IoD Scotland Autumn 2021

News: IoD Scotland comment
Net Zero: the time for talk is over
A stunning IoD Conference has whet the appetite to transform the
way businesses operate – and reminded us that time for action is short,
says Louise Macdonald, National Director, IoD Scotland
Net Zero…ESG…
SDG…No Planet B –
there is no shortage
of acronym-laden
hooks to hang
strategic intent around
sustainability on. In
all these, though, the
message is clear – it’s time for everyone
to move beyond the slide deck and into
decisive, measurable and urgent action.
This was one of the biggest takeaways
for me at our recent virtual global
conference. We heard from a spectacular
host of speakers and panellists, all of
whom are focusing on how they can
address the climate crisis, as well as their
roles in the race to Net Zero. Put simply,
the time for talk is over.
It can be hard to think as far as 2030
when we’re still building back from the
pandemic; but the future isn’t fixed,
it’s made – and it’s great directors and
boards that can be the difference.
The benefits to business of pursuing
a Net Zero agenda are well rehearsed.
There are still economic-theory
skirmishes and fundamental political
choices to be made around the how, but
there are few directors sitting around
any boardroom table who would deny
both the imperative and the opportunity.
We can’t deny that there will be tough
choices to be made, and brave, bold
and visionary leadership will be key
to unlocking a positive future. Board
members and directors don’t need to be
experts in heating grid technology or the
latest innovations in vertical farming and
biodiversity, but they do need to take
personal and professional responsibility
in knowing which questions to ask
and what information they need from
their executive teams to make the best
decisions possible.
With COP26 and its legacy on the
horizon, we, as directors, must focus
on gaining a deeper understanding
around how creating sustainable
businesses will support our economic
future. The boardroom buzz is around a
deeper understanding of shared values
and purpose with stakeholders and
shareholders; planet as well as profit,
staff, communities, customers and the
supply chain united. It is a purposedriven
mindset that redefines success
from being the best in the world to being
the best for the world. Many studies
show that purpose-driven organisations
outperform profit-maximisation
businesses. Clearly, doing good is good
business.
It’s possible to be honest about where
we all are now, without compromising
on our determination to get where we
need to. Collaboration, learning across
the boundaries of sectors, will help us
to realise the ambitions and benefits of
the ‘wellbeing economy’ to deliver social
justice on a healthy planet. As business
leaders, it’s up to us to raise our game
on asking the fundamental questions
needed to shift from theory to action.
The good news is that’s what innovative
and solution-focused businesses in
communities across Scotland do every
day…because there really is no Planet B.
For a full report on the IoD Global Conference, see from page 28
Retailers call for
NYD closure plan
to be rejected
Retailers are urging the Scottish
Government to reject proposals to
close large shops on New Year’s Day.
Retail owners and staff are being
consulted after the Usdaw submitted a
petition to the Scottish Parliament
calling for the change.
The trade union argues that shop
workers “deserve a decent break over
New Year” after keeping the nation fed
and delivering essential services.
Currently, the Christmas Day and
New Year’s Day Trading (Scotland) Act
2007 only bans large shops from
opening on Christmas Day.
However, companies and
organisations including the Scottish
Retail Consortium, CBI Scotland and
the Scottish Tourism Alliance have
written to Public Finance Minister Tom
Arthur, asking him to reject the
request for a change.
New schools programme is piloting
connections for change in Scotland
A recent Social
Mobility Commission
report found that
for too many young
people, their start in life still limits their
future. Access to social capital such as
relatable role models can change this.
That’s why UK charity, Future First, has
expanded with a ground-breaking pilot
in two Scottish schools.
Using a proven formula developed
elsewhere in the UK, a Scottish pilot
started in September. Gracemount
High and Tynecastle High Schools
in Edinburgh will connect current
students with former pupils, opening
their eyes to a world of opportunities
and the pathways to get there. The
aim is to see every state school pupil in
Scotland supported by a thriving alumni
To register to join the national alumni pool,
visit www.futurefirst.org.uk.
community. These two schools will join
a network of 400 other educational
establishments across England and Wales.
Directors can get involved by signing
up as a speaker or employer partner,
joining a sector or interest group, or
considering something similar for
schools local to their business or indeed,
your own former school.
“Each employer partnership is unique,”
said Leon Ward, Director, Future First.
“Some organisations provide vital
funding or pro bono support. Some
employers provide virtual or face-toface
insight days, work experience
opportunities or encourage their staff to
become mentors. Contact me to find out
more about having a meaningful impact
on young people, schools and their
alumni up and down the country.”
04 iod.com
Autumn 2021