Expertise

An interview with
Shauna Young
Founder of Responsible Solutions

Expertise

Let's dive right in. Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to establish Responsible Solutions?

Absolutely. My journey into responsible business practices began when I first entered the finance industry after I graduated. As I progressed in my career, I became increasingly aware of the significant impact that businesses have not only on the economy but also on the environment, society, through their governance practices.

With over 20 years of experience as a Responsible Business Manager and a Chartered Construction Manager, I've seen first-hand the transformative power of sustainability in driving business success.

My educational background in Business, Finance & Investment, coupled with a passion for sustainability, propelled me to establish Responsible Solutions. I wanted to create a consultancy firm that not only champions ESG principles but also guides organisations in implementing them effectively.

With over two decades of experience in both finance and construction, what insights or benefits has this provided you?

Having worked in both sectors, I possess a comprehensive understanding of financial management, as well as non-financial value reporting. I’ve developed a unique and comprehensive understanding of financial management, non-financial value reporting, and sustainable delivery across corporate and project levels. One of the most valuable aspects of my background is the ability to navigate and interpret a wide range of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards and frameworks. Over the course of my career, I’ve successfully developed, overseen, evaluated, and reported against more than 40 different standards and frameworks.

These range from global benchmarks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) to climate-specific protocols like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Validation, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), and non-financial climate reporting standards like SERC, TCFD and CSRD, all integrated into organisational annual accounts or stakeholder reports.

At the project level, I have designed and implemented detailed sustainability plans that go beyond environmental targets. These include delivering measurable operational reductions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while embedding social value clauses aligned with regional frameworks such as The UK Social Value Model (MAC criteria), Northern Ireland’s Buy Social policy, The Welsh Procurement Toolkit, Scotland’s Community Wealth Building strategy, National TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) and Section 106 obligations under the Town & Country Planning Act.

This breadth of experience allows me to provide strategic and highly tailored guidance to organisations aiming to align with not only ESG and environmental regulations, but also the latest UK public procurement standards.

Most recently, the Procurement Act 2023 and the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) have marked a significant shift in the public procurement landscape across the UK. Both buyers and suppliers must now understand and adapt to these changes, particularly around social value delivery, evaluation, and reporting.

Read my blog on how the new procurement regime will impact your organisation and what steps you need to take now.

Your expertise is impressive. How do you integrate ESG principles into business operations, and what sets Responsible Solutions apart?

At Responsible Solutions, we believe in a materiality approach to sustainability. We focus on the key elements that significantly influence your operations and delivery a responsible business solution.

Drawing upon my background in quantity surveying and supply chain management, we leverage procurement to drive sustainability and support ethical operations.

What sets us apart is our commitment to transparent reporting and accountability. We ensure that our clients meet non-financial regulatory requirements. Through our expertise and guidance, we help organisations navigate the complexities of ESG and integrate these principles into their operations, positioning them for growth.

Your dedication has earned you numerous accolades and recognition. Can you share some highlights of your achievements?

I've been fortunate to be recognised for my work in corporate responsibility, including being a finalist at the European Woman in Construction and Engineering awards. Most recently I started to lecture part-time at Ulster University, hoping to pass on my insights to the next generation of young professionals.

Additionally, supporting organisations to receive accolades such as the BITC Most Responsible Business, Investors in People Employer of the Year (Platinum), IWCE Company of the Year, RICS Social Value Award, Most Considerate Contractor and Leading Lights for community, procurement, and environmental responsibility at CCS The National Site Awards.

These awards serve as a testament to the dedication of the organisations I collaborate with towards responsible governance.

The companies you have collaborated with have also gained recognition and won awards through the support you provided. How was this accomplished?

Recognition for best practice is always rewarding however, my primary focus remains on supporting organisations in implementing strategies, policies, and processes aligned with international standards such as ISO 26000 Social Responsibility and ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement. My expertise in aligning operations with international standards ensures that these organisations not only meet regulatory requirements but also excel in demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and social impact.

This approach has enabled the organisations I work with to achieve external verification and accreditation for their responsible business practices. These include SBTi Validation for science-based emissions reduction targets, CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) scoring for climate transparency, and recognition through SUPPLIERASSURANCE (SQA) and EcoVadis for sustainable practices. They have also achieved the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment for environmental performance, and align with international standards such as ISO 14064, ISO 26000, and ISO 20400. Additionally, clients have been benchmarked through BITC CORE and the BITC Business Tracker (UK), and have strengthened ethical practices via the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool (MSAT).

Lastly, what's next for Responsible Solutions, and how can your team help organisations?

Moving forward, our purpose is to create value for our clients. Empowering businesses to embrace sustainable practices and achieve environmental, social, economic and governance (ESEG) excellence. We believe that by embracing sustainability, businesses can not only contribute to a better future but also enhance their own long-term success.

We welcome organisations who share our vision to join us on this journey.

Our solution

We specialise in guiding companies through the complexities of ESG compliance and communication, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

ImpactEdge is our dedicated social value consulting service. We offer short-term consulting and hands-on social value services tailored for small businesses or single projects.

