In this episode, Tim invites our disputes team to share climate change and ESG litigation insights. Jojo Fan from our Hong Kong office and Mark Smyth from the Sydney office discuss the rapidly increasing developments globally including greenwashing, inadequate disclosure and challenges for manufacturing and governments. They share their insights on what the future of climate litigation may hold for the consumer sector.

In this episode, Tim invites our disputes team to share climate change and ESG litigation insights. Jojo Fan from our Hong Kong office and Mark Smyth from the Sydney office discuss the rapidly increasing developments globally including greenwashing, inadequate disclosure and challenges for manufacturing and governments. They share their insights on what the future of climate litigation may hold for the consumer sector.

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 15

In this episode, our Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety team take the wheel, with Olga Klimczak and Nerida Jessup hosting special guest, David Burroughs, Chief Mental Health Officer at Westpac. It’s an important, and lively, discussion on how organisations are shaping work and workplace culture so that our jobs are ‘good’ for our mental health. David speaks candidly about the issues corporates are grappling with and cautions against feel good programs with high visibility, low impact. For companies getting it right – giving people the opportunity to genuinely thrive - the business case is profound for a strategy that encapsulates performance, productivity and mental health. And in a podcast first, David fact checks our closing remarks – you’ll want to note down ‘psychological agility’!

In this episode, our Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety team take the wheel, with Olga Klimczak and Nerida Jessup hosting special guest, David Burroughs, Chief Mental Health Officer at Westpac. It’s an important, and lively, discussion on how organisations are shaping work and workplace culture so that our jobs are ‘good’ for our mental health. David speaks candidly about the issues corporates are grappling with and cautions against feel good programs with high visibility, low impact. For companies getting it right – giving people the opportunity to genuinely thrive - the business case is profound for a strategy that encapsulates performance, productivity and mental health. And in a podcast first, David fact checks our closing remarks – you’ll want to note down ‘psychological agility’!

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 14

In recognition of NAIDOC Week 2022, Mel is joined by First Nations colleagues Gemma McKinnon and Kishaya Delaney for a timely discussion, given Australia’s evolving political landscape and new government following the federal election, about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the important progress we might expect. They explain its origin, how a First Nations Voice to Parliament could be enshrined in the constitution and the proposed Makarrata Commission to oversee the process of treaty-making and truth-telling.

In recognition of NAIDOC Week 2022, Mel is joined by First Nations colleagues Gemma McKinnon and Kishaya Delaney for a timely discussion, given Australia’s evolving political landscape and new government following the federal election, about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the important progress we might expect. They explain its origin, how a First Nations Voice to Parliament could be enshrined in the constitution and the proposed Makarrata Commission to oversee the process of treaty-making and truth-telling.

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 16

In this short podcast, Tim Hunter-Jones, a senior associate in our asset finance team in London, looks at some of the issues in sustainable and green finance in the aviation sector, including the importance of the EU Taxonomy in determining what is sustainable, and the role of state aid in promoting a greater focus on ESG.Speakers: Emily Barry, Professional Support Consultant and Tim Hunter-Jones, Senior Associate.

In this short podcast, Tim Hunter-Jones, a senior associate in our asset finance team in London, looks at some of the issues in sustainable and green finance in the aviation sector, including the importance of the EU Taxonomy in determining what is sustainable, and the role of state aid in promoting a greater focus on ESG. Speakers: <a href="https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/our-people/emily-barry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emily Barry</a>, Professional Support Consultant and <a href="https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/our-people/tim-hunter-jones" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Hunter-Jones</a>, Senior Associate.

EP14: Sustainable and green lending in the aviation sector

In this episode, Mel celebrates International Women’s Day 2022 with HSF’s Chair and Senior Partner, Rebecca Maslen-Stannage and Andrew Pike, Executive Partner for Asia and Australia. Rebecca and Andrew share some personal reflections on progress made, and remaining challenges, in achieving lasting change in the legal profession. They discuss the importance of a diverse and inclusive culture to #BreakTheBias (this year’s theme) - including the importance of acknowledging bias still exists and “calling it when you see it”.

In this episode, Mel celebrates International Women’s Day 2022 with HSF’s Chair and Senior Partner, Rebecca Maslen-Stannage and Andrew Pike, Executive Partner for Asia and Australia. Rebecca and Andrew share some personal reflections on progress made, and remaining challenges, in achieving lasting change in the legal profession. They discuss the importance of a diverse and inclusive culture to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/tags/BreakTheBias" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#BreakTheBias</a> (this year’s theme) - including the importance of acknowledging bias still exists and “calling it when you see it”.

