ESG in Action is a podcast series that explores how values-driven leadership, sustainable thinking, and inclusive culture are shaping the business landscape. Hosted by Alexandra Holsgrove Jones, TLT's ESG lead, each episode features conversations with leaders driving ESG progress in their organizations. The discussions cover actions already making a difference, motivations, and why this work matters.
Episodes
Exploring asset finance for business energy projects with Investec
How can finance support businesses considering renewable energy and energy-efficient assets?In this episode of ESG in Action, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Xander Weitsz, Business Development Manager in Investec Asset Finance’s renewable team, to explore how asset finance can support small and medium-sized businesses as they consider solar installations and energy-efficiency projects.From sola
Pro Bono Week special: How do we improve access to justice?
In this Pro Bono Week special episode of ESG in Action, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Emily Sherratt, Project Director at the National Pro Bono Centre, to explore the role pro bono plays in improving access to justice and delivering meaningful social impact.Marking the 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week, Emily explains this year’s themes – Celebrate a Tradition, Inspire Action and Shape the Fut
The curious workplace: Neuroinclusion at work with Maisie Cass
How can organisations create workplaces where every type of brain can thrive? In this episode of ESG in Action, we’re joined by Maisie Cass, founder and Chief Curiosity Officer at Diversity Does, to explore how curiosity can help organisations build more neuroinclusive workplaces. From understanding the language of neurodiversity – and how it’s changed – to removing barriers in recruitment, onboa
Nature recovery in action: What Belmont Estate can teach business
What can businesses learn from rewilding, rewetting and reconnecting people with nature? In this episode of ESG in Action, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Henry Rossiter, Business Development Director at Belmont Estate, to explore how land stewardship, regenerative thinking and nature connection can support long-term environmental and social impact. And how businesses can play a practical role i
Where capital meets conservation with Rebalance Earth
How can nature become part of the infrastructure businesses rely on – and what does that mean for investors, risk management and long-term resilience? In this episode of ESG in Action, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Kirsty Wilman, Chief Operating Officer at Rebalance Earth. Rebalance Earth is a natural capital fund manager that views nature as critical infrastructure, creating projects that res
How to work well in high-pressure environments with the Mindful Business Charter
How can organisations create healthier, more productive workplaces without lowering professional standards? What does mindful working look like in practice and what is it really costing your business when you don’t get it right?In this episode of ESG in Action, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Richard Martin, CEO of the Mindful Business Charter to explore a different approach to workplace wellbei
Turning clauses into climate action with The Chancery Lane Project
How can contracts help businesses manage sustainability risks, meet climate targets and support a just transition? In this episode of ESG in Action, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Clarissa Lambourne, Principal Legal Engineer at The Chancery Lane Project, a UK non-profit using the power of contracts to support climate action. Together, Alex and Clarissa discuss why climate-aligned contracting
From nice to necessary: The business case for wellbeing
Why is wellbeing about more than physical and mental health? And how can businesses prioritise their people’s wellbeing alongside commercial goals? Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Helen Hodgkinson, Chief People Officer at TLT, to discuss why wellbeing is more than a nice to have: it sits at the foundation of a resilient business. In this episode, they explore: How effective wellbeing strategies
Financing change and changing finance with Triodos Bank
Do you know where your money goes – and why it matters? In this episode of ESG in Action, we’re joined by Sian Williams, Chief Risk Officer at Triodos Bank UK. Triodos is a purpose-led sustainable bank, focused on delivering a positive impact for the environment, economy and society. Triodos demonstrates its commitment to transparency by publishing its entire loan portfolio. This transparency un
Working better with Working Families: Flexibility in the workplace
