Sustainability and CSR Conference 2025

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Description

As more businesses are looking to develop their sustainability and decarbonisation strategies it is critical to ensure that the right governance structures are in place. That is governance relevant to business size and sector which ensures responsible decision-making, ethical practices and accountability built into the business model, adding to, rather than distracting from your core strategy.

Through a range of speakers, practical workshops and panel discussions, this year’s conference brings together the theme of environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) through a business-centric lens of sustainability, governance and collaboration.
This is within the context of the current economic and political climate, ensuring alignment with the commercial imperative, business resilience and risk mitigation. And the opportunities these can present.

We will explore how the role of the business community, through effective collaboration and stakeholder management, becomes increasingly important when driving sustainable and inclusive regional growth.

On the day, there will also be an opportunity to network and visit exhibitors at the refreshment breaks and over lunch.

Overview

AGENDA (to date)

- Year 10 of the East Midlands Green Growth Trend Report - Dr Polina Baranova, Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability, University of Derby

- What Does Effective Governance Look Like and Why is it Important? - Becky Valentine, Co-owner, Sustainability & Building Health Consultant, Spenbeck

- A focus on the importance of Sustainability and CSR to business resilience and growth - James Cunningham, Managing Director, Geo Green Power

- Beyond buzzwords: Real energy impact for East Midlands businesses & their communities – Jaz Aujla, Strategic Energy Partner, Flogas (part of DCC Energy)

- Corporate social responsibility engagement in the East Midlands - Findings of the most recent research - Dr Barbara Tomasella, University of Derby and Dr Elaine Conway, Loughborough University

- Why Community Support activity is a key strategy for Samworth Brothers - Karen Holdsworth, Community Engagement Lead, Samworth Brothers in conversation with Rick Blackmore, Director of Policy and Insight, East Midlands Chamber

Covering Samworth Brothers Group approach to Community Support, citing some project examples and learnings.

WORKSHOPS (to date)

- Solar PV Ambitions: A Reality - Exploring different funding options and how to understand what's right for you - James Cunningham, Managing Director, Geo Green Power

- Business4Nature project with University of Derby and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust - report on project findings thus far - Dr Polina Baranova and Ellie Field, Nature Economy Manager at the DWT

- Integrating sustainability into your organisation and the role of governance – Sally-Anne Hurn, Duncan Toplis

- University of Derby and University of Loughborough – developing CSR strategies

- Is the Sustainability agenda driven by CSR or is it a necessity for survival? – Greg Brown, Strategic Energy Partner, Flogas (part of DCC Energy)

Outcome

Why is this important:
- Ensures a businesses’ sustainability goals are integrated into its core strategies
- Displays transparency and accountability
- Identifies sustainability related risks to your business and supply chain
- Engenders ethical leadership
- Ensures alignment with current and future regulation and compliance
- Supports effective stakeholder engagement
- Delivers business continuity
- Maximises the commercial opportunities from the changing landscape (risk mitigation and adaptation)

Overall, the goal is to come together to hear the latest thinking on this topic area, share ideas, discuss emerging trends, and build actionable strategies for creating more sustainable, responsible, and profitable businesses.

Further speakers and workshops to be confirmed.

This event is available for: Anybody

11th September 2025

9:00am - 1:30pm

In-Person

University of Derby Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB

This event is now fully booked. Please contact the event lead using the details below if you have any questions.

Members must Sign in / Register to purchase member only tickets

*All our business prices are excluding VAT at 20%.

For further information on this event, please contact The Policy Team on 0333 320 0333 or email policy@emc-dnl.co.uk

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Sustainability and CSR Conference 2025

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