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 11

In the first episode for 2022, Tim and Mel are joined by Silke Goldberg, HSF’s Global Head of ESG and Climate Change practice lead. Silke embarks on some time travel to tackle the big ESG questions. After a ‘COP of two speeds’ last year, Silke asserts there is everything to play for at COP27 in Egypt this November, including investment opportunities and the final building blocks for a long-awaited global carbon market.

In the first episode for 2022, Tim and Mel are joined by Silke Goldberg, HSF’s Global Head of ESG and Climate Change practice lead. Silke embarks on some time travel to tackle the big ESG questions. After a ‘COP of two speeds’ last year, Silke asserts there is everything to play for at COP27 in Egypt this November, including investment opportunities and the final building blocks for a long-awaited global carbon market.

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 10

Mel and Tim discuss a key battleground ahead of the election, climate change action, with Graham Phelan, ESG Lead for Frontier Economics. Graham takes a look back at previous election results to predict whether climate change action and the recent natural disasters will influence the 2022 election outcome – and considers if it’s time to put carbon pricing back on the agenda. Graham discusses the importance of ESG for Australia’s international competitiveness and the proactive measures being taken by businesses and financial regulators to protect the economy and environment. Lastly, we touch on the issues impacting voters’ hip pockets – inflation, interest rates, petrol and (of course) beer prices.

Mel and Tim discuss a key battleground ahead of the election, climate change action, with Graham Phelan, ESG Lead for Frontier Economics. Graham takes a look back at previous election results to predict whether climate change action and the recent natural disasters will influence the 2022 election outcome – and considers if it’s time to put carbon pricing back on the agenda. Graham discusses the importance of ESG for Australia’s international competitiveness and the proactive measures being taken by businesses and financial regulators to protect the economy and environment. Lastly, we touch on the issues impacting voters’ hip pockets – inflation, interest rates, petrol and (of course) beer prices.

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 13

In this episode, Mel and Tim are joined by expert third wheel guest, Olga Klimczak, Executive Counsel, Employment, IR and Safety for Herbert Smith Freehills. Olga discusses the various parliamentary inquiries underway including sexual harassment and bullying in Australia’s parliament, sexual harassment against women in WA’s FIFO mining industry and the underpayment and job security inquiries – issues that are sure to come into sharp focus ahead of the federal election. Olga highlights the key areas to watch, and in particular any potential flow on impact for company policies and procedures. Mel also discusses the significant changes to Aboriginal Cultural Heritage management and some critical next steps.

In this episode, Mel and Tim are joined by expert third wheel guest, Olga Klimczak, Executive Counsel, Employment, IR and Safety for Herbert Smith Freehills. Olga discusses the various parliamentary inquiries underway including sexual harassment and bullying in Australia’s parliament, sexual harassment against women in WA’s FIFO mining industry and the underpayment and job security inquiries – issues that are sure to come into sharp focus ahead of the federal election. Olga highlights the key areas to watch, and in particular any potential flow on impact for company policies and procedures. Mel also discusses the significant changes to Aboriginal Cultural Heritage management and some critical next steps.

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 8

In this final episode for 2021, some very special guest hosts take the wheel! Barbie-Lee Kirby, Responsible Business &amp; First Nations Engagement Executive and Allira Jeffery, HSF Graduate discuss Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women's Voices): Securing our Rights, Securing our Future, a once in a generation report led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar AO. Charlee-Sue Frail is an advisor to the commission and shares her experiences in the development of the report and capturing and responding to the rights, needs and aspirations of First Nations women and girls.

In this final episode for 2021, some very special guest hosts take the wheel! Barbie-Lee Kirby, Responsible Business &amp; First Nations Engagement Executive and Allira Jeffery, HSF Graduate discuss Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women's Voices): Securing our Rights, Securing our Future, a once in a generation report led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar AO. Charlee-Sue Frail is an advisor to the commission and shares her experiences in the development of the report and capturing and responding to the rights, needs and aspirations of First Nations women and girls.

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 9

Tim and Mel discuss corporate purpose with HSF’s previous Chair and Senior Partner, James Palmer, one of the UK's leading M&amp;A, capital markets and corporate lawyers, with deep experience in corporate governance and regulation. James explores the overall framing of ESG, and the importance of approaching company strategy with purpose and authenticity. James speaks with passion on navigating the ethical dimension of ESG issues, from “just transition” in the energy sector through to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Tim and Mel discuss corporate purpose with HSF’s previous Chair and Senior Partner, James Palmer, one of the UK's leading M&amp;A, capital markets and corporate lawyers, with deep experience in corporate governance and regulation. James explores the overall framing of ESG, and the importance of approaching company strategy with purpose and authenticity. James speaks with passion on navigating the ethical dimension of ESG issues, from “just transition” in the energy sector through to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 12

The increasing focus on corporate purpose, accountability and operational resilience continues to strengthen environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters as a core strategic issue for businesses, investors and lenders. In this podcast series, we discuss the risks and opportunities to provide much needed clarity to achieve a sustainable future.

