Driving long-term sustainable value
ESG considerations are embedded in our strategy. As a specialist STEM recruiter we are at the forefront of delivering the skills needed to build a sustainable future, while our diversity, equality and inclusion policies ensure that we are putting people first.
By delivering against ambitious environmental and social targets we can demonstrate how we are leading our industry in defining what it means to be a responsible and sustainable employer, both for our staff and in society.
Environmental responsibilities
Companies are increasingly looking for environmental responsibility in their partners. We are no different. Many of our clients are either in the renewables energy sector or navigating the low carbon transition themselves.
We contribute to addressing climate change in two significant ways: by reducing our own carbon emissions and ensuring our clients have access to the talent they need to transition to a low carbon economy.
Addressing climate change
We take our role in tackling the climate emergency seriously. By actively working to reduce our own emissions targets we can make positive long-term commitments to the environment and society.
We are delighted to be recognised as a climate leader by the Financial Times in its inaugural listing of European Climate Leaders, which details the top 300 companies that achieved the greatest reduction in their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity between 2014 and 2019. We are the only staffing sector company to achieve that distinction, placing 69th.
Supplying sought-after specialists
Every business and value chain will be disrupted by the transition to a low carbon economy. As a specialist STEM recruiter we actively seek renewable energy clients that are at the forefront of delivering the innovation the world needs, supplying them with sought-after specialists to tackle the climate emergency.
We're delivering positive outcomes for our stakeholders and contributing towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals where we can have the most impact, placing us at the forefront of our industry in defining what it means to be a responsible employer.
Our Impact Report
Our ESG Committee needs accurate impact data to ensure we have credible action and accountability. Explore our 2021 Impact Report, which includes key targets.
Putting people first
We are building a future that works for all of us by putting people first. By investing in new business opportunities and talent growth within our markets we are delivering economic growth and employment opportunities. Through this we aim to have a positive impact on society beyond simply what our clients and candidates achieve.
Our role in society
Our diversity, equality and inclusion policies are critical to attract and retain talent and help people perform at the top of their game. We set challenging targets for gender balance, aspiring to increase representation at leadership levels to 50/50 by 2024. Although we reduced turnover of females by 3% and maintained levels of women represented across leadership roles, there is plenty more to achieve.
In November 2021, SThree was awarded Company of the Year at the 2021 European Diversity Awards. Again, we were the only staffing sector company to be recognised.
Green skills insight programme
Not enough young people are choosing STEM subjects at school, pursuing STEM careers or aware of green careers. Building the future talent pipeline to meet the growing needs of the market is one of the core objectives of our community outreach programmes. We spark the possibility of a green career for young people, from the renewable energy sector to building a career in green tech.
In 2021, 87 young people attended our interactive Green Careers insight events. As a result of our outreach, 86% of young people said they are now exploring green career opportunities.
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
We recognise that ensuring long-term sustainability through concerted and transparent climate and environmental action is key to our resilience and continued success.
As an early adopter of the robust Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (‘TCFD’) reporting standard, we have carefully analysed our response to the changing market and environment in which we operate.
In order to align to the recommendations of TCFD we have:
- Implemented a climate-related scenario analysis framework.
- Integrated climate change as an emerging risk.
- Strengthened our ESG Committee to improve governance and Board oversight.
Use the icons below to read a summary of our approach and progress.
Governance
We have appointed a Group Environmental, Social and Governance (‘ESG’) Committee to identify, mitigate and strategically manage climate-related risks and opportunities to the Group. The ESG Committee is responsible for oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities including scenario analysis, risk mitigation, strategic alignment and the Groups Sustainability Strategy, targets and carbon reduction plan.
In 2021 the ESG Committee established a workstream focused on implementing a climate-related scenario analysis framework and a secondary workstream focused on understanding net-zero transition planning.
Strategy
We identified three key scenarios by which we assess the implications of climate change on our business:
- Scenario 1: Renewable-led growth (orderly, 1.5 -2C).
- Scenario 2: Disruptive change (disorderly).
- Scenario 3: Fossil fuelled future (hot house world).
We tested the resilience of our business and strategy using research and data modelling. Details on how each of the three scenarios impacts our business, strategy and financial planning is detailed in our full TCFD report.
Risks and opportunities
Climate-related risks are identified through our scenario analysis, using the frameworks and modelling data alongside internal and external data and stakeholder insights. The ESG Committee is responsible for implementing climate-related scenario analysis and the risks identified are analysed carefully, with clear measures, mitigation, controls and governance assigned to each risk.
Climate change has been categorised as an emerging risk for the business. As such, climate-related risks and controls are reviewed quarterly, with escalation to the ESG Committee as required, reviewed annually by the Group Risk Committee.
Metrics and targets
We report annually on Scenario 1, Scenario 2 and Scenario 3 outcomes, as outlined under our Strategy.
Our emissions are calculated in line with the GHG Protocol methodology to allow for aggregation and comparability across organisations. Our emissions performance for the previous reporting period are also included in our Annual Report for comparison.
