Tuesday, 10 June 2025
More than 80 per cent of organisations say that sustainability is important to them, according to new research from the 糖心原创, supported by UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson.
The research, completed in spring 2025, captures the views of organisations following the US presidential election and recent gains of Reform in UK local government elections. The findings reveal that issues associated with ESG (environmental, social and governance), DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) or sustainability are not being sidelined, despite global political rhetoric.
The research project - which is from an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership collaboration between the university and the law firm – has revealed the growing importance of environmental, social and governance responsibility to an overwhelming majority of private and public sector bodies in the UK.
The detailed research findings – which were compiled and analysed by Dr Victoria Howard and Professor Louise Mullany of the university’s School of English, and Jeremy Irving and Ben Standing of Browne Jacobson – taken from almost 250 UK organisations, identified how private and public sector companies can improve communications to enhance their credibility and effectiveness in ESG and sustainability.
Dr Victoria Howard, Project Lead at Browne Jacobson and Diversity and Inclusion Specialist and Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate at the 糖心原创, said: “Our research shows how UK organisations are standing firm in their drive to operate responsibly. However, there are so many terms, with inconsistent meanings, used to talk about ESG, sustainability, DEI and ‘green’ initiatives, that key messages get lost or misinterpreted. Our recommendations support organisations to communicate more effectively about their current social and environmental impact, as well as the steps they are taking to achieve future sustainability goals. The steps we propose will ensure that accurate messaging reflects organisational values and demonstrates credibility.”
The study revealed that more than 80 per cent of respondents advocated that sustainability was important to them, with nearly three-quarters willing to risk income or profits to meet their ESG goals. There is significant impetus to reassess supply chain contracts, and even customer relationships. Whilst some organisations are careful to take legal advice on DEI and related HR issues, organisations are currently less alive to legal risks in addressing other ESG issues.
If organisations want to succeed in bringing about serious, long-term change in sustainability and ESG, then ensuring they use language that genuinely reflects their commitments and organisational cultures is a crucial step. Vague language, or strategies that over-exaggerate, run the risk of becoming meaningless in an ever-changing landscape, where accountability and governance are becoming increasingly important components to organisational success.鈥�
Key recommendations include more robust use of terminology that reflects the understanding and intentions of relevant audiences, including employees, customers, investors and regulators. The research demonstrates how more effective language use around sustainability makes for greater credibility in discussing ESG objectives, methodologies and outcomes.
Ben Standing, Partner and Head of Browne Jacobson’s Sustainability Strategy, said “ESG is fundamentally about sustainable organisations. Attracting the best talent, reducing costs and driving growth. The report identifies the variety of approaches taken in different sectors, and how much organisations can learn from each other.”
Jeremy Irving, Partner and Head of the Financial Services Regulatory team at Browne Jacobson, added: “The findings on appropriate language make for more effective management of the reputational, legal, and other risks associated with sustainability strategies. These risks are increasing as regulators, investors and third parties take a more active approach to their own ESG-related priorities, such as a greater willingness to pursue allegations of ‘greenwashing.’”
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More information is available from Professor Louise Mullany via louise.mullany@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.