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IRSG Report: ESG Ratings

ESG and sustainability are becoming increasingly central to investment decisions around the world. COP26 provided a big boost to sustainable finance and the shift in capital toward sustainable activities.

ESG ratings are a vital component of this capital reallocation so both demand for and reliance on these products is only expected to grow. It is therefore crucial that market users and investors have confidence in ESG ratings when making investment decisions.

However, with the ESG ratings market still in its infancy and demand increasing at a rapid rate, it is unsurprising that significant challenges are emerging. These include transparency of methodology, ratings varying widely between different providers, clarity of purpose behind different products, availability of data disclosure, and potential conduct risks. As demand is set only to accelerate, it is paramount that these challenges are addressed to ensure the market is fit for purpose and can properly support market practitioners in assessing the risks and opportunities of potential ESG investments.

It is in response to this need that the IRSG, in partnership with Accenture, has undertaken this work. This report explores the challenges the market faces in its present state and offers recommendations of steps industry, regulators and policymakers can take to futureproof the integrity and efficiency of the ESG ratings market.

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  • It is … crucial that market users and investors have confidence in ESG ratings when making investment decisions.

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MEET SOME OF OUR TEAM

  • Caro Ruttledge
    Caro Ruttledge

    Head of People Change

    Gate One
  • Charles Withey
    Charles Withey

    Deputy Head of Sustain

    H/Advisors
  • Spiro Comitis
    Spiro Comitis

    Energy Lead

    Gate One
  • Sukh Plaha
    Sukh Plaha

    Circular Economy Lead

    Gate One
  • Tom Wilkins
    Tom Wilkins

    Public Affairs Director

    H/Advisors
  • Tony Mattson
    Tony Mattson

    Head of Strategy

    Havas Media
  • Whitney Hollis
    Whitney Hollis

    Sustainability Strategist

    Conran Design Group
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IRSG Report: ESG Ratings

Caro Ruttledge

Head of People Change, Gate One

Caro leads Gate One’s people change practice, supporting clients to design and deliver behavioural change programmes at scale. Caro’s team blends innovation and pragmatism to deliver meaningful change for global clients across all sectors. An executive coach, Caro is passionate about working with leadership teams to align and mobilise strategic and personal intent.

IRSG Report: ESG Ratings

Charles Withey

Deputy Head of Sustain, H/Advisors

Charles is deputy head of Maitland/amo’s Sustain team, advising clients in the financial, energy and industrial sectors on their ESG strategies and media messaging. During his time at Maitland/amo, Charles has worked with companies on the full scope of their ESG journeys including reporting, materiality assessments and investor relations. 

IRSG Report: ESG Ratings

Spiro Comitis

Energy Lead, Gate One

Spiro leads our energy and utilities sector and has helped energy companies to drive large-scale and complex transformations, implement new operating models, integrate capability and use technology to adapt to a decentralised and decarbonised world.

IRSG Report: ESG Ratings

Sukh Plaha

Circular Economy Lead, Gate One

Sukh is an experienced sustainability consultant, at the leading edge of expertise in sustainability strategy and sustainable business models, as demonstrated through his work with clients, participation in the UN’s Young Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Innovator Programme and in leading the development of an industry-leading Circular Business Model Design Guide 
for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy 100 (CE100).

IRSG Report: ESG Ratings

Tom Wilkins

Public Affairs Director, H/Advisors

Tom leads the multi-sector public affairs practice, with a focus on sustainability and energy policy. He has successfully led client accounts including the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, Stellantis, the International Hydropower Association, MHI Vestas, and L&G. Prior to joining Cicero/amo, Tom worked for several consultancies, lobbying successfully on the Energy Act 2011 and on Electricity Market Reform (EMR) for energy clients.

IRSG Report: ESG Ratings

Tony Mattson

Head of Strategy, Havas Media

Tony is responsible for inspiring brilliant communications strategies across the Group to help us make a meaningful difference to our clients’ businesses and brands. With over 20 years of experience, Tony has wide sector knowledge and expertise in helping organisations use media as a lever of growth and a force for good.

IRSG Report: ESG Ratings

Whitney Hollis

Sustainability Strategist, Conran Design Group

Whitney leads on advising businesses to become a more sustainable business and brand. For over 10 years, she has worked in-house sustainability roles and as a consultant for various brands across industry from finance to fashion. She can help companies define what sustainability & ESG mean for them, create the metrics and reporting frameworks, and tailor communications to build a sustainable business and brand.

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