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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

- Business case study focusing on the importance of Sustainability and CSR to business resilience and growth - James Cunningham, Managing Director, Geo Green Power

- Corporate social responsibility engagement in the East Midlands - Findings of the most recent research - Dr Barbara Tomasella, Programme Leader Postgraduate Marketing, Deputy Lead for Sustainability and Green Growth Research Cluster, University of Derby and Dr Elaine Conway, Lecturer in Accounting and Finance, Small Business Engagement Co-ordinator, Loughborough University

- Karen Holdsworth, Community Engagement Lead, Samworth Brothers - why CSR activity is important to their organisation: In conversation with Rick Blackmore, Director of Policy and Insight, East Midlands Chamber

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

- 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

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.

Additional Information

Exhibition opportunities are currently available for this conference - please email policy@emc-dnl.co.uk for more detail.

This event is available for: Anybody

11th September 2025

9:00am - 1:30pm

In-Person

University of Derby Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB

FREE

Members must Sign in / Register to purchase member only tickets

In stock

*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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