An interview with Responsible Solutions founder Shauna Young

Let's dive right in. Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to establish Responsible Solutions?

Absolutely. My journey into responsible business practices began when I first entered the finance industry after I graduated. As I progressed in my career, I became increasingly aware of the significant impact that businesses have not only on the economy but also on the environment, society, through their governance practices.

With over 20 years of experience as a Responsible Business Manager and a Chartered Construction Manager, I've seen first-hand the transformative power of sustainability in driving business success.

My educational background in Business, Finance & Investment, coupled with a passion for sustainability, propelled me to establish Responsible Solutions. I wanted to create a consultancy firm that not only champions ESG principles but also guides organisations in implementing them effectively.

With over two decades of experience in both finance and construction, what insights or benefits has this provided you?

Having worked in both sectors, I possess a comprehensive understanding of financial management, as well as non-financial value reporting. I’ve developed a unique and comprehensive understanding of financial management, non-financial value reporting, and sustainable delivery across corporate and project levels. One of the most valuable aspects of my background is the ability to navigate and interpret a wide range of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards and frameworks. Over the course of my career, I’ve successfully developed, overseen, evaluated, and reported against more than 40 different standards and frameworks.

These range from global benchmarks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) to climate-specific protocols like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Validation, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), and non-financial climate reporting standards like SERC, TCFD and CSRD, all integrated into organisational annual accounts or stakeholder reports.

At the project level, I have designed and implemented detailed sustainability plans that go beyond environmental targets. These include delivering measurable operational reductions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while embedding social value clauses aligned with regional frameworks such as The UK Social Value Model (MAC criteria), Northern Ireland’s Buy Social policy, The Welsh Procurement Toolkit, Scotland’s Community Wealth Building strategy, National TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) and Section 106 obligations under the Town & Country Planning Act.

This breadth of experience allows me to provide strategic and highly tailored guidance to organisations aiming to align with not only ESG and environmental regulations, but also the latest UK public procurement standards.

Most recently, the Procurement Act 2023 and the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) have marked a significant shift in the public procurement landscape across the UK. Both buyers and suppliers must now understand and adapt to these changes, particularly around social value delivery, evaluation, and reporting.

Read my blog on how the new procurement regime will impact your organisation and what steps you need to take now.

Your expertise is impressive. How do you integrate ESG principles into business operations, and what sets Responsible Solutions apart?

At Responsible Solutions, we believe in a materiality approach to sustainability. We focus on the key elements that significantly influence your operations and delivery a responsible business solution.

Drawing upon my background in quantity surveying and supply chain management, we leverage procurement to drive sustainability and support ethical operations.

What sets us apart is our commitment to transparent reporting and accountability. We ensure that our clients meet non-financial regulatory requirements. Through our expertise and guidance, we help organisations navigate the complexities of ESG and integrate these principles into their operations, positioning them for growth.

Your dedication has earned you numerous accolades and recognition. Can you share some highlights of your achievements?

I've been fortunate to be recognised for my work in corporate responsibility, including being a finalist at the European Woman in Construction and Engineering awards. Most recently I started to lecture part-time at Ulster University, hoping to pass on my insights to the next generation of young professionals.

Additionally, supporting organisations to receive accolades such as the BITC Most Responsible Business, Investors in People Employer of the Year (Platinum), IWCE Company of the Year, RICS Social Value Award, Most Considerate Contractor and Leading Lights for community, procurement, and environmental responsibility at CCS The National Site Awards.

These awards serve as a testament to the dedication of the organisations I collaborate with towards responsible governance.

The companies you have collaborated with have also gained recognition and won awards through the support you provided. How was this accomplished?

Recognition for best practice is always rewarding however, my primary focus remains on supporting organisations in implementing strategies, policies, and processes aligned with international standards such as ISO 26000 Social Responsibility and ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement. My expertise in aligning operations with international standards ensures that these organisations not only meet regulatory requirements but also excel in demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and social impact.

This approach has enabled the organisations I work with to achieve external verification and accreditation for their responsible business practices. These include SBTi Validation for science-based emissions reduction targets, CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) scoring for climate transparency, and recognition through SUPPLIERASSURANCE (SQA) and EcoVadis for sustainable practices. They have also achieved the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment for environmental performance, and align with international standards such as ISO 14064, ISO 26000, and ISO 20400. Additionally, clients have been benchmarked through BITC CORE and the BITC Business Tracker (UK), and have strengthened ethical practices via the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool (MSAT).

Lastly, what's next for Responsible Solutions, and how can your team help organisations?

Moving forward, our purpose is to create value for our clients. Empowering businesses to embrace sustainable practices and achieve environmental, social, economic and governance (ESEG) excellence. We believe that by embracing sustainability, businesses can not only contribute to a better future but also enhance their own long-term success.

We welcome organisations who share our vision to join us on this journey.

Our solution

We specialise in guiding companies through the complexities of ESG compliance and communication, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

ImpactEdge is our dedicated social value consulting service. We offer short-term consulting and hands-on social value services tailored for small businesses or single projects.

Get in touch

info@responsiblesolutions.co.uk

+44 7411 548082

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