A Practical Introduction to ESG Communications

Intermediate

Summary
A growing area of focus, because it is both required by regulators and part of delivering on public expectations that brands and businesses will deliver on ‘Environmental, Social, and Governance,’ or ESG. ESG is shorthand for the three main areas besides finance that can impact a company’s long-term performance. These include but are not limited to: climate change, diversity and inclusion, supply chain and labour practices, corporate governance and cybersecurity and data privacy. Communications professionals need to understand ESG issues in order to effectively manage reputation, engage with stakeholders, ensure compliance, and identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation. Whether you're new to communicating these issues or have started to get a grasp on how to tackle them more skillfully, this session will help you refine your understanding and skills. Along with a general overview of ESG trends, risks and opportunities for communicators, participants will have an opportunity to discuss, share, and apply their learning during the class, using a framework Betsy developed through years of experience. It's not rocket science, but it does require time and practice, and this session will give you both.

Trainer: Betsy Reed

How attendees will benefit
Attendees will gain an understanding in best practice approaches and methods when speaking in public or preparing another to speak to.  
Along with a general overview of ESG trends, risks and opportunities for communicators, participants will have an opportunity to discuss, share, and apply their learning during the class.

Who should attend
In-house, agency and independent communications and public affairs professionals with a beginner- to intermediate-level knowledge of ESG topics and subsequent reputational risk assessment and applied communications approaches. 

What attendees will learn
Key ESG trends and terminology
The ESG communications ecosystem
Assessing ESG communications-related risk
Key considerations for communicating ESG topics
Practical application and a communications framework 
Further resources for communicators to continue building their knowledge about ESG topics

Delegate instructions
No pre-work for this course