Our carbon reduction plan has seen a YoY reduction in carbon emissions which includes 44% reduction in 2021 from our 2019 baseline year.
Read our latest insights
Empowering our colleagues to help our planet
Our Dutch teams took advantage of our paid volunteering leave to do their bit to help the environment. Find out what they got up to
How can companies provide meaning to their employees
The next Work in Progress documentary explores the topic of purpose in work and how companies can provide meaning to the work they do.
Building a diverse workforce in the Asia Pacific region
Assisting our financial services client to map the market and source candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Being a climate conscious business
How climate change is affecting our business and the STEM markets we operate in with independent sustainability consultancy Avieco.
Empowering our colleagues to help the environment
Everyone at SThree gets 40 paid volunteering hours a year. Read about how our teams around the world are helping the environment.
Providing access to medical testing through mobile and logistics technology
This health tech start-up uses mobile and logistics technology to provide access to medical testing, including COVID-19 in rural Nigeria.
Improving mobility and quality of life through 3D printed prosthetics
Improving mobility and quality of life through 3D printed prosthetics
Digitising water utility operations to reduce water shortages in Africa
How the WayPoints team developed software that brings water utility operations in Africa into the 21st century.
Tackling bacterial diseases in agriculture and beyond
The Uniphage team are hoping their innovative STEM business concept will create platform technology to cure bacterial diseases in agricul...
Alleviating single-use plastic in the fast food sector
A team of students from India developed sustainable food packaging to reduce the amount of plastic packaging being produced
What if you could turn single-use face masks into clean energy?
Living Energy are hoping their innovative STEM business concept will turn our global single-use plastic problem into a clean energy source.
Transforming the construction market with a low-carbon alternative
A team of young entrepreneurs from India have developed a low-carbon alternative that could transform the global construction market.
Who knew cows loved the salty taste of seaweed?
Based in the UK, a team of students have developed a cow feed that uses seaweed to reduce the amount of methane entering the atmosphere
How expertise in niche fields kept a US wind farm construction project on track
Global renewable energy construction company benefits from key hires with specialist skills in wind turbines.
Now is the time to energise the future of work
We've partnered with Samuel Durand on a new documentary exploring the future of work
It's okay to not be okay - why should you care about your mental health?
This article looks at why you should care about your mental health, especially during a pandemic this World Mental Health day.
The future of the workplace is now
Experts discuss the future of work and what it means for the fourth industrial revolution.
Corporate social responsibility in recruitment
Head of CSR Gemma Branney discusses the importance of ethical procurement in the recruitment industry
Read our latest ESG news
Financial Times names SThree on list of Europe’s Climate Leaders for second year
SThree has been included in the Financial Times-Statista list of Europe’s Climate Leaders for a second year in a row. Read about our ESG ...
SThree partners with Earthly to support the natural revolution
SThree has teamed up with Earthly to continue its commitment to carbon removals and being a climate-conscious business.
2021 Annual Report: Discover how SThree is delivering STEM talent
Read how SThree is connecting sought-after STEM specialists with pioneering global companies in our 2021 Annual Report and TCFD statement.
SThree ranks top in Support Services sector in Britain’s Most Admired Companies 2021
Study published by Management Today puts SThree first in eight of the 13 key criteria.
SThree named ‘Top Employer’ in Germany for a ninth consecutive year
Top Employer Institute recognises our approach to creating a positive culture and supporting colleagues.
SThree awarded Company of the Year at the 2021 European Diversity Awards
EDA awards are firmly established as the continent’s most prestigious and widely respected diversity event.
Samira Alimohammad named on SIA list of most influential women in staffing
Vice-President and General Counsel of SThree Americas, recognised as one of the most influential women in staffing in North America.
SThree shortlisted for Company of the Year at the European Diversity Awards
SThree is delighted to be included on the shortlist for the Company of the Year award at the 2021 European Diversity Awards.
SThree appoints new Chief Marketing Officer
Carol McNerney’s diversity of experience will help us achieve our stated ambitions as the number one global STEM provider.
SThree becomes official partner of the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge
Exciting kick-starter programme for new STEM enterprises that will solve the biggest challenges facing the world.
SThree to introduce a hybrid working model when offices re-open
We listened to colleagues across the businesses and have adopted a hybrid policy allowing our people to work at home and in the office.
Financial Times names SThree on list of Europe’s Climate Leaders
Recognition acknowledges progress made in reducing our carbon emissions to protect the future of the planet.
SThree partners with Generating Genius to fund five university scholarship students in the UK
Talented students to undertake computer science and engineering courses at universities in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
SThree recognised for five years of action against climate change
CDP awards B rating for voluntary disclosure programme after carbon emissions reduced by 12%.
SThree named Recruiter Awards' Sustainable Recruitment Agency of the Year
Sustainability strategy recognised for "Strong, mature considerations of impact and social engagement with demonstrable solutions.
SThree included in FTSE4Good Index for work on ESG practices
Company recognised for more than 1,500 hours of volunteering support during year affected by Covid-19.
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