Implementing a robust ESG strategy is essential for businesses in 2022, and in-house legal teams have a significant influence over how this is approached. Delivering on ESG is additional to lawyers’ BAU, and the new processes and admin involved can be time-consuming. This session will look at how lawyers can approach ESG smartly, balancing these priorities with their existing responsibilities.
– What is the role of the General Counsel when it comes to ESG?
– How can developing good ESG practices now save time and money long-term?
– How can you ensure you have the right people doing the right tasks?
– Which risks should you be aware of and how can you approach these smartly?
– How does the legal function align itself with its organisation’s ESG strategy?
Presenters:
Richard Tyler, Director of Legal – Supply Chain & Procurement, Britvic PLC
Richard is currently Director of Legal – Supply Chain & Procurement at Britvic plc, a FTSE 250 soft drinks business. His role covers all aspects of legal support relating to Britvic’s supply chain and the procurement activities of the group, and he plays an active role in driving forward the ESG strategy of the business.
Sheena Singla, General Counsel, LOGICOR
Sheena Singla is the General Counsel, Head of ESG and HR lead at Logicor, a leading European owner, manager and developer of logistics real estate. Previously, Sheena was the General Counsel at Essar Energy plc, at the time a FTSE 100 company, with responsibilities for legal, corporate governance and company secretarial, a member of the executive management committee and working closely with the board and majority shareholders. Prior to moving into industry, Sheena spent 12 years as a corporate lawyer at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer where she gained broad experience across international public and private corporate transactions and private equity investments and spent time on secondments to the Hong Kong and New York offices, at a FTSE 100 plc and to a private equity firm based in San Francisco as an investment professional. Sheena holds a first-class honours degree in Jurisprudence from Somerville College, Oxford University.
Judith Worrall, Senior Legal Counsel & Legal Services Operations Manager, Severn Trent Water
I am senior legal counsel and legal services operations manager at Severn Trent plc. I have been at Severn Trent for five years and provide legal support for our construction, commercial and procurement teams, and manage a group of lawyers in the team. In the last 2 years, I have been responsible for legal operations with a particular emphasis on efficient working both within our legal team and with our panel law firms. My previous role was with National Grid for 15 years undertaking a wide variety of business development and commercial projects.
Kate Fergusson, Head of Responsible Business, Irwin Mitchell
Kate has responsibility for the leadership and delivery of the firm’s Responsible Business strategy, embedding a commitment to ESG principles in the firm’s key stakeholder relationships with clients, colleagues and communities.
Kate is passionate about creating a culture where doing business responsibly is simply business as usual and each of our colleagues has a part to play in helping Irwin Mitchell to be true to its purpose and make a positive impact.
Kate studied Law at the University of Sheffield and is a qualified solicitor with over 14 years’ experience of leading Responsible Business initiatives within the legal sector, including the creation of award-winning diversity and inclusion and community investment programmes.
Kate is a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability and has been recognised as a Responsible Business Game Changer by Business in the Community.
