Ashfords on ESG

Episode 5: Modern slavery in the UK

In epsiode 5 of Ashfords on ESG, host Zoe Hunt is joined by Samantha Knights KC of Matrix Chambers to discuss modern slavery in the UK. Sam is an established silk with a broad practice area which includes immigration and asylum, and human rights. She has been instructed in a wide range of complex cases involving trafficking and modern slavery. Their conversation delves into the pressing issue of modern slavery, particularly in the context of the UK's legal framework and the challenges faced by victims. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the legal definitions, the relevance of modern slavery in the UK, and the shortcomings of the current anti-slavery system. They explore how real-life cases illustrate the complexities of identifying victims, the role of criminal enforcement, and the risks of re-trafficking, before discussing what changes are needed to better protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. If you are aware of any case of modern slavery, you can report this to the modern slavery helpine on 0800 0121 700. You can also find out more here: Report modern slavery – Reportmodern slavery – GOV.UK [https://www.modernslavery.gov.uk/start] Find out more about our work to support organisations in implementing impactful ESG strategies: ⁠https://www.ashfords.co.uk/expertise/business-legal-services/esg-services⁠ [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/expertise/business-legal-services/esg-services] Our insights in this podcast are intended to be for general information purposes only, may not cover every aspect of the topic with which it deals, and should not be relied on as legal advice or as an alternative to taking legal advice.English law is subject to change and the insights shared may not reflect the latest legal developments. You should always seek appropriate legal advice before taking, or refraining from taking, any action based on the information contained in this podcast. Ashfords disclaims all liability for any loss,howsoever caused, arising directly or indirectly from reliance on the information contained within this podcast. Ashfords LLP is a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales with number OC342432, and its registered office is at Ashford House, Grenadier Road, Exeter, EX1 3LH. The firm’s VAT number is GB 844 5024 39. Ashfords LLP isauthorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with number 508761. A list of members of Ashfords LLP, and their professional qualifications, is available at the registered office. The term partner is used to refer to a member of Ashfords LLP or an employee of equivalent standing. A copy of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Standards and Regulations 2019 can be found at ⁠www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations⁠ [http://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations].

Episode 4: Governance risks and financial crime

In Episode 4 of Ashfords on ESG, host Zoe Hunt [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/zoe-hunt] is joined by Oliver Woodhouse [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/oliver-woodhouse] and Andrew Roberts [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/andrew-roberts] from Ashfords’ commercial team for a deep dive into perhaps the most overlooked pillar of ESG: governance. This episode explores how governance failures can expose any organisation, not just financial institutions, to significant financial crime risks, reputational damage, and regulatory scrutiny. Together, they explore the full spectrum of financial crime, including fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions breaches, and bribery/corruption, explaining how these offences arise in practice and why all businesses must take them seriously. Listeners will learn: * Why financial crime is a core ESG governance risk, not just a compliance box‑ticking exercise. * How weak systems, poor oversight, and unclear accountability can inadvertently expose organisations to liability. * The importance of risk assessments, proportionate controls, and staff training to build genuine, defensible governance frameworks. * Key regulatory developments, including the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and shifting supervisory expectations in the UK. * How ESG disclosures can unintentionally heighten fraud and bribery risks when governance controls aren’t robust. * Practical steps any organisation can take now to strengthen fraud prevention, improve financial crime governance, and protect their ESG credibility. This episode provides actionable insights for business leaders, compliance teams, and anyone responsible for organisational governance, highlighting the crucial link between strong ESG governance, financial crime resilience, and sustainable business practice.

