Note: This is an audio recording of a live webinar in our Catalyst series of webinars. As markets move from response to recovery, our focus is shifting too. We understand that navigating the pace of change, and defining your new normal can be overwhelming, so we are continuing to develop insights to help you recover, rebuild and reform. To watch the webinar on demand and access the resource materials, please visit our dedicated Catalyst // Webinar Series page.

The pandemic has naturally focused attention on health and safety, and human rights. In doing so, the ESG dialogue has in turn drawn "S" factors out from the shadow of the “E” and the “G”. It has also revealed the potential for business to reduce the scale of its environmental impact, and made us all more aware of the risks posed by “black swan” events and existential threats, such as climate change. 

In this episode, we share some perspectives on how businesses and investors can develop a robust approach to the ESG risks and opportunities presented by the pandemic in the short-term and in the months ahead, as we head into the recovery phase.

The episode draws on the wide-ranging experiences of our speakers. Herbert Smith Freehills corporate lawyer, Rebecca Perlman, is joined by experts, including:

• Philip Collins, Columnist at The Times and former chief speech writer to Tony Blair; and
• Will Martindale, Director of Policy & Research at the UN Principles for Responsible Investment.

In advance of the episode, we would recommend reading this piece co-authored by Mr Collins with his colleagues at The Draft. The piece suggests that three key principles will emerge from the pandemic and underpin the recovery - cleaner growth, fairer growth, and caring growth. The piece also touches on some of the ways in which businesses can approach the question of corporate purpose.