Compact and the UK Network, get in touch with the team today by contacting Simran Stevens, Outreach Manager ([email protected]).