Will Breeze and Helen Beatty consider some of the trends they are seeing in the use of sustainability-linked loans in the oil and gas and mining sectors, respectively, and the opportunities and challenges that ESG finance throws up in this podcast with DJ Chak.Speakers: Dhananjaya Chak (chair) (Senior associate, Finance Division, London), William Breeze (Partner, Finance Division, London) and Helen Beatty (Partner, Finance Division, London)Also refer to Episode 11 in this series.

Will Breeze and Helen Beatty consider some of the trends they are seeing in the use of sustainability-linked loans in the oil and gas and mining sectors, respectively, and the opportunities and challenges that ESG finance throws up in this podcast with DJ Chak. Speakers: <a href="https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/our-people/dhananjaya-chak" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dhananjaya Chak</a> (chair) (Senior associate, Finance Division, London), <a href="https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/our-people/william-breeze" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Breeze</a> (Partner, Finance Division, London) and <a href="https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/our-people/helen-beatty" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Helen Beatty</a> (Partner, Finance Division, London)Also refer to <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1747591/8948939" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 11</a> in this series.

EP13: ESG Finance in the Extractives Industry

In this latest podcast in our Pensions and ESG series, Professor Iain Clacher, Professor of Pensions &amp; Finance at Leeds University Business School and Lead Researcher for Pensions and Asset Management for the new Centre for Greening Finance and Investment, joins Michael Aherne, Pensions Partner, to discuss the plans for the Centre. During the discussion Professor Clacher outlines:the aims of the Centre and how it will support trustees, asset managers and other stakeholders make more informed decisions on climate related risks (starting at 2:30)the issues trustees and asset managers need to consider when assessing climate-related risks (starting at 5:10), andsteps trustees can take to learn more about climate-related risks (starting at 20:00).You can find out more about the new Centre for Greening Finance and Investment here.To receive future podcasts in this series direct to your inbox subscribe to our UK pensions blog.To view our other pensions podcasts, including the other podcasts in this series, click here.

In this latest podcast in our Pensions and ESG series, Professor Iain Clacher, Professor of Pensions &amp; Finance at Leeds University Business School and Lead Researcher for Pensions and Asset Management for the new Centre for Greening Finance and Investment, joins Michael Aherne, Pensions Partner, to discuss the plans for the Centre. During the discussion Professor Clacher outlines:<ul><li>the aims of the Centre and how it will support trustees, asset managers and other stakeholders make more informed decisions on climate related risks (starting at 2:30)</li><li>the issues trustees and asset managers need to consider when assessing climate-related risks (starting at 5:10), and</li><li>steps trustees can take to learn more about climate-related risks (starting at 20:00).</li></ul>You can find out more about the new Centre for Greening Finance and Investment <a href="https://ukcgfi.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. To receive future podcasts in this series direct to your inbox subscribe to our <a href="https://hsfnotes.com/pensions/subscribe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UK pensions blog</a>. To view our other pensions podcasts, including the other podcasts in this series, click <a href="https://hsfnotes.com/pensions/?m=podcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Pensions and ESG EP4 – Greening Finance and Investment

In this latest podcast in our series on Pensions and ESG, Michael Aherne, Of Counsel, discusses what it means to implement a responsible investment strategy in practice with Caroline Escott, Senior Investment Manager at RPMI Railpen. In particular, Caroline shares:how her interest in responsible investment and stewardship began and her career journey to datehow RPMI Railpen is preparing for the new governance and disclosure requirements relating to climate risks, andher views on how to engage with members on ESG and responsible investment.

