Chair
Richard Collins
CSO - Co-founder · CSR Accreditation
CSR-A / Green Organisation
Sustainable Growth Conference 2027
Practical sustainability for stronger, more resilient and responsible businesses.
Event Summary
Sustainability made practical, commercial and achievable
Environmental and social responsibility are increasingly important to the success, resilience and reputation of every organisation.
For many SMEs, the sustainability landscape can feel confusing and unnecessarily complex. This conference cuts through acronyms, technical language and changing standards, showing that sustainability does not need to be difficult, expensive or resource intensive.
Using CSR Accreditation’s Four Pillars, delegates will hear practical guidance and real-world examples covering carbon accounting, responsible operations, employee engagement, community impact and purpose-driven culture.
EnvironmentRegulation, circular economy, Net Zero and reporting.
WorkplaceTalent, culture and governance.
CommunitySocial value and engagement.
PhilanthropyGiving and collaborative impact.
Detailed Event Summary
Why sustainable growth matters
Environmental and social responsibility are no longer simply “nice to have”. They are becoming increasingly important to the success, resilience and reputation of every organisation.
For many small and medium-sized businesses, however, the sustainability landscape can feel confusing and unnecessarily complex, filled with acronyms, technical language, changing standards and industry jargon. This conference is designed to cut through that complexity and demonstrate that sustainability does not need to be difficult, expensive or resource intensive.
Using CSR Accreditation’s Four Pillars of Environment, Workplace, Community and Philanthropy, the conference will explore the full breadth of environmental and social responsibility - looking beyond carbon reduction and net zero to employee wellbeing, workplace culture, community engagement, charitable support and wider social impact.
Delegates will hear from organisations already delivering meaningful initiatives, alongside industry experts sharing practical insights on carbon accounting, responsible operations, employee engagement and building a purpose-driven culture. The event will help businesses recognise the value of what they are already doing, communicate their achievements with greater confidence and identify practical opportunities for further improvement.
By working collaboratively with employees, customers, suppliers, partners and communities, organisations can move beyond minimum requirements and create meaningful, lasting change. The conference will provide practical guidance, real-world examples and the confidence to take the next step on the sustainability journey.
The House of Lords is the ideal venue for such an important conference, but this location neither indicates nor implies any Governmental or Party involvement.
Tickets are limited to 100 spaces and are available on a first come first served basis.
Speakers, chair & panellists
Meet the contributors
Ketnote
Lord Sewell of Sanderstead, Dr Tony Sewell CBE
Race and Ethnic Disparities Commission, Conservative peer
Moderator
Jennifer Clark
Operations Director · CSR Accreditation
Moderator
Raymond Bechard
Director · CSR-A North America, Author/Advocate
Partner
Roger Wolens
Founder/CEO · The Green Organisation / CSR Society
Moderator
Dr Hana Albanna
MENA Region Executive Director · CSR-A MENA
Panellist
Wayne Daley
Head of CSR Community Promise and Foundation · Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Panellist
Stuart Mclean
CFO · Brother UK
Panellist
Richard Wilkins
General Manager Sustainability, EHS Compliance and Site Facilities · Sony UK Technology Centre
Panellist
John Palman
Managing Director · Xpress Labels
Panellist
Danielle Haskings
ESG, Marketing and People Director · MCS
Panellist
Cynthia V Davis CBE
Founder/CEO · Diversifying
Interviewer
Pierre Shepherd
Policy Liaison Manager · College Green Group
Panellist
Mario Carrozzo
CEO&Founder · Caridon Group
Panelist
Elisabeth Rochford
ESG Lead · Diageo GB
The Cholmondeley Room & Terrace
Agenda
08.30 - 09.15
Arrival and registration
Breakfast reception: A selection of hot and cold breakfast items, fresh pastries and breakfast rolls, alongside fresh juices, tea and filter coffee.
09.30 - 09.45
Welcome from CSR-A – Richard Collins
Introducing an overview of the CSR-A Four Pillar Frame Work.
- How to navigate a complex sustainability landscape.
- Addressing social value, CSR, ESG, sustainabilityand compliance commitments.
09.45 - 10.15
Opening keynote on sustainable growth – Lord Tony Sewell of Sanderstead CBE
- Sustainability for SME’s.
- Many SMEs want to improve their environmental and social impact but are unsure where to begin.
- Recognise your progress. Understand your impact. Build your roadmap.
10.15 - 11.00 Coffee Break until 11.30
Panel discussion: responsible business as a driver of commercial success
Panellists:
Mario Carrozzo – CEO&Founder Caridon Group
Richard Wilkins General Manager Sustainability, EHS Compliance and Site Facilities · Sony UK Technology Centre
Panellist – Elisabeth Rochford – ESG Lead at Diageo GB
Moderator – Richard Collins CEO CSR-A
Followed by a 10 min Q&A
Panel Partner – Cardion Group
11.30 - 12.15
Interview with a senior business leader.
This session will explore the challenges sustainability brings especially around compliance. The interview will also delve into the importance of building a purpose driven culture and the impact that this has on recruitment and retention.
Interviewer: Pierre Shepherd – Policy Liaison Manager · College Green Group
The will include an open Q&A session to conclude before lunch.
12.15 - 13.30
Networking and Lunch Reception
- Flexible seasonal fork buffets / small plates featuring British and sustainably sourced seasonal ingredients, structured around starters, main courses and desserts.
- Opportunity for structured introductions between delegates, partners, sponsors and international participants.
- Networking
13.30 - 14.15
Environment Pillar Panel Discussion
A focus on regulation, circular economy, NetZero and impact reporting
Panellists:
John Palman – MD Xpress Labels
Stuart Maclean – CFO at Brother
Panellist -TBA
Moderator – Jennifer Clark – Operations Director CSR-A
Plus Q&A
14.15 - 15.00
Workplace Pillar Panel Discussion
A focus on the next generation of talent, purpose driven culture’s and responsible governance:
Panellists:
Danielle Haskings – ESG, Marketing and People Director at MCS
Cynthia V Davis CBE – CSR Accreditation – CEO/Founder at Diversifying.io
Panellist – TBA
Moderator – Raymond Bechard – Director CSR-A North America, Author/Advocate
Plus Q&A
15.00 - 15.30
Afternoon tea reception
Seasonal finger sandwiches, freshly baked buttermilk scones with Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream and Tiptree strawberry jam, plus House of Lords afternoon tea pastries and assorted sweet cakes.
15.30 - 16.15
Community and Philanthropy Pillar Panel Discussion
A focus on social value, collaborative impact and community engagement:
Panellists:
Wayne Daley – Head of CSR Community Promise and Foundation – Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Panellist – TBA
Panellist – TBA
Moderator – Dr Hana – MENA Region Executive Director · CSR-A MENA
Plus Q&A
16.15 - 16.30
Closing keynote: ministerial / parliamentary contribution – TBA
16.30 - 16.40
Summary and next steps – Richard Collins
17.00
Finish
Contributors & Partners
Organisations represented
Who should attend
For leaders responsible for sustainability and responsible growth
Business Leaders, Audit and Risk Managers, Finance Teams, ESG, Sustainability and CSR Professionals, Investors, Advisors and Policy-Makers.
Join us at the Palace of Westminster
Secure your place at the Sustainable Growth Conference 2027.