Recognising business leadership in ESG, climate action and inclusive growth

The new Scottish Impact Awards 2025 will spotlight the pioneering organisations embedding ESG principles into their operations and delivering measurable impact in areas such as climate action, diversity, and community resilience, writes Agnes Stevenson.

Last month The Herald and GenAnalytics launched the Scottish Impact Awards 2025 with the aim of identifying those organisations that are making a measurable difference to some of the most serious challenges facing today’s society.

The disruption caused by digital transformation, the ongoing threat of climate change and the need to find new ways to tackle health and diversity inequalities are just some of the issues that are grabbing the headlines.

While the problems are well-documented, what’s less familiar are the steps being taken across Scotland’s business sector to face up to these concerns through positive interventions, innovative policies and practical measures that are making a real impact on people’s lives.

With the deadline for entries on Friday, 25 July rapidly approaching, there is still time for organisations to showcase the difference that they are making to some of the biggest challenges facing us today.

The Scottish Impact Awards 2025 are seeking out change-makers in six categories that span the breadth of climate, diversity, workforce wellbeing, sustainability, governance and community impact. Equality, inclusivity, collaboration, accountability and ethics are the guiding principles in all six and in recognition of every achievement, from the smallest to the largest, each award will be presented across three organisational sizes — micro, small/medium and large.

One of the most compelling awards is Climate Action Champion, sponsored by the Scottish National Investment Bank, where the judges will be looking for evidence of businesses that are working constructively towards emissions reduction, sustainability and ethical sourcing.

Sandy MacDonald, judging panel member and executive director, head of impact assessment and reporting at Scottish National Investment Bank said: “We are looking for bold, forward-thinking organisations that are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also embedding sustainability into the core of their operations. We’re seeking entrants who demonstrate measurable impact—whether through innovation in renewable energy, progress toward net-zero targets, responsible procurement, waste reduction, or ethical sourcing—setting a clear example of climate leadership within Scotland’s industries.”

Judging panel member and executive director, head of impact assessment and reporting at Scottish National Investment Bank , Sandy MacDonald (Image: NICK MAILER)

The other categories are: Diversity & Inclusion Leadership, sponsored by Diageo; Sustainable Innovation, sponsored by Aegon; Community Impact; Wellbeing & Workforce and Governance & Transparency, where entrants will have to demonstrate accountability, ethical governance and ESG (environmental, social and governance) performance.

In launching the awards, Jane Gotts, Director of GenAnalytics, said:.“This is not just another awards programme. It is a platform for recognising those who are embedding ESG principles into their culture, strategy, and communities and delivering tangible results.”

The awards have grown out of a decade-long partnership between GenAnalytics and The Herald on promoting diversity and inclusion and these new accolades are the next step in a campaign to make Scotland a more equitable society.

Following the deadline for applications, entries will be scrutinised by an independent panel of judges before the winners are announced at an awards ceremony to be held in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow on Tuesday, 16 September, hosted by journalist and broadcaster Zara Janjua.

To find out more, and submit your entry, visit: https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/scottish-impact-awards/