In an era where corporate responsibility and sustainability are key drivers of business success, the HR function is uniquely positioned to lead the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. This training course is meticulously designed to equip HR professionals and leaders with the strategic frameworks and practical skills needed to embed ESG into every facet of the employee lifecycle—from talent acquisition and development to compensation and culture. By championing purpose-driven initiatives, you can build a resilient, values-aligned workforce, attract a new generation of talent, and enhance your organization’s reputation as a responsible global citizen. This program provides the essential blueprint for a new generation of HR leaders prepared to drive meaningful change and secure a lasting competitive advantage.

This comprehensive curriculum offers a practical deep dive into the key components of ESG and their strategic relevance to human resources. You will learn how to use data to measure the social impact of your programs, design initiatives that promote a sustainable and ethical workplace, and align your talent strategy with the organization's broader ESG goals. The course focuses on real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, helping you to build the skills necessary to influence leadership decisions and prove the ROI of your ESG initiatives. By the end of this program, you will not only be proficient in ESG integration but also be prepared to champion a more sustainable and equitable approach to HR and architect a future-ready, high-performing organization.

Duration

10 days

Target Audience

• HR directors and managers
• Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) professionals
• HR business partners
• Talent management and development leaders
• Senior executives and C-suite leaders
• People analytics specialists
• Organizational development specialists
• Risk and compliance professionals
• Internal communications professionals
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) specialists

Objectives

• Understand the foundational concepts of ESG and its relevance to HR.
• Master a comprehensive framework for integrating ESG into HR strategy.
• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the social impact of HR initiatives.
• Design and implement sustainable practices across the employee lifecycle.
• Align diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals with broader ESG objectives.
• Navigate ethical considerations and governance in HR operations.
• Communicate ESG strategy and progress to internal and external stakeholders.
• Build a compelling business case for ESG initiatives using data and analytics.
• Create a roadmap for championing a purpose-driven culture within your organization.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Foundations of ESG and HR's Role

• Defining Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
• The strategic link between ESG, business performance, and brand reputation.
• The evolution of HR from a functional role to a strategic ESG leader.
• Identifying which aspects of ESG fall directly under the HR purview.
• Case studies of organizations successfully leveraging ESG in their HR practices.

Module 2: The Social Pillar (S) in Depth

• The core components of the "S" in ESG: social impact and human capital.
• The link between employee well-being, safety, and productivity.
• Creating fair and equitable labor practices across the organization.
• The role of community engagement and philanthropy.
• Best practices for human rights due diligence in the supply chain.

Module 3: ESG Integration in Talent Acquisition

• Crafting an employer brand that reflects ESG values.
• Using ESG as a key differentiator in attracting top talent.
• Implementing ethical and inclusive hiring practices.
• Developing a diverse talent pipeline aligned with your ESG goals.
• Communicating your organization's social impact to potential candidates.

Module 4: Employee Engagement and Culture

• Building a purpose-driven culture that aligns with ESG values.
• Engaging employees in sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.
• The link between a strong ESG culture and employee retention.
• Using internal communications to highlight your organization's social impact.
• Fostering psychological safety and a sense of belonging for all employees.

Module 5: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• The foundational role of DEI within the Social (S) pillar of ESG.
• Developing a comprehensive DEI strategy and action plan.
• Using data to measure DEI progress and identify areas for improvement.
• The importance of a fair and transparent compensation and promotion process.
• The role of HR in creating an inclusive and equitable workplace for all.

Module 6: The Environmental Pillar (E) in HR

• The role of HR in supporting corporate environmental goals.
• Promoting sustainable practices in the workplace (e.g., remote work, green offices).
• Engaging employees in environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Communicating environmental policy and progress to the workforce.
• The strategic link between employee well-being and a sustainable environment.

Module 7: The Governance Pillar (G) and HR

• The link between ethical governance and a trusted HR function.
• Developing a robust code of conduct and ethics policy.
• The importance of fair labor practices and human rights.
• Navigating data privacy and security in the context of ESG.
• The role of HR in ensuring a culture of transparency and accountability.

Module 8: Ethical Leadership and Decision-Making

• A framework for ethical decision-making in complex situations.
• The importance of integrity and transparency in HR leadership.
• Developing a trusted advisory relationship with the C-suite on ESG issues.
• The role of ethical leadership in inspiring and motivating teams.
• Navigating conflicts of interest and ensuring impartiality.

Module 9: ESG Integration in Performance Management

• The link between individual performance and organizational ESG goals.
• Integrating ESG-related objectives into performance reviews.
• Developing compensation and incentive structures that reward ESG performance.
• Training managers to coach and develop employees on ESG topics.
• The importance of a fair and equitable performance management system.

Module 10: ESG Reporting and Communication

• The importance of a strategic ESG reporting framework.
• Key ESG metrics and how to collect and analyze the data.
• Communicating your organization's ESG performance to stakeholders.
• The role of HR in compiling and reporting on human capital metrics.
• Best practices for external communication and stakeholder engagement.

Module 11: ESG and Employee Well-being

• The strategic importance of mental health and wellness programs.
• Developing a holistic approach to employee well-being.
• The link between psychological safety and ESG performance.
• Using data to measure the impact of well-being initiatives.
• The role of HR in creating a supportive and resilient workplace.

Module 12: ESG and Supply Chain Management

• The role of HR in ethical supply chain practices.
• Developing a code of conduct for suppliers and partners.
• Conducting due diligence to ensure fair labor practices in the supply chain.
• Communicating your organization's values to suppliers and partners.
• The strategic link between supply chain ethics and brand reputation.

Module 13: Building an ESG Roadmap

• A step-by-step framework for creating an ESG roadmap.
• Conducting a gap analysis to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Prioritizing initiatives and setting clear, measurable goals.
• Gaining buy-in from senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• The importance of a phased approach to implementation.

Module 14: Measuring and Proving the ROI

• Developing key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure ESG impact.
• Using data and analytics to prove the value of your initiatives.
• The strategic link between ESG performance and financial returns.
• Building a compelling business case for new ESG programs.
• The role of HR in driving revenue and profitability through ESG.

Module 15: The Future of ESG in HR

• Emerging trends in ESG and human capital management.
• The impact of automation and AI on ESG reporting.
• The skills needed to be a successful ESG leader in HR.
• Building a sustainable and scalable governance framework.
• A personal action plan for championing ESG integration in your role.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.