Driving long-term sustainable value
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are embedded in our strategy. As a specialist STEM recruiter, we are at the forefront of delivering the skills needed to build a sustainable future, while our diversity, equality and inclusion policies ensure that we are putting people first.
By delivering against ambitious environmental and social targets, we can demonstrate how we are leading our industry in defining what it means to be a responsible and sustainable employer, both for our staff and in society.
Environmental responsibilities
Companies are increasingly looking for environmental responsibility in their partners. We are no different. Many of our clients are either in the renewables energy sector or navigating the low carbon transition themselves.
We contribute to addressing climate change in two significant ways: by reducing our own carbon emissions and ensuring our clients have access to the talent they need to transition to a low carbon economy.
Addressing climate change
We take our role in tackling the climate emergency seriously. By actively working to reduce our own emissions targets we can make positive long-term commitments to the environment and society.
We are delighted to be recognized as a climate leader by the Financial Times in its inaugural listing of European Climate Leaders, which details the top 300 companies that achieved the greatest reduction in their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity between 2014 and 2019. We are the only staffing sector company to achieve that distinction, placing 69th.
Supplying sought-after specialists
Every business and value chain will be disrupted by the transition to a low carbon economy. As a specialist STEM recruiter we actively seek renewable energy clients that are at the forefront of delivering the innovation the world needs, supplying them with sought-after specialists to tackle the climate emergency.
We're delivering positive outcomes for our stakeholders and contributing towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals where we can have the most impact, placing us at the forefront of our industry in defining what it means to be a responsible employer.
Our Impact Report
Our ESG Committee needs accurate impact data to ensure we have credible action and accountability. Explore our first Impact Report, which includes key targets.
Putting people first
We are building a future that works for all of us by putting people first. By investing in new business opportunities and talent growth within our markets, we are delivering economic growth and employment opportunities. Through this we aim to have a positive impact on society beyond simply what our clients and candidates achieve.
Our role in society
Our diversity, equity and inclusion policies are critical to attract and retain talent and help people perform at the top of their game. We set challenging targets for gender balance, aspiring to increase representation at leadership levels to 50/50 by 2024. Although we reduced turnover of females by 3% and maintained levels of women represented across leadership roles, there is plenty more to achieve.
In November 2021, the Group was awarded Company of the Year at the 2021 European Diversity Awards. Again, we were the only staffing sector company to be recognized.
Green skills insight program
Not enough young people are choosing STEM subjects at school, pursuing STEM careers or aware of green careers. Building the future talent pipeline to meet the growing needs of the market is one of the core objectives of our community outreach programs. We spark the possibility of a green career for young people, from the renewable energy sector to building a career in green tech.
In 2021, 87 young people attended our interactive Green Careers insight events. As a result of our outreach, 86% of young people said they are now exploring green career opportunities.
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
We recognize that ensuring long-term sustainability through concerted and transparent climate and environmental action is key to our resilience and continued success.
As an early adopter of the robust Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’) reporting standard, we have carefully analyzed our response to the changing market and environment in which we operate.
In order to align to the recommendations of TCFD we have:
- Implemented a climate-related scenario analysis framework.
- Integrated climate change as an emerging risk.
- Strengthened our ESG Committee to improve governance and Board oversight.
Use the icons below to read a summary of our approach and progress.
Governance
We have appointed a Group Environmental, Social and Governance (‘ESG’) Committee to identify, mitigate and strategically manage climate-related risks and opportunities to the Group. The ESG Committee is responsible for oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities including scenario analysis, risk mitigation, strategic alignment and the Groups Sustainability Strategy, targets and carbon reduction plan.
In 2021 the ESG Committee established a workstream focused on implementing a climate-related scenario analysis framework and a secondary workstream focused on understanding net-zero transition planning.
Strategy
We identified three key scenarios by which we assess the implications of climate change on our business:
- Scenario 1: Renewable-led growth (orderly, 1.5 -2C).
- Scenario 2: Disruptive change (disorderly).
- Scenario 3: Fossil fueled future (hot house world).
We tested the resilience of our business and strategy using research and data modelling. Details on how each of the three scenarios impacts our business, strategy and financial planning is detailed in our full TCFD report.
Risks and opportunities
Climate-related risks are identified through our scenario analysis, using the frameworks and modeling data alongside internal and external data and stakeholder insights. The ESG Committee is responsible for implementing climate-related scenario analysis and the risks identified are analyzed carefully, with clear measures, mitigation, controls and governance assigned to each risk.
Climate change has been categorized as an emerging risk for the business. As such, climate-related risks and controls are reviewed quarterly, with escalation to the ESG Committee as required, reviewed annually by the Group Risk Committee.
Metrics and targets
We report annually on Scenario 1, Scenario 2 and Scenario 3 outcomes, as outlined under our Strategy.
