We’re lucky to work in one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s up to us, working with our communities, to take care of it.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG)
Making a difference to the environment, our communities and our people
We’re working hard to be a positive presence in the world
We’re proud to now be a certified B Corp – part of a global movement of businesses committed to making a positive impact on people, communities and the planet.
Becoming a B Corp is a key milestone, but not the finish line. We’ve worked hard to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability, but are committed to continuous improvement, and there’s more we want to achieve.
We already do many of the things you’d expect from an environmentally responsible business. We recycle. We try to reduce single use plastics. We’re also reducing our energy usage and have a plan to achieve Carbon Net Zero. Meanwhile flexible and hybrid working options cut fuel use, while making our people happier.
Many of the best ideas and initiatives come from our people working at a local level. So, we’ve built a green team network, connecting our most motivated colleagues, challenging us to go beyond the basics, and change for good, with a green leader in every office championing local initiatives.
We embed sustainability into the way we work, ensuring environmental considerations shape our policies, processes and strategic decisions – and using the B Corp framework to guide these improvements.
We’re a certified B Corp ™
B stands for benefit – for people and the planet. B Corps are independently verified for meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
When you work with us, you can be reassured that you’re working with a firm that meets those high standards and takes its environmental and social impact seriously.
More than 30 of our existing clients are already B Corps – we understand the landscape because we work with so many who are part of it.
If your organisation is evaluating its approach to sustainability, then you’ll know we have a firsthand understanding of both the opportunities and challenges you’re facing.
Our journey to become a certified B Corp
Becoming a certified B Corp doesn’t change the way we work with our clients – it shows how we already work, with a focus on the long-term interests of our clients, our people and our communities. Let’s take a closer look across five impact areas:
1. Governance
B Corp principles are built into how we run the firm, with a B Corp ‘mission lock’ added into our partnership agreement, ESG linked objectives for all colleagues and increased transparency such as sharing our financial performance quarterly with all colleagues.
2. Colleagues
We’ve improved pay transparency, expanded wellbeing support, strengthened learning and development, and use regular employee engagement surveys to drive change.
3. Communities
We support our communities through local charitable giving with every office having a giving budget through the PKF Francis Clark Community Fund. We offer paid volunteering for every colleague and have established partnerships that widen access to accounting careers through schools, colleges and work experience.
4. Environment
We’ve committed to becoming net zero by 2035 and now measure our emissions annually. Offices have been upgraded to reduce out footprint with LED lighting, smart plugs, insulation improvements and solar panels. In addition local environmental initiatives are driven by colleague led green teams.
5. Clients
We introduced structured client listening to improve how we work, strengthening communication, delivering a more joined up service across teams, and ensuring our data security and marketing are ethical, transparent and accessible.
A leading role in our communities
Making a positive change in the places where we live and work.
A century ago, our founder Frank Clark became chair of the local Chamber of Commerce. We’re following in his footsteps, by playing an active role in the communities where we live and work.
One part of that is helping local businesses. We’re buying local where we can – boosting the region’s prosperity, while also protecting the environment.
Our people play a huge role, too. And we help that by providing opportunities to volunteer and build relationships. Through their generosity and goodwill, we’re also able to help charities – both in the west country and beyond.
Things we’re especially proud of:
- Volunteering days where our colleagues make a difference – some clean beaches; others prepare meals for homeless people or do maintenance tasks for charities or community organisation
- Networking events, playing an active part in the business community
- Every office fundraises for a local charity of the year – we find fun ways to raise funds and learn more about what the charity does
- Donating to local charities and causes that are championed by our people, with decisions about what to fund being made locally
- Introducing a responsible purchasing policy and supplier sourcing process to ensure providers are aligned to our values
Get our ESG report – find out how we put our commitments into action
Volunteering days at PKF Francis Clark
