by Ashfords
In a world where sustainable growth and responsible business go hand in hand, our podcast series takes a deep dive into environmental, social and governance, better known as 'ESG'. We've invited our legal experts to uncover a wide range of ESG issues, from greenwashing, to data protection, to human rights, in order to help businesses drive sustainable growth whilst managing ESG compliance.
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Publishing Since
9/15/2025
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March 19, 2026
<p>In epsiode 5 of Ashfords on ESG, host Zoe Hunt is joined by Samantha Knights KC of Matrix Chambers to discuss modern slavery in the UK. Sam is an established silk with a broad practice area which includes immigration and asylum, and human rights. She has been instructed in a wide range of complex cases involving trafficking and modern slavery.</p><p>Their conversation delves into the pressing issue of modern slavery, particularly in the context of the UK's legal framework and the challenges faced by victims. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the legal definitions, the relevance of modern slavery in the UK, and the shortcomings of the current anti-slavery system. </p><p><br></p><p>They explore how real-life cases illustrate the complexities of identifying victims, the role of criminal enforcement, and the risks of re-trafficking, before discussing what changes are needed to better protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.</p><p>If you are aware of any case of modern slavery, you can report this to the modern slavery helpine on 0800 0121 700. You can also find out more here: <a href="https://www.modernslavery.gov.uk/start">Report modern slavery – Reportmodern slavery – GOV.UK</a></p><p>Find out more about our work to support organisations in implementing impactful ESG strategies: <a href="https://www.ashfords.co.uk/expertise/business-legal-services/esg-services">https://www.ashfords.co.uk/expertise/business-legal-services/esg-services</a></p><p>Our insights in this podcast are intended to be for general information purposes only, may not cover every aspect of the topic with which it deals, and should not be relied on as legal advice or as an alternative to taking legal advice.English law is subject to change and the insights shared may not reflect the latest legal developments. You should always seek appropriate legal advice before taking, or refraining from taking, any action based on the information contained in this podcast. Ashfords disclaims all liability for any loss,howsoever caused, arising directly or indirectly from reliance on the information contained within this podcast.</p><p>Ashfords LLP is a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales with number OC342432, and its registered office is at Ashford House, Grenadier Road, Exeter, EX1 3LH. The firm’s VAT number is GB 844 5024 39. Ashfords LLP isauthorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with number 508761. A list of members of Ashfords LLP, and their professional qualifications, is available at the registered office. The term partner is used to refer to a member of Ashfords LLP or an employee of equivalent standing.</p><p>A copy of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Standards and Regulations 2019 can be found at <a href="http://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations">www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations</a>.</p>
January 27, 2026
<p>In Episode 4 of <strong>Ashfords on ESG</strong>, host <a href="https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/zoe-hunt" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><strong>Zoe Hunt</strong></a> is joined by <a href="https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/oliver-woodhouse" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><strong>Oliver Woodhouse</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/andrew-roberts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><strong>Andrew Roberts</strong></a> from Ashfords’ commercial team for a deep dive into perhaps the most overlooked pillar of ESG: governance. </p><p>This episode explores how governance failures can expose any organisation, not just financial institutions, to significant financial crime risks, reputational damage, and regulatory scrutiny.</p><p>Together, they explore the full spectrum of financial crime, including fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions breaches, and bribery/corruption, explaining how these offences arise in practice and why all businesses must take them seriously.</p><p>Listeners will learn:</p><ul><li>Why financial crime is a core ESG governance risk, not just a compliance box‑ticking exercise.</li><li>How weak systems, poor oversight, and unclear accountability can inadvertently expose organisations to liability.</li><li>The importance of risk assessments, proportionate controls, and staff training to build genuine, defensible governance frameworks.</li><li>Key regulatory developments, including the <strong>Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act</strong> and shifting supervisory expectations in the UK.</li><li>How ESG disclosures can unintentionally heighten fraud and bribery risks when governance controls aren’t robust.</li><li>Practical steps any organisation can take now to strengthen fraud prevention, improve financial crime governance, and protect their ESG credibility.</li></ul><p>This episode provides actionable insights for business leaders, compliance teams, and anyone responsible for organisational governance, highlighting the crucial link between strong ESG governance, financial crime resilience, and sustainable business practice.</p>
October 24, 2025
<p>Artificial intelligence is reshaping the ESG landscape — but can innovation and sustainability truly work hand in hand?</p><p>In this episode of Ashfords on ESG, Associate <a href="https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/zoe-hunt" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Zoe Hunt</strong></a> is joined by Commercial Associate <a href="https://www.ashfords.co.uk/our-people/hannah-elliott" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hannah Elliott</strong></a> to explore one of the most transformative forces impacting ESG: artificial intelligence.</p><p>They discuss how AI is being used by businesses to meet ESG requirements, enhance compliance and analyse sustainability data, as well as the potential pitfalls of relying on technology in this evolving space.</p><p>The conversation examines:</p><ul><li><p>How AI can automate ESG data collection, reporting and verification</p></li><li><p>The legal and ethical challenges around AI-driven decision making</p></li><li><p>The risks of bias, inaccuracy and hallucination in AI systems</p></li><li><p>Differences between the UK and EU approaches to AI regulation</p></li><li><p>The tension between innovation, sustainability and environmental responsibility</p></li></ul><p>Zoe and Hannah also consider how organisations can balance the efficiency of AI with the need for transparency and human oversight, and what this means for the future of responsible business.</p><p>Find out more about our work to support organisations in implementing impactful ESG strategies: <a href="https://www.ashfords.co.uk/expertise/business-legal-services/esg-services" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.ashfords.co.uk/expertise/business-legal-services/esg-services</a></p><p>Our insights in this podcast are intended to be for general information purposes only, may not cover every aspect of the topic with which it deals, and should not be relied on as legal advice or as an alternative to taking legal advice.English law is subject to change and the insights shared may not reflect the latest legal developments. You should always seek appropriate legal advice before taking, or refraining from taking, any action based on the information contained in this podcast. Ashfords disclaims all liability for any loss,howsoever caused, arising directly or indirectly from reliance on the information contained within this podcast.</p><p>Ashfords LLP is a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales with number OC342432, and its registered office is at Ashford House, Grenadier Road, Exeter, EX1 3LH. The firm’s VAT number is GB 844 5024 39. Ashfords LLP isauthorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with number 508761. A list of members of Ashfords LLP, and their professional qualifications, is available at the registered office. The term partner is used to refer to a member of Ashfords LLP or an employee of equivalent standing.</p><p>A copy of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s Standards and Regulations 2019 can be found at <a href="http://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations</a>.</p>
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In a world where sustainable growth and responsible business go hand in hand, our podcast series takes a deep dive into environmental, social and governance, better known as 'ESG'.
We've invited our legal experts to uncover a wide range of ESG issues, from greenwashing, to data protection, to human rights, in order to help businesses drive sustainable growth whilst managing ESG compliance.
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