Our emissions are calculated in line with the GHG Protocol methodology to allow for aggregation and comparability across organizations. Our emissions performance for the previous reporting period are also included in our Annual Report for comparison.
Our carbon reduction plan has seen a YoY reduction in carbon emissions which includes 44% reduction in 2021 from our 2019 baseline year.
Read our latest insights
Increasing Latino representation in STEM
Leveling the playing field for underrepresented communities in STEM.
The rise of the contractor
With unemployment at a low and many companies open to new and unconventional working practices, contracting, and how it’s delivered, is o...
STEM professionals want planned-in career development
STEM professionals don’t just want a job they expect employers to offer them opportunities that help develop their careers
A brighter future beckons for women in STEM
How do we keep the momentum going to support more women in their pursuit of a career in STEM?
Money is talking
Salary and benefits are the top consideration for candidates when looking for a job and they can afford to play hardball
Now it’s time for employers in STEM to be flexible
To attract the best, most diverse talent, employers must embrace a flexible approach
Salary and benefits are still the top priority for STEM candidates
Companies who delay in recognizing market value of sought-after specialists risk losing them to a better considered offer.
Break the bias: how we can empower more women in STEM
Women in Tech founder discusses how bias against women in STEM fields can be countered by increasing levels of female participation.
Nine women leading the way in science and technology
Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science with pioneers making a difference.
Placing specialist life science skills with a global leader in Covid-19 vaccine development
Seeking people with extensive experience for roles that were essential for the development and delivery of a Covid-19 vaccine.
Building a diverse and inclusive workforce for the 21st century
How partnering with Schneider Electric, recognized as one of the world's most sustainable companies, helped build a better future.
Finding reliable talent for a utility-scale solar farm construction project
How ENGIE, a global leader in sustainable energy solutions, began construction on a 200-megawatt utility-scale solar farm in Anson, Texas
Unexpected error: .NET Consultant needed urgently
Whether it’s a 24-month contract, or a 2-day contract, every day we partner exceptional contractors with pioneering companies.
Building a diverse workforce in the Asia Pacific region
Assisting our financial services client to map the market and source candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Being a climate conscious business
How climate change is affecting our business and the STEM markets we operate in with independent sustainability consultancy Avieco.
Encouraging students to save the planet by choosing a career in the green sector
Inspiring young people to turn their passion for the environment into a career.
Empowering our colleagues to help the environment
Everyone at Specialist Staffing Group gets 40 paid volunteering hours a year. Read about how our teams around the world are helping the e...
Finding niche STEM talent teams to help renewable energy clients grow fast
Infinis required niche electrical and engineering skills to help them focus on their expansion into a new solar energy division.
Read our latest ESG news
2021 Annual Report: Discover how the Group is delivering STEM talent
Read how the Group is connecting sought-after STEM specialists with pioneering global companies in our 2021 Annual Report and TCFD statem...
Group ranks top in Support Services sector in Britain’s Most Admired Companies 2021
Study published by Management Today puts Group first in eight of the 13 key criteria.
Group named ‘Top Employer’ in Germany for a ninth consecutive year
Top Employer Institute recognises our approach to creating a positive culture and supporting colleagues.
Group awarded Company of the Year at the 2021 European Diversity Awards
EDA awards are firmly established as the continent’s most prestigious and widely respected diversity event.
Samira Alimohammad named on SIA list of most influential women in staffing
Vice-President and General Counsel of Specialist Staffing Group recognised as one of the most influential women in staffing in North Amer...
Group shortlisted for Company of the Year at the European Diversity Awards
Specialist Staffing Group's parent company recognised for work on diversity initiatives.
Group appoints new Chief Marketing Officer
Carol McNerney’s diversity of experience will help us achieve our stated ambitions as the number one global STEM provider.
Group becomes official partner of the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge
Exciting kick-starter programme for new STEM enterprises that will solve the biggest challenges facing the world.
Group to introduce a hybrid working model when offices re-open
We listened to colleagues across the businesses and have adopted a hybrid policy allowing our people to work at home and in the office.
Financial Times names Group on list of Europe’s Climate Leaders
Recognition acknowledges progress made in reducing our carbon emissions to protect the future of the planet.
Group partners with Generating Genius to fund five university scholarship students in the UK
Talented students to undertake computer science and engineering courses at universities in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Group recognised for five years of action against climate change
CDP awards B rating for voluntary disclosure programme after carbon emissions reduced by 12%.
Group named Recruiter Awards' Sustainable Recruitment Agency of the Year
Sustainability strategy recognised for "Strong, mature considerations of impact and social engagement with demonstrable solutions.
Group included in FTSE4Good Index for work on ESG practices
Specialist Staffing Group's parent company recognised for more than 1,500 hours of volunteering support during year affected by Covid-19.
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People and planet
The talented people we place are solving some of the most complex challenges the world faces today. Find out how we are bringing skilled people together to build the future.