Kerry Round presents at Sheffield Hallam on sustainability careers for women.
A round-up of Kerry Round’s talk on governance and women’s careers in sustainability.
On 12 September at Hallam University, myself and Jane Powell, RGS Associate Director, explored practical ways women can build meaningful, resilient careers in sustainability with a crowd of young women, mainly students. A truly beautiful workshop organised by Professor Nadia Gulko and Dr Dora Chan supporting gender equality and “Strengthening pathways into sustainability careers”.
My core belief is simple—when it comes to strengthening career pathways into sustainability for women, there’s no better way than through a career in governance. Governance turns values into systems, strategies and measurable outcomes and this is exactly where long-term sustainability lives.
Firstly, let me explain what we mean by “sustainability careers.” These are roles that actively contribute to environmental stewardship, social equity and economic resilience. They’re jobs that engage with climate action, resource conservation, responsible business practices and fairness at work.
In other words, sustainability isn’t (and shouldn’t be) a single job title. It’s a multi-faceted mission that should sit in a variety of teams and structures.
So, where does governance come in?
Governance is the backbone that makes responsible business a reality. Through governance frameworks and ethical oversight, organisations translate ambition into policies and processes.
That includes social equity tools such as:
Modern Slavery Statements
Gender Pay Gap reporting
Diversity & Inclusion policies
As well as environmental accountability via climate risk disclosure, sustainability reporting, and TCFD-aligned statements.
Governance roles that drive sustainability
Governance roles are varied, influential and deeply connected to sustainability outcomes. Aswell as the two job roles below, the possibilities are endless – let us know if you work in governance and in sustainability and what your job title is!
Company Secretary. The strategic partner to the board, ensuring compliance and elevating ESG reporting so that sustainability is embedded in decision-making, not glossed over in a side report.
Chartered governance professional. A cross-functional operator who works at the intersection of strategy, ethics, and sustainability.
These roles are compelling because they combine strategic influence with hands-on delivery. People working in these roles shape long-term sustainability goals while collaborating with finance, operations, and external stakeholders—the very teams that determine whether progress sticks.
For women plotting a career, governance also offers adaptability. Skills in policy design, board support, assurance, and disclosure are portable across sectors and compatible with different life stages. That flexibility can be career-defining opening doors in charities, listed companies, purpose-led SMEs, and international NGOs alike.
It’s your move
If you’re motivated by sustainability and want to make a difference at a strategic level, governance is a high-impact route. It’s where commitment to climate action, human rights, and inclusive workplaces becomes tangible through codes, controls, KPIs, and high-quality reporting that stand up to scrutiny.
I believe that at its best, governance is ethical leadership in action. It’s the craft of turning values into verifiable performance and the pathway where women can lead, influence and deliver results that matter.
If you want your career to move the needle on sustainability, step into governance and help shape systems that shape the future.
If you’d like to talk to us about adding us to your speaker lineup then please get in touch.