Why should we ‘parent out loud’ in the workplace? And why is flexibility more than a ‘warm fuzzy hug’? In this episode, we’re joined by Lottie Driver, Relationship Manager at Working Families, the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers. Working Families works with parents and carers, employers, and policy makers to help individuals understand their rights, employers to build flexible
The future starts at school: Embedding sustainability early with The Green Britain Foundation
What role do education and young people play in shaping a more sustainable future? And what can a sustainable education do for our young people? In this episode of ESG in Action, we’re joined by Helen Taylor, Trustee at the Green Britain Foundation. The Green Britain Foundation supports a range of initiatives, from sustainable education and sport, to land and marine conversation and animal protec
Inside the Government Legal Department’s social mobility agenda
How does the Government Legal Department represent the communities it serves? And how does its social mobility programmes put students at the heart of government? In this episode, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Richard Cornish, Director General and Chief Operating Officer at the Government Legal Department (GLD). GLD is made up of around 3000 lawyers and provides legal advice to the UK governm
Climate resilience in real terms: Breaking sustainability silos with Santander
What should you be doing to ensure your business is fit for the future? And what’s being overcomplicated in the journey to sustainability? In this episode, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Wendy Whewell, Head of Sustainable Solutions and Finance in Corporate and Commercial Banking at Santander. Santander UK is a leading financial services provider, offering a wide range of personal and commercial
Hospitality and sustainability working together for future successes
How does sustainability lead to more engaged teams? And how do you navigate that among the pressures of everyday decision-making? Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Charlie Fisher (Sustainability Engagement and Governance Lead) and Sarah Waddington (Estates Lead) from Greene King, which welcomes customers into 2,700 pubs, restaurants and hotels nationwide. In this episode, they discuss Greene King
Beyond returns: Inside the world of responsible investment
What’s the future of responsible investment in a landscape of ESG pushback and greenhushing? How can your ‘ABCs’ help make responsible investment decisions? Alex Holsgrove Jones is in conversation with Jaid Longmore, Responsible Investment Manager at Hymans Robertson, to discuss integrating ESG into financial decision-making, effective stewardship, and B Corp status. Hymans Robertson is an indepen
Trailblazing with Ablaze: Helping young people succeed
How can you change a young person’s attitude to education? And how can we create opportunities for young people in our communities? In this episode, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Gilly Samuddin, CEO of Ablaze. Ablaze is an independent charity that mobilises business volunteers to provide the support, insight and guidance required to help young people thrive. Alex and Gilly discuss: How busine
Power from the panels: Profit with purpose with Eden Sustainable
Why is perceived complexity the biggest hurdle to the green energy transition? And how do you drive transparency in the solar panel supply chain? Alex Holsgrove Jones is in conversation with Justin Leger, Co- Managing Director of Eden Sustainable. Eden Sustainable is one of the UK’s leading developers of commercial and industrial solar energy solutions and a certified B Corp. They believe in profi
Top-down and bottom-up momentum: The next chapter of social mobility with SMBP
How do you build confidence in the next generation? And how can businesses increase social mobility in their local communities?In this episode, Alex Holsgrove Jones is joined by Jess Clarkson, Managing Director at Social Mobility Business Partnership (SMBP). SMBP is a volunteer-led charity that brings together more than 180 employers nationwide to deliver Work Insight and Skills Experience, or ‘WI
Balancing the basket: How retail can deliver on sustainability
Why does the traditional retail model need to change? And why does the language of sustainability matter? Alex Holsgrove Jones chats to Sophie De Salis, Sustainability Policy Advisor at the British Retail Consortium, about the sustainability landscape of the retail industry. They talk about the power of collective action in driving change, the ESG-related changes the retail sector is preparing f
Banking on biodiversity with Nationwide Building Society
How has Nationwide Building Society embedded sustainability across its operations – and what has an otter in the Nationwide House lake got to do with it?Alex Holsgrove Jones chats to Amy Thomson and Andrew Martin from Nationwide Building Society about:Why sustainability matters to Nationwide – and how Nationwide is navigating sustainability changes and challenges The Wildlife Trust’s Biodiversity
