Achieving Operational Net Zero by 2050: Signature's Sustainability Strategy

Our Pathway to Operational Net Zero by 2050 An overview of Signature s strategy to achieve operational net zero by 2050, along with progress during 2023

On the agenda Setting the Scene Vision Statement Baseline Year Carbon Footprint & SBT Pathway Data 2023 7 Measurable Steps on Signature s Net Zero Journey Communicating the Context Scopes 1, 2 & 3 Pathway to Operational Net Zero An Overview and Actions Highlights and Challenges Looking Ahead

Signature Recruitment - Vision Statement At Signature Recruitment, we envision a future where our business not only thrives, but leads the way in sustainable practices, paving a clear path to a net zero carbon footprint. Our commitment to environmental responsibility is unwavering, and we strive to be a beacon of innovation, demonstrating that SMEs can play a pivotal role in the global transition to a sustainable and regenerative economy. Signature Recruitment is dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality and reducing its environmental impact through considered choices. Signature Recruitment has committed to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, if not before. As we embark on this journey toward net zero, we are committed to transparent communication with our stakeholders. We will regularly assess and disclose our progress, learning from both successes and challenges, aiming to demonstrate the positive impact of sustainable business practices on both the environment and the bottom line. At Signature Recruitment, our vision for a net zero future is not just a goal; it is a shared responsibility and a testament to the belief that sustainable business is smart business.

Science Based Targets Pathway Data Baseline Footprint year: Carbon Footprint: 2022 66.93 tonnes

2023 7 Measurable Steps on Signatures Net Zero Journey Enrolment in the Heart of the City s course: Climate Change for SMEs 4 Steps Completing 4 modules over the year, attending online workshops and in-person events, resulting in certification and the tools to move forward with Signature s net zero action plan. Measuring Signature s impact: It s impossible to measure progress without a base starting point, so, to have a clear picture of our impact, we began to assess Scopes 1, 2, and 3, contributing to our operational footprint. We did this by collecting data from a variety of sources, listing our suppliers/stakeholders and we also began to track data internally. These actions created Signature s baseline carbon footprint (2022) that has been logged with the Heart of the City. Getting people on board: A Social Value Champion was appointed to promote a shared culture of responsibility, both internally, with all stakeholders, and throughout Signature s supply chain. This decision was made to help motivate colleagues and associates to play their part, as achieving net zero is much easier when the whole team is involved. Embedding sustainability into Signature s business strategy: Although social value and sustainability are extremely important to Signature already; to achieve net zero, Signature needs to consider people and the planet in every strategic decision made, to continue embedding decarbonisation, sustainability, and inclusivity into its operations. Building strong relationships with suppliers: By implementing a sustainable resourcing policy, supporting our providers, and earning their trust, Signature can keep track of supply chain emissions and help suppliers to improve their practices. This is vital for the next stages of measuring Scope 3 more accurately via supplier carbon footprint data, rather than monetary spend. Redefining value: While the traditional business model values profit above all else, SMEs working towards decarbonisation need to recognise additional markers of success. It s important to realise that a carbon footprint may increase (particularly when measuring using monetary spend) if we move to a more environmentally friendly supplier that could involve higher costs to Signature. Leading the change: The level of disruption we currently face offers an unparalleled opportunity to reimagine and rebuild our future - one that goes beyond achieving net zero to laying the foundations for a more resilient, equitable and sustainable world. As a result of undertaking the Heart of the City s course, the Signature team is pulling together, assisting one another to collectively move towards our net zero goal, it s now established internally that everyone has their part to play.

Scopes 1, 2 & 3 This graph represents Signature s operational carbon footprint. There are three Scopes of emissions contributing to our operational footprint Scopes 1 and 2 form the basis of our net zero commitment and currently provide the most significant opportunity to improve our impact on the planet. We also measure emissions that we have less control over, these are our Scope 3 emissions. This is mainly made up from our suppliers and procurement. Reductions in Scope 3 are part of our wider decarbonisation and offsetting strategy. Communicating the Context Insert text here

Scopes 1, 2 & 3 Baseline Data Reported for 2022 Communicating the Context Insert text here

Signatures strategy to reach operational net zero lays out the actions and priorities between now and 2030 to reach our commitment to halving emissions, and ultimately achieving net zero by 2050, if not before. Purchased goods and services are a large contributor to our operational footprint. Signature s focus, going forward, will be to build on our relationships with our suppliers to obtain accurate carbon footprint data, rather than basing on monetary spend. Decisions will then be made reviewing existing suppliers and sourcing alternatives, if we feel they don t share Signature s values and align with our goals to achieve net zero. Pathway to Operational Net Zero An Overview Insert text here

Action Plan Engaging our suppliers is key to achieving net zero. We stress the importance of encouraging others and working together in a shared endeavour to ensure our environmental goals are reached. As part of working out our baseline carbon footprint, a list of Signature suppliers has been produced, along with monetary spend for 2022. We aim to work with our supply chain and request environmental declarations to understand the impact to the environment. Timings Ongoing expectation for all suppliers to have provided environmental declarations/carbon footprints by mid-2024. The second half of 2024 will be used to revise Signature s Scope 3 emissions with more accurate supplier footprint data. Cost No costs, except direct administration and project management costs. Owner Social Value Champion. Approximate Emission Reductions No direct emission reductions as a result for the next operational year (may increase in the short-term due to moving to more expensive suppliers). For 2025, we hope to have more accurate data for Scope 3 and will then review to see where we can make changes to achieve halving Signature s carbon footprint by 2030. Pathway to Operational Net Zero Actions

Action Plan We recognise that engaging our team members is key to achieving net zero. Spreadsheets have been set up in a shared location, for the team to populate their individual journeys for client meetings, to capture precise data in preparation for our next carbon footprint measurement. The team is kept up to date with net zero activity and we communicate to a wider audience via client and candidate newsletters, blogs on our website and social media posts. Quarterly update team meetings have been added to everyone s calendar for 2024, where the Social Value Champion will share status updates and encourage the team to come up with ideas for our net zero journey. Timings Ongoing status meetings to be held quarterly with the whole team. Cost No costs, except direct administration and project management costs. Owner Social Value Champion. Approximate Emission Reductions Business travel emission reductions expected as the team look at more sustainable ways to travel. Overall good practice is expected to increase as the team consider their impact on the environment sending less internal emails etc. Pathway to Operational Net Zero Actions

Action Plan Meetings have taken place throughout 2023 with Signature s Director and SLT to share Signature s existing carbon footprint data, and the new processes in place and future plans, to measure data more thoroughly, working towards providing a more exact carbon footprint for the next year. The next stage is for Signature to sign up to the Science Based Targets portal. Provisional costs have been shared with management, and the costs need to be approved to be added to the budget on an ongoing basis. Potential offsetting costs have also been shared. Timings Plan is for management to review before next financial year April 2024. Cost Science Based Targets membership costs for SMEs. Owner Social Value Champion to drive and Director to give go-ahead for inclusion with budget. Approximate Emission Reductions No direct emission reductions, but more transparent reporting on a worldwide recognised platform. Pathway to Operational Net Zero Actions

Action Plan With a focus on emission reduction in line with the UN s sustainable goals, Signature will work towards logging its baseline and yearly data on the SBT platform. We are currently in the process of finalising data for our 2023 footprint. Further discussions to take place re potential third party verification. We will continue to report annually into the Heart of the City via the Net Zero Pathway Template. Timings Ongoing collection of data by the team collectively throughout the year. Expectation for decision to be made re SBT costs before April 2024. Possible third party verification to be discussed by SLT, once more accurate supplier data has been sourced. Cost No costs, except direct administration and project management costs. Potential SBT platform costs in 2024. Owner Social Value Champion. Approximate Emission Reductions No direct emission reductions are immediately expected, as existing purchased goods and services will need to be reviewed as part of Scope 3 assessment, once we are in receipt of more accurate supplier carbon footprints. Pathway to Operational Net Zero Actions

Action Plan To achieve operational net zero carbon, Signature s focus is grounded in mitigating carbon emissions (rather than emitting) and then offsetting. In the spirit of transparency, we acknowledge that there will be instances where offsetting is required. Where offsetting is necessary, further down the line, we will commit to using third party verified offsetting schemes. Timings After receipt of more accurate supplier carbon footprint data for Scope 3 Signature will begin to review suppliers to see where we can make more environmentally friendly changes. We expect this to take place during the second half of 2024. Cost No costs are expected during the next operational year, except direct administration and project management costs. Owner Social Value Champion. Approximate Emission Reductions No direct emission reductions as a result for the next operational year (costs may increase due to moving to more expensive suppliers). Pathway to Operational Net Zero Actions

Highlights and Challenges from 2023

Looking ahead: Key goals for 2024 Source more accurate carbon footprint data for goods and suppliers Reduce Scope 3 by assessing existing supplier's accurate data Liaise with management re future costs on our Net Zero journey Regularly updating and engaging the team Promote good practise within the team send less internal emails etc Continue to measure footprint data and looking at ways to provide more accurate data.

Success Story - 2024 At the start of 2024, Signature Recruitment successfully graduated from the Heart of the City s Climate for Change Action for SMEs Course with its Action Plan to achieve Net Zero being approved. As part of the Alumni, Signature can display this Heart of the City logo that is only awarded to organisations who have completed all 4 modules, to ensure that businesses making meaningful action get special recognition.