How sustainability is governed at Hays
At Hays, sustainability forms part of our broader governance framework and supports the delivery of our strategy, valued behaviours and long-term business objectives. During FY26, we reviewed our sustainability governance arrangements to strengthen executive ownership, simplify accountability and better connect delivery to strategy, risk management and reporting integrity.As our sustainability governance matures, sustainability is overseen through the Board and its Committees as part of Hays' ordinary governance framework.
Board Oversight
The Board
The Board retains overall responsibility for sustainability strategy and its alignment with the Group's purpose, valued behaviours, culture and long-term strategy.The Board also oversees and assesses Hays' approach to sustainability, corporate ethics and compliance, and ensures that policies, procedures and controls remain fit for purpose and aligned with Hays' purpose, strategy and valued behaviours.
Audit & Risk Committee
Reporting, Assurance and Controls
The Audit & Risk Committee oversees:
- Sustainability and ESG reporting
- Related assurance activities
- ESG data, controls and reporting processes
- Sustainability-related risk management activities
The Committee supports the Board through oversight of sustainability-related reporting, assurance, risk management and internal controls, helping ensure that sustainability disclosures remain transparent, reliable and decision-useful.
Executive ESG Committee
Delivery, Coordination and Monitoring
Delivery of Hays' sustainability strategy sits with the Executive ESG Committee.
The Executive ESG Committee is responsible for the delivery, coordination and monitoring of Hays' sustainability strategy and priorities, bringing sustainability activities across the Group under a single, clearly accountable structure with defined reporting lines into the Board.
Global Compliance & ESG Function
Supporting Delivery Across the Group
The Global Compliance & ESG function brings together expertise across sustainability, ethics, compliance, ESG reporting and human rights.
Led by the Director of Compliance & ESG, the team supports implementation of Hays' sustainability strategy and promotes responsible business practices across the Group.
Our Compliance & ESG Network
Our Compliance & ESG programme is supported by regional Compliance & ESG teams and a global network of Integrity Champions.
Together, they help:
- Promote ethical business practices
- Raise awareness of sustainability and compliance matters
- Support colleagues across the organisation
- Encourage a Speak Up culture
- Embed sustainability, compliance, human rights and modern slavery commitments across the Group
This model supports consistent implementation while enabling local ownership, feedback and practical adoption. For the latest information regarding sustainability oversight, governance responsibilities and governance arrangements, please refer to the FY26 Annual Report and Accounts.
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