Episode 3: The role of AI in shaping the future of ESG

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the ESG landscape — but can innovation and sustainability truly work hand in hand? In this episode of Ashfords on ESG, Associate Zoe Hunt [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/zoe-hunt] is joined by Commercial Associate Hannah Elliott [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/hannah-elliott] to explore one of the most transformative forces impacting ESG: artificial intelligence. They discuss how AI is being used by businesses to meet ESG requirements, enhance compliance and analyse sustainability data, as well as the potential pitfalls of relying on technology in this evolving space. The conversation examines: * How AI can automate ESG data collection, reporting and verification * The legal and ethical challenges around AI-driven decision making * The risks of bias, inaccuracy and hallucination in AI systems * Differences between the UK and EU approaches to AI regulation * The tension between innovation, sustainability and environmental responsibility Zoe and Hannah also consider how organisations can balance the efficiency of AI with the need for transparency and human oversight, and what this means for the future of responsible business. Find out more about our work to support organisations in implementing impactful ESG strategies: https://www.ashfords.co.uk/expertise/business-legal-services/esg-services [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/expertise/business-legal-services/esg-services] Our insights in this podcast are intended to be for general information purposes only, may not cover every aspect of the topic with which it deals, and should not be relied on as legal advice or as an alternative to taking legal advice.English law is subject to change and the insights shared may not reflect the latest legal developments. You should always seek appropriate legal advice before taking, or refraining from taking, any action based on the information contained in this podcast. Ashfords disclaims all liability for any loss,howsoever caused, arising directly or indirectly from reliance on the information contained within this podcast. Ashfords LLP is a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales with number OC342432, and its registered office is at Ashford House, Grenadier Road, Exeter, EX1 3LH. The firm’s VAT number is GB 844 5024 39. Ashfords LLP isauthorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with number 508761. A list of members of Ashfords LLP, and their professional qualifications, is available at the registered office. The term partner is used to refer to a member of Ashfords LLP or an employee of equivalent standing. A copy of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Standards and Regulations 2019 can be found at www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations [http://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations].

Episode 2: How can HR drive effective ESG implementation?

ESG within the workplace is not a simple 'tick box' exercise- HR has a huge role to play.   Employment partner James Collings [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/james-collings] joins associate Zoe Hunt [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/zoe-hunt]in our second ESG podcast to discuss HR's crucial role within ESG strategy implementation.   In the episode we provide practical insights to help HR professionals move in the right direction, highlighting seven steps to build an ethical, inclusive and sustainable workplace. Our insights in this podcast are intended to be for general information purposes only, may not cover every aspect of the topic with which it deals, and should not be relied on as legal advice or as an alternative to taking legal advice.English law is subject to change and the insights shared may not reflect the latest legal developments. You should always seek appropriate legal advice before taking, or refraining from taking, any action based on the information contained in this podcast. Ashfords disclaims all liability for any loss,howsoever caused, arising directly or indirectly from reliance on the information contained within this podcast. Ashfords LLP is a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales with number OC342432, and its registered office is at Ashford House, Grenadier Road, Exeter, EX1 3LH. The firm’s VAT number is GB 844 5024 39. Ashfords LLP isauthorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with number 508761. A list of members of Ashfords LLP, and their professional qualifications, is available at the registered office. The term partner is used to refer to a member of Ashfords LLP or an employee of equivalent standing. A copy of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Standards and Regulations 2019 can be found at ⁠www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations⁠ [http://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations].

Episode 1: How does ESG impact businesses and the law?

What is ESG and why is it important?   Zoe Hunt [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/zoe-hunt] and Ian Manners [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/ian-manners], part of Ashfords' business risk and regulation [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/expertise/business-legal-services/business-risk-regulation] team, introduce ESG and explore the significant impact it has on businesses and the law.   Whilst ESG is becoming widely-recognised as an indicator of responsible business conduct, our experts unpack each of the three pillars and highlight the importance to businesses and their clients, stakeholders, investors and industry regulators. Ashfords is a full service law firm that provides expert legal guidance to help you deliver impactful Environmental, Social, and Governance strategies while managing risk and compliance challenges. You can find out more about our work in this area here [https://www.ashfords.co.uk/expertise/business-legal-services/esg-services]. Our insights in this podcast are intended to be for general information purposes only, may not cover every aspect of the topic with which it deals, and should not be relied on as legal advice or as an alternative to taking legal advice.English law is subject to change and the insights shared may not reflect the latest legal developments. You should always seek appropriate legal advice before taking, or refraining from taking, any action based on the information contained in this podcast. Ashfords disclaims all liability for any loss,howsoever caused, arising directly or indirectly from reliance on the information contained within this podcast. Ashfords LLP is a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales with number OC342432, and its registered office is at Ashford House, Grenadier Road, Exeter, EX1 3LH. The firm’s VAT number is GB 844 5024 39. Ashfords LLP isauthorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with number 508761. A list of members of Ashfords LLP, and their professional qualifications, is available at the registered office. The term partner is used to refer to a member of Ashfords LLP or an employee of equivalent standing. A copy of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Standards and Regulations 2019 can be found at ⁠www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations⁠ [http://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations].