News
LDC ESG Academy marks successful first year of collaboration and learning
12 Dec 2025
Over the course of its first year, the LDC ESG Academy has helped to equip participants across LDC’s portfolio with the skills, knowledge and capabilities they need to manage ESG performance within their companies both now and into the future. In helping them to successfully embed ESG in their business models, LDC is supporting both incremental and transformational value creation.
In a survey of the participants, all learners reported an increase in confidence to lead or support on ESG initiatives, and everyone also reported that their ESG-focused work associated with the LDC ESG Academy is having a positive impact on their organisation. In addition, 90% of learners reported finding the programme Extremely Valuable or Very Valuable.
I have really enjoyed the programme. I have learnt a lot in terms of ESG and how to deal with stakeholders and hold the business accountable. The support I have received and the different guest speakers in the live sessions has helped me learn a lot."
The LDC ESG Academy was launched in December 2024 to support the management teams of LDC’s portfolio companies as they integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into their growth strategies. The Academy covers seven core modules, delivered online and in-person over 18 months, and has been attended by representatives from across LDC’s portfolio, spanning the technology, industrials, consumer, healthcare and business services sectors.
It’s been enjoyable and very informative. There have been lots of concepts that have been new to me or been a welcomed refresh in learning."
The Academy also held two in-person Development Days, organised in partnership with LDN Apprenticeships, which aimed to bring participants together, leveraging the breadth and diversity of LDC’s portfolio, to collaborate, share ideas, and create measurable impact. At the most recent of these, held in October, the cohort welcomed guest speakers Jo Daley, Director and Head of Impact at Clearwater, and Joe Hale, Associate Director, and Luke O’Brien, CCO, at Rio AI, an intelligent sustainability software platform. Topics covered included the UN SDGs and their relevance to UK mid-market businesses, practical ways to integrate them in an ESG strategy for meaningful impact, and some of key ESG tools and concepts that help guide effective decision-making, including double materiality assessments.
The programme offers a well-structured curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. It provides access to experienced faculty and industry experts, creating an enriching learning environment that fosters both academic excellence and professional growth. Students benefit from cutting-edge resources and collaborative opportunities, empowering them to develop critical skills and achieve their career aspirations."
The next cohort is due to start the programme in 2026.