In this latest podcast in our series on Pensions and ESG, Michael Aherne, Of Counsel, discusses what it means to implement a responsible investment strategy in practice with Caroline Escott, Senior Investment Manager at RPMI Railpen. In particular, Caroline shares:<ul><li>how her interest in responsible investment and stewardship began and her career journey to date</li><li>how RPMI Railpen is preparing for the new governance and disclosure requirements relating to climate risks, and</li><li>her views on how to engage with members on ESG and responsible investment.</li></ul>

Pensions and ESG: EP3 - Responsible investment in practice

In this second episode in our series on Pensions and ESG, Pensions Professional Support Lawyer, Tim Smith is joined by Emma Douglas, Head of DC at Legal &amp; General Investment Management (LGIM) and they discuss:LGIM's approach to managing ESG risks in the context of its DC schemes and on behalf of its trustee clientsthe successes that LGIM has had through its engagement with companies and what happens when engagement doesn't workhow trustees can assess whether their asset managers are taking ESG risks seriouslyhow prepared the industry is to set climate-related metrics and targets and to conduct scenario analysis, andthe risk of member complaints and legal challenges related to ESG issues.To view all of the podcasts in this series click here https://hsfnotes.com/pensions/?m=podcasts. And to receive future episodes direct to your inbox subscribe to our UK pensions blog. https://hsfnotes.com/pensions/

In this second episode in our series on Pensions and ESG, Pensions Professional Support Lawyer, Tim Smith is joined by Emma Douglas, Head of DC at Legal &amp; General Investment Management (LGIM) and they discuss:<ul><li>LGIM's approach to managing ESG risks in the context of its DC schemes and on behalf of its trustee clients</li><li>the successes that LGIM has had through its engagement with companies and what happens when engagement doesn't work</li><li>how trustees can assess whether their asset managers are taking ESG risks seriously</li><li>how prepared the industry is to set climate-related metrics and targets and to conduct scenario analysis, and</li><li>the risk of member complaints and legal challenges related to ESG issues.</li></ul>To view all of the podcasts in this series click here <a href="https://hsfnotes.com/pensions/?m=podcasts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://hsfnotes.com/pensions/?m=podcasts</a>. And to receive future episodes direct to your inbox subscribe to our UK pensions blog. <a href="https://hsfnotes.com/pensions/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://hsfnotes.com/pensions/</a>

Pensions and ESG: EP2 – Implementing ESG in DC pensions

In this podcast, Ashley Hamilton-Claxton, Head of Responsible Investment at Royal London Asset Management, shares her:views on how pension schemes and asset managers are responding to recent legal and regulatory changes relating to pensions and ESGinsights on how attitudes to ESG risks are being affected by Covid-19tips on how trustees should go about preparing their new investment implementation statementsexpectations for how this area is likely to develop in the coming years, andthoughts on what the DWP's proposed new requirements regarding climate-relate risks would mean for trustees and asset managers. Speakers: Tim Smith, Professional Support Lawyer, Herbert Smith Freehills and Ashely Hamilton-Claxton, Head of Responsible Investment at Royal London Asset Management

In this podcast, Ashley Hamilton-Claxton, Head of Responsible Investment at Royal London Asset Management, shares her:<ul><li>views on how pension schemes and asset managers are responding to recent legal and regulatory changes relating to pensions and ESG</li><li>insights on how attitudes to ESG risks are being affected by Covid-19</li><li>tips on how trustees should go about preparing their new investment implementation statements</li><li>expectations for how this area is likely to develop in the coming years, and</li><li>thoughts on what the DWP's proposed new requirements regarding climate-relate risks would mean for trustees and asset managers. </li></ul>Speakers: Tim Smith, Professional Support Lawyer, Herbert Smith Freehills and Ashely Hamilton-Claxton, Head of Responsible Investment at Royal London Asset Management

Pensions and ESG: EP1 – The evolving landscape

Fresh from presenting at the 12th Annual Sustainable Innovation Forum (SIF) which took place alongside COP26 in Glasgow, Timothy Stutt, Partner and Australian ESG Lead will share his key takeaways from the conference, in discussion with Graham Phelan, ESG specialist from Frontier Economics, Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, HSF Chair and Senior Partner and Melanie Debenham, HSF Partner in our environment, planning and communities practice.

Fresh from presenting at the 12th Annual Sustainable Innovation Forum (SIF) which took place alongside COP26 in Glasgow, Timothy Stutt, Partner and Australian ESG Lead will share his key takeaways from the conference, in discussion with Graham Phelan, ESG specialist from Frontier Economics, Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, HSF Chair and Senior Partner and Melanie Debenham, HSF Partner in our environment, planning and communities practice.

