Welcome to ResponsibleSteel, Karen!

We are delighted to welcome Karen Raynor to the team as our new Operations Executive. We’ve asked Karen a few questions about her personal motivations, her background and involvement in sustainability projects, and her views on the challenges ResponsibleSteel is facing. Welcome to the team, Karen!

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and your experience as an Operations Executive.

Thank you very much. I am very pleased to be joining ResponsibleSteel.

Since graduating from university, other than a career break due to the birth of my son, I have worked as a Ministry of Defence Civil Servant. While I enjoyed the experience, challenges, and opportunities within the Ministry of Defence, I felt it was time for a change and to face new challenges.

Having worked for a large government organisation in several countries with diverse cultures, I believe the experience and background gained by doing so could assist ResponsibleSteel as it expands its influence globally.

Although my background is primarily financial and programme management, I have experience in change management and the implementation of processes and procedures and feel this is the area in which I can assist the organisation.

2. You worked for the Civil Service on a wide range of issues including sustainability. How do you think that this will contribute to your role at ResponsibleSteel??

I like to think my background has given me some understanding in the areas of biodiversity and sustainability.

It was mainly during a role when I was based in Germany that I became aware of the amount of work that is undertaken in the background to ensure that military training is managed in a careful and sustainable manner. Emphasis is placed on protecting the environment by careful control and repair of damage caused by military equipment and projects. Working groups, comprising volunteer specialists such as botanists, assist by monitoring and advising on measures to conserve and enhance the nature on the training sites. Their efforts have allowed rare animal and plant species, previously displaced elsewhere due to the over-use of fertilizers and pesticides, to remain on training areas today. ?

This interest then further expanded when I moved into Programme Management which covered a range of initiatives in countries such as Kenya and Belize.

With ResponsibleSteel being a global standard and certification initiative,I believe that my experience, while small, but nevertheless important to the people, wildlife and the environment of the areas concerned, gave me experience and indeed a better understanding of how incredibly important, when conducted at a global level, the work of ResponsibleSteel is.

3. What attracted you to ResponsibleSteel, and what is most important to you in your role as Operations Executive?

I was primarily drawn to ResponsibleSteel because of the organisation's mission, “… to be a driving force in the socially and environmentally responsible production of net-zero steel, globally.” This is a mammoth task and the importance of environmental issues and the reduction of global emissions will continue to grow. I believe joining this organisation during its growth stage is incredibly exciting, not only for the changes that will need to take place as it grows, the policies and procedures that will need to be created and implemented, but also the associated challenges, all of which motivates me.

My role gives me the opportunity to play a part in this exciting work and, as the organisation evolves and grows, I hope that my role will increase in diversity and responsibilities, giving me greater challenges.

4. What are your main goals and how do they fit into your work at ResponsibleSteel?

Perhaps my main goal is to complete my tasks to the best of my ability while striving to improve knowledge of the organisation and thus assist ResponsibleSteel in its mission. To be part of improving sustainability on a global scale is not only a goal, but something to be proud of.

On a more personal level, one of my goals has always been to be employed in a job and organisation in which I enjoyed all aspects of my work and felt my contribution was appreciated. I have been fortunate in my previous employment, and I am confident that employment with ResponsibleSteel will be rewarding and enjoyable.

5.?ResponsibleSteel’s work is across the entire ESG spectrum. What do you think ResponsibleSteel’s main challenges will be over the next few years?

Companies involved in the mining of materials and production of steel are profit oriented and owe a duty to their workforce and shareholders, which may not make them amenable to the concept of ESG. This presents a very real challenge for ResponsibleSteel to convince potential members that to gain certification is an advantage that could improve revenue.

Clearly actions and opinions of governments may have a large impact on companies willing to become members of ResponsibleSteel. Therefore, the organisation must continue the excellent work it is currently doing within the steel sector, taking on companies concerns and moving into sectors that currently do not come to mind when thinking of the steel industry, as well as increasing its expansion into Asia and the Middle East, and beyond, while still remaining true to its own values.

?