The ‘S’ in ESG

On 8 June 2023, Holding Redlich hosted Committee for Melbourne members to discuss the important topic of the ‘S’ in ESG.

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainable business and investing, it’s crucial to focus on the ‘S’ in ESG: the social aspect.

Members heard from Siobhan Henderson – Strategy & Impact Manager, Australian Unity, who provided a detailed keynote address on measuring and reporting on social impact, diving into the key considerations for organisations including aligning measurement and data to specific outcomes and embedding those within the values and strategy of the organisation.

See Siobhan’s presentation slides here.

Panellists Dr Catherine Brown OAM – CEO, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, Clare Gleghorn – Managing Director, Bastion Reputation, and Shaun Whittaker – Partner, Melbourne, Holding Redlich, joined a panel moderated by Leanne Edwards, Director Policy & Advocacy, Committee for Melbourne to discuss the development of frameworks and embedding ESG within the activities of organisations. Whilst there are challenges associated with social impact measurement such as a lack of standardisation and agreed metrics, the panellists highlighted the many benefits from social impact measurement, investment and reporting.

In Committee for Melbourne’s 2023 Benchmarking Melbourne report, our city ranked the 5th most unaffordable housing market in the English-speaking world. While population is growing, we are grappling with how Melbourne can be the best city in the world to live, work and play. And that’s why, the true value of social investment by government, business, academia and not-for-profit, should be measured and reflected across the community.

This event was supported by Holding Redlich.

For general enquiries please contact the events team at events@melbourne.org.au.