Today, companies face intense pressure to prove their sustainability impact — while also risking serious backlash if they’re seen to get it wrong. Striking the right balance is critical, as both greenwashing and greenhushing can cause significant reputational damage.
The key? Aligning strategy with storytelling. One without the other simply doesn’t work. And in most cases, strategy should come first.
This is where sustainability consultants and communications professionals must work hand in hand. Sustainability experts help businesses define their impact, align with regulations, and implement credible initiatives. Communications consultants then translate this into clear, compelling narratives that engage stakeholders and build trust.
For freelancers, this presents a major opportunity. Whether you're working in comms, marketing, or sustainability strategy, independent professionals have a vital role to play in helping businesses build credibility, avoid missteps, and turn sustainability intentions into meaningful impact — all while aligning regulatory compliance with effective communication.
Join us and the PRCA for a live discussion on how these disciplines intersect — and how freelancers can position themselves at the forefront of this essential work.
Hosted byMadeleine Weightman, Co-founder of The Work Crowd, Chair of the PRCA Independent Consultants group, Member of The Worshipful Company of Communicators
in conversation with
Johnny Goldsmith, Head of Sustainability & ESG at our sister company Hanson Search.
We’ll explore:
✅ How independents can advise and challenge clients to ensure real impact (not just good PR)
✅ How to position yourself as a trusted sustainability partner
✅ The importance of strategy — and how it informs better storytelling
Speakers include:
🎤
Emma Fisher -
Freelance sustainability communications consultant and coach. Emma has previously worked with the World Bank Group and the Commonwealth Secretariat.🎤 Lucy Boreham – Founder of BayNel, a female-led ESG and sustainability consultancy with over 30 years of experience, helping businesses create value through sustainability.
🎤 Johnny Goldsmith - Head of Sustainability & ESG at Hanson Search. Johnny brings 8 years of experience in sustainability recruitment, with a background in environmental consulting.
📅 Date: Wednesday 23rd April
🕜 Time: 1:30pm
📍 Location: LinkedIn Live
We’d love for you to join us and be part of the conversation.