Dorset businesses are being offered a free course to gets to grips with new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) demands.
Dorset Chamber is running the free programme – called The Business Case for ESG – over the next six months, with the online workshops open to all firms countywide.
Industry experts will offer workshops on subjects ranging from energy efficiency, carbon footprints and offsetting, renewable energy to employee wellbeing and community and voluntary sector links.
They will also feature details about support available from Low Carbon Dorset.
Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: ‘ESG remains a mystery for some in business but it is becoming increasingly important and difficult to ignore.
‘Essentially it is a set of principles by which a business’s accountability and transparency as well as its impact on society and the environment is measured.
‘Investors, existing and potential employees, customers and contractors are become more socially, ethically and environmentally aware, so businesses need to increasingly demonstrate their commitment to the principles of ESG.
‘Our new programme aims to bust some myths surrounding ESG, provide practical advice and show the very real benefits it can bring.’
Ian added: ‘we’re keen to see as many businesses as possible take advantage of these free sessions.’
The launch event – An Introduction to ESG – is on October 20 with ESG champion Gary Neild, chief executive of Blue Sky Financial Planning, and Phoebe Stone, head of sustainable investing at LGT Vestra LLP.
It will also feature from Dr Matt Montgomery, head of climate action at BCP Council and Dr Steven Ford, corporate director for climate and ecological sustainability at Dorset Council.
Businesses can attend all of the sessions or choose which ones are of most interest.
Places for each session can also be booked on the chamber website at dorsetchamber.co.uk/the-business-case-for-esg/.
