ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance
The Board of DSW Capital is deeply committed to ESG and working with our stakeholders we continuously strive for improvement. Our primary objective is to empower our people to reach their potential, and develop sustainable businesses which best serve the needs of their clients and local communities.
Our approach involves the integration of ESG into our business operations. ESG starts at Board level and is implemented via a committee, led by our CFOO, and formed of people from across the business. This structure ensures ESG programs are accessible to all at Dow Schofield Watts, and allows for regional and national oversight.
Integration started with the development of our ESG strategy which was aligned and verified by our licensee partners and their employees, and resulted in high levels of engagement across the group.
Our ESG cornerstones
DSW’s ESG framework is built on four cornerstones, developed using guidance published by QCA and benchmarked against the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) recommendations.
We believe that by embedding ESG practices into our culture and operations, we not only enhance our business performance but also contribute to the broader social and environmental goals. We recognise that ESG is an ever-evolving field and are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices.
ESG Chair statement
As the ESG Chair, I am immensely proud of the progress our committee has achieved to date. Our unwavering commitment to ESG principles underscores our dedication to creating a positive impact.
We recognise that ESG is not just a buzzword; it is fundamental to our organisation’s success. It starts at Board level, filters down through the whole business, and encompasses all stakeholders—whether investors, employees, or the communities we serve—who expect us to lead by example. We embrace this responsibility wholeheartedly.
Our ambition is clear: to be ‘best in class’ within our sector and size. We strive for excellence, not merely compliance. By embedding ESG considerations into our decision-making processes, we aim to drive sustainable growth and resilience.
DSW Capital remains committed to engaging with our people, to incorporate their insights, perspectives, and priorities when shaping our ESG strategy. By listening and acting upon their feedback, we ensure that our approach reflects the values and aspirations of our entire organisation and continues to evolve.
Together, we forge a path towards a more responsible, equitable, and prosperous future—one where ESG isn’t just a checkbox, but a compass guiding our actions.
Pete Fendall
Chief Finance and Operating Officer
Our ESG reports
We produce an ESG report alongside our annual report as part of our commitment to responsible business practices.