Global Decisions, Regional Impacts - COP26 Insights and Implications for Business in Australia

In this episode, Tim and Mel are joined by expert third wheel guest, Lewis McDonald, Global Head of Energy for Herbert Smith Freehills. Fresh from presenting at the 12th Annual Sustainable Innovation Forum (SIF) which took place alongside COP26 in Glasgow, Lewis observes the number of zeros committed to net zero, at least $133 trillion as announced by Mark Carney’s Glasgow Financial Alliance. He asserts that the real challenge is creating enough investable net zero projects for the money – through a public / private blend of government support to achieve scale and efficiencies, and the legal mechanisms to make novel projects work.Contact the speakers:Timothy.Stutt@hsf.comMelanie.Debenham@hsf.comLewis.McDonald@hsf.com

In this episode, Tim and Mel are joined by expert third wheel guest, Lewis McDonald, Global Head of Energy for Herbert Smith Freehills. Fresh from presenting at the 12th Annual Sustainable Innovation Forum (SIF) which took place alongside COP26 in Glasgow, Lewis observes the number of zeros committed to net zero, at least $133 trillion as announced by Mark Carney’s Glasgow Financial Alliance. He asserts that the real challenge is creating enough investable net zero projects for the money – through a public / private blend of government support to achieve scale and efficiencies, and the legal mechanisms to make novel projects work. Contact the speakers: Timothy.Stutt@hsf.com Melanie.Debenham@hsf.com Lewis.McDonald@hsf.com

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 7

In this episode, Mel and Tim are joined by expert third wheel guest, Brooke Massender, Global Head of Pro Bono for Herbert Smith Freehills. Brooke discusses how ESG could be the roadmap that makes corporate purpose more meaningful - and why ESG is different this time around. Recorded on the cusp of the Australian Reconciliation Convention, she shares her optimism around cultural competency in organisations, and the need for increased representation of First Nations voices where decisions are being made anywhere and everywhere in Australia. Brooke closes with some practical tips for those prepared to move ‘from safe to brave’ – and the importance of asking uncomfortable questions.Contact the speakers:Timothy.Stutt@hsf.comMelanie.Debenham@hsf.comBrooke.Massender@hsf.com

In this episode, Mel and Tim are joined by expert third wheel guest, Brooke Massender, Global Head of Pro Bono for Herbert Smith Freehills. Brooke discusses how ESG could be the roadmap that makes corporate purpose more meaningful - and why ESG is different this time around. Recorded on the cusp of the Australian Reconciliation Convention, she shares her optimism around cultural competency in organisations, and the need for increased representation of First Nations voices where decisions are being made anywhere and everywhere in Australia. Brooke closes with some practical tips for those prepared to move ‘from safe to brave’ – and the importance of asking uncomfortable questions. Contact the speakers: Timothy.Stutt@hsf.com Melanie.Debenham@hsf.com Brooke.Massender@hsf.com

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 6

In this episode, Mel and Tim are joined by expert third wheel guest, Mark Smyth, a partner in our litigation practice advising companies in relation to environmental, climate change and ESG issues, including responding to shareholder activism and defending ESG litigation. Mark shares the litigation themes he is seeing regionally and globally, including regulatory movements on greenwashing and the latest activity in the Federal Court regarding Environment Minister v Sharma case.Contact the speakers:Timothy.Stutt@hsf.comMelanie.Debenham@hsf.comMark.Smyth@hsf.com

In this episode, Mel and Tim are joined by expert third wheel guest, Mark Smyth, a partner in our litigation practice advising companies in relation to environmental, climate change and ESG issues, including responding to shareholder activism and defending ESG litigation. Mark shares the litigation themes he is seeing regionally and globally, including regulatory movements on greenwashing and the latest activity in the Federal Court regarding Environment Minister v Sharma case. Contact the speakers: Timothy.Stutt@hsf.com Melanie.Debenham@hsf.com Mark.Smyth@hsf.com

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 4

In this episode, Tim and Mel are joined by two representatives from the Human Rights Resources and Energy Collaborative, Shaeron Yapp (South32) and Gemma Wilford (Fortescue Metals), who talk about practical approaches to implementing human rights diligence and remediation in significant global businesses.Contact the speakers:Timothy.Stutt@hsf.comMelanie.Debenham@hsf.com

In this episode, Tim and Mel are joined by two representatives from the Human Rights Resources and Energy Collaborative, Shaeron Yapp (South32) and Gemma Wilford (Fortescue Metals), who talk about practical approaches to implementing human rights diligence and remediation in significant global businesses. Contact the speakers: Timothy.Stutt@hsf.com Melanie.Debenham@hsf.com

The Third Wheel Podcast (ESG in Australia): Episode 3

ESG Transformation: Conversation Series

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Personal Stories & Great Interviews

The best episodes for anyone looking to learn more about topics such as happiness, fulfillment, depression and psychology/mental health in general. With interviews with industry experts, personal stories of individuals, this topic has lessons applicable to everyone. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!