Strategic report
Governance
Financial statements
55 OCU Group Annual report and financial statements 2026
Our sustainability approach continued ESG governance
Strong governance OCU continued to strengthen ESG governance in FY26. The ESG Committee oversees strategy and performance, maintaining accountability and alignment with the wider Group strategy. Chaired by Non-Executive Director Tania Songini, the Committee reviewed priorities, targets and the integration of sustainability into operational decision-making. The Board receives regular updates on ESG performance, climate risk, stakeholder expectations and disclosures. ESG Committee members • Tania Songini: Non-Executive Director (ESG Committee Chair) • Thomas Cheung: Non-Executive Director, Triton Partners • Adrian O’Sullivan: COO, OCU Utilities • Neil O’Hara: COO, OCU Energy
Key achievements During the last twelve months, OCU Group has made strong progress in strengthening its ESG framework, governance, and reporting capability. The Group continued to improve its EcoVadis performance, achieving a Silver rating (74/100), while also expanding its CDP reporting to include water performance metrics. These developments have enhanced transparency and strengthened external benchmarking of sustainability performance. Significant progress has also been made in the expansion of ESG data collection and assurance processes across the Group, improving both the accuracy of reporting and the effectiveness of management oversight. Sustainability metrics have been further integrated into operational performance monitoring and strategic planning processes, helping to embed ESG considerations more deeply into decision-making across the business.
ESG Committee activities Throughout the year, the ESG Committee focused on driving accountability and continuous improvement across the Group’s sustainability agenda. The Committee undertook quarterly reviews of ESG performance indicators and monitored progress against strategic targets, ensuring that sustainability objectives remained aligned with the Group’s wider business strategy and commitments. The Committee maintained oversight of climate‑related risks, decarbonisation initiatives and operational resilience planning, helping to strengthen the Group’s ability to respond to emerging environmental challenges and regulatory expectations. It oversaw the further development of OCU's social value, including skills development, early careers and community benefit activities. The Committee also reviewed and challenged sustainability reporting, disclosures and governance frameworks to ensure transparency, accuracy and alignment with best practice. In addition, the Committee provided rigour and oversight in the development and delivery of science-based targets, supporting the Group’s long-term decarbonisation ambitions. The Committee also oversaw reviews of the sustainability strategy, identifying opportunities for enhancement and continuous improvement. ESG considerations continued to be integrated into investment, operations and risk management across the Group.
Tania Songini Non-Executive Director and ESG Committee Chair
“Stronger ESG governance and reporting are improving transparency, risk management and operational decision-making across OCU, supporting sustainable value for our clients, investors and stakeholders.”
In addition, the Group has strengthened governance arrangements relating to
Also in attendance at ESG Committee meetings:
climate‑related risk assessment, supply chain management, and responsible procurement. The deployment of Optro has also enabled the implementation of a fully integrated and transparent risk management framework, provided greater visibility of risks and supported more robust governance and assurance practices across the organisation.
• Michael Hughes: CEO • David Taylor-Smith: Non-Executive Chair • Michael Cornwell: Group General Counsel and Committee Secretary • Sophie Stephens: Group Sustainability Director
Powered by FlippingBook