The event, hosted by renowned environmental journalist and former BBC analyst Roger Harrabin, takes place at a pivotal time for the UK’s journey to net zero. With the UK government expected to imminently introduce new UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS), ICAS will bring together influential voices to weigh in on these highly anticipated standards and their implications for the business community.

Sally Duckworth, Chair of the UK Sustainability Disclosure Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the summit’s keynote speaker, commented: “There is a growing demand for credible sustainability information. Businesses that fail to act risk falling behind. That could mean losing access to affordable capital, strategic partnerships and long-term growth opportunities. Sustainability reporting should be seen not as a burden, but as an opportunity.

“Events like this are crucial in bringing together all the different elements of the ecosystem, for demystifying regulations, supporting businesses to navigate change, and ensuring that sustainability remains central to corporate decision making.”

Across two panels, practical expertise will be shared on how businesses can prepare for and implement the expected UK SRS, as well as how these new standards interact with decarbonisation and transition planning.

Commenting on the event, Sarah Wilkin, Director of Sustainability at ICAS, said: “As the journey to net zero continues, the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards will play a pivotal role in not only helping businesses meet their climate goals but ensuring they can continue to meet market demands from customers and investors. Our summit will foster valuable dialogue among key stakeholders from across government, regulation and business on these incoming standards and their corporate impact.

“Attendees will leave equipped with actionable knowledge and tools to help implement sustainability reporting in their organisations, as well as strategies for decarbonisation and transition planning. Plus, the chance to connect with a diverse group of sustainability leaders and decision-makers.”

Additional panellists confirmed for the summit include:

• Andrew Death, the UK government’s deputy director of corporate reporting, assurance and governance
• Melanie Fox, ESG reporting manager at Vodafone
• Jaques Morris, head of the international transition plan network
• Sarah-Jayne Dominic, head of the UK Sustainability Disclosure Technical Advisory Committee Secretariat
• Ashleigh Lee, co-head of the Transition Finance Market Review Secretariat, and senior policy advisor at the City of London Corporation
• Lloyd McAllister, head of sustainable investment at Carmignac

The ICAS Sustainability Summit will be held at Sustainable Ventures, County Hall, on London’s Southbank on Wednesday 23 April. To learn more about the event and register, click here.