Clearwater International sets out ESG strategy

Clearwater International has set out its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy.

UK CEO Mark Taylor said: “We have a bold vision for creating positive impact through our business. The ESG landscape is complex and our position in the ecosystem is such that we have the opportunity to make a measurable difference to our client’s businesses, people and environment. ESG has been a priority for our business for some time and is increasingly a value-driver for our clients.”

In May 2022 Clearwater announced the appointment of Jo Daley, director, head of impact as the business took the first step to formalise its commitment to ESG.

Daley’s initial responsibility was to set the direction of the business’ ESG and impact strategy.

Daley said: “Our ESG and impact strategy is grounded in the UN Sustainable Development Goals so that our actions are in sync with the global efforts to combat inequality and climate change. The strategy is a result of research with key stakeholders in the business and clients alike driven by a core committee. For our business we need to push further than net-zero targets to ones that make an impactful difference to the world we operate in and that of the next generation.”

The firm’s ESG and impact strategy includes:
45% female representation for roles associate director and below
Partners: double female representation from 6% to 12%
Directors: double female representation from 14% to 28%
Ethnic minority increase from 9% to 14%
3% of Profit philanthropy budget
Target – 100 volunteering days involving at least 75% of the team
Tracking and reporting on social value using SROI
Degree apprenticeship and scholarship program
Reduce carbon footprint by over 50% by 2032
KPI’s introduced for waste, printing and travel
Full review of procurement and introduction of sustainable guidelines
Adopting an enterprising approach to ESG-integrated transaction advisory services
All clients to receive an ESG health check as part of core service

Daley said: “As we take our corporate responsibility to the next level, we are forging important partnerships that amplify our impact. With DE&I and social mobility at the heart of our strategy, we are focused on going beyond to seek out innovative solutions with real-world results.”