Regulatory Developments Q&A Surgeries
Supporting businesses navigate the fast-changing world of sustainability regulation
In a rapidly evolving regulatory environment, businesses are facing increasing complexity around sustainability-related legislation. From disclosure obligations to due diligence requirements, staying informed is no longer optional – it’s essential for maintaining stakeholder trust, securing investment, reducing risk, and protecting reputation.
Our Regulatory Developments Q&A Surgeries offer Participants of the UN Global Compact Network UK a dedicated, interactive forum to stay ahead of these changes. Designed for sustainability professionals, this series connects corporate practitioners directly with regulators, policymakers, legal specialists, and subject-matter experts. Through open, moderated Q&A sessions, participants can gain clarity on regulatory requirements, understand practical implications, and anticipate what’s coming next.
Upcoming Q&A Surgeries:
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
New date to be announced.
This session will explore the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and its practical implications for UK businesses. Participants will gain direct insight from EU policymakers and technical experts on the scope of the regulation, the forthcoming delegated acts, and product-specific requirements, and how companies operating in or exporting to the EU can begin preparing their product design, data, and reporting processes accordingly.
Past Sessions:
UK Sustainability Reporting Standards
Tuesday 7 July 14:00 - 15:00 BST
This session explored the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) and their practical implications for businesses. Participants gained direct insight from senior policymakers and regulators on the key features of UK SRS S1 and S2, the expected scope and timeline for implementation, and how companies could begin aligning their governance, risk management, and reporting processes with the new standards.
Speakers:
- Cassie McGoldrick, Primary Markets Policy Manager, Financial Conduct Authority
- Michael Ashby, Head of Sustainability Reporting Policy, Department for Business and Trade
Following the session, GCN UK produced a briefing document, Regulatory Developments Brief: UK Sustainability Reporting Standards, setting out the key takeaways from the discussion, a practical resource capturing everything shared during the session, designed to be just as useful whether or not you were able to join us on the day.
Inside the briefing, you'll find:
- An introduction to the UK SRS – what they are, who they apply to, and who does what across government and regulators
- A glossary of key terms to help you cut through the acronyms
- Key takeaways from DBT on the development and endorsement of the standards
- The FCA's proposals for listed companies, including the staggered timeline for S2, Scope 3, and S1 reporting
- Your questions answered – from materiality and multinationals to nature reporting
A practical preparation guide for companies of all sizes, including SMEs, with links to the tools and resources our speakers recommended
The Q&A Surgeries are designed to be flexible and responsive to the evolving regulatory landscape.
Sessions will focus on:
- Interpreting new legislation – scope, intent, timelines, and interaction with other policies
- Practical implementation – governance readiness, disclosure requirements, internal alignment, data management, and reporting processes
By participating in the series, Participants can expect:
- Greater understanding of new and evolving sustainability regulations
- Improved organisational preparedness for compliance and implementation
- Enhanced dialogue between business and regulatory bodies, contributing to more informed policymaking
- Strengthened internal capability to interpret, implement, and communicate regulatory requirements
For more information, please contact Erin Sharpe, Advocacy and Partnerships Manager.