“Where the social aspects of sustainability are financially material and help organisations be purpose-led, they often also accelerate environmental performance."

With over 15 years of experience at the intersection of sustainability, social impact, and business strategy, Beth Knight has dedicated her career to embedding purpose into corporate environments. Currently Head of Social Sustainability at Lloyds Banking Group, she has also held leadership roles at Amazon, EY, and Accenture, working across finance, technology, and social impact.

In this conversation, Beth talks about her career path, and shares her take on the importance of the social dimension of ESG. She discusses the importance of equity, human rights, financial inclusion, and fair work practices in corporate strategy and how these factors drive long-term success.

A Career Built on Purpose

Beth’s journey into sustainability wasn’t linear. Raised in Cornwall, UK, she pursued a history degree, unsure of her career path. A scholarship took her to university, and after graduating, she landed a role at Accenture, drawn to its development partnerships work. There, she worked on commercial strategy projects and supported a major IT restructure initiative with Oxfam—an experience that sparked her passion for corporate social impact.

Beth then transitioned to EY, where she became Head of Corporate Responsibility for Financial Services, leading a team focused on community engagement and environmental impact. She deepened her expertise by earning a master’s from the University of Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership (CISL), later returning as a Senior Associate collaborating with their executive education and corporate leaders group programmes.

Her next move was to join Amazon at the start of the covid-19 pandemic, where she led community investment initiatives and built a humanitarian aid and disaster relief function for Europe —work that intensified with the war in Ukraine, requiring rapid crisis-response solutions. After taking a sabbatical, she joined Lloyds Banking Group, where she now leads efforts to reduce socioeconomic barriers for underserved business owners.

Why Social Sustainability Matters

In today’s corporate landscape, sustainability is often equated with environmental responsibility—cutting carbon emissions, reducing waste, and adopting green technologies. But Beth argues that this focus, while crucial, should be addressed in conjunction with the social aspects. Not solely by reporting on human rights and equity initiatives but also by embedding purpose into the core of the business.

"What we know from research and great case studies is that where the social aspects of sustainability are financially material and help organisations be purpose-led, they often also accelerate environmental performance."

She pointed to historical successes, such as global efforts to protect the ozone layer, which gained traction not just through environmental arguments but by highlighting human health risks. The same principle applies to modern ESG challenges—businesses that prioritise people alongside the planet see faster progress and more resilient, purpose-driven growth.

Building a Social Sustainability Strategy: Advice for Companies

Whether you’re a large multinational or a small business, Beth emphasised that integrating social sustainability is not just an ethical responsibility but a business advantage. She shared key steps companies can take to build meaningful and effective social impact strategies.

1. Define Your Purpose

Every business needs a purpose statement that aligns with its commercial goals and provides a clear articulation of why the organisation exists.  Being ‘purpose-led’ guides a company’s direction, motivates employees and differentiates the business from competitors. 

“For some, it’s about making financial services more inclusive. For others, it’s about supporting local communities or ensuring fair labour practices in supply chains. Whatever it is, companies must connect their core operations to real social outcomes,” Beth explained.

2. Leverage Data and AI for Better Decision-Making

Businesses—especially smaller ones—often struggle with where to start. Beth suggests using technology to analyse social and environmental impact more effectively. AI tools like Perplexity.io and Reblue Venture’s Sustain Swift product help companies evaluate their ESG performance and leverage real-time insights to accelerate business transformation.

"Understanding the data landscape behind your social and environmental impact makes it easier to take actionable steps," she said.

3. Invest in Employee Engagement

Engaged employees are pivotal in driving sustainability efforts within an organisation. Companies that set science-based sustainability targets experience notable benefits, including a 4% increase in employee retention and a 16% rise in engagement levels. By harnessing the knowledge, creativity, and dedication of these engaged employees, companies not only foster a culture of positive action but also significantly enhance their social and environmental impact.  

“Sometimes the biggest impact isn’t financial—it’s sharing knowledge, mentoring, and creating access to opportunities,” she said.

Encouraging employees to engage in social impact through mentorship, board memberships, and pro bono work helps build stronger corporate cultures while driving real change in communities.

4. Consider Fractional Sustainability Leadership

Not every company can afford a full-time chief sustainability officer (‘CSO’). Beth suggests an emerging trend—fractional sustainability leadership—where businesses share expertise across multiple companies.

“Not every company needs a full sustainability department. Pooling resources and hiring part-time or contract-based sustainability advisors can be an efficient way to build effective strategies without massive overhead costs,” she explained.

5. Align with Best Practice — but Keep It Simple

Beth highlighted how companies are often overwhelmed by complex ESG and sustainability regulations and certifications. However, frameworks like the International Standard’s Organisations ‘IWA 48’ ESG Principles are helping simplify best practices for businesses of all sizes.

“Beyond compliance, for small and medium enterprises, it’s about focusing on what’s most relevant to their value chain rather than trying to tick every box,” she advised.

Final Thought: “Change Is Absolutely Possible”

For those who feel overwhelmed by the scale of sustainability challenges, Beth has a simple but firm message: “Change is possible.”

She encourages aspiring Change Makers to focus on their span of influence and control, to seek out supportive networks, and remain resilient. “Surround yourself with people who give you energy rather than drain it. Find what sustains you—whether it’s nature, exercise, or meaningful conversations. Change is challenging, but it’s always within reach.”

As Beth continues her work at Lloyds Banking Group and beyond, her leadership exemplifies how sustainability is not just a moral responsibility, but an opportunity to shape a fairer, more resilient world through business.

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This is part of our ChangeLeaders interview series with impact leaders sharing their journeys, learnings, and lessons. If you are a ChangeLeader we should interview, please email us at info@wemakechange.org.

Interview & Article: James Sancto & Laura De Alba