Getting ESG right in your care service: What you need to know

If you’re hearing whispers about ESG and wondering if it’s relevant to your care service, the short answer is yes. And it’s becoming more important by the day.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) isn’t a corporate buzzword that’s passed the care sector by. It’s now woven into how the CQC assesses services, particularly within the ‘well-led’ domain. Inspectors are asking about environmental sustainability and expect to see services taking meaningful action to reduce their environmental footprint. But beyond compliance, ESG offers a framework for running a better, more resilient care business.

With that in mind, Citation’s experts have shared their advice on getting ESG right.

Why it matters now

The CQC’s focus on sustainability means providers need to show they understand their environmental impact and are taking steps to reduce it. You’re not expected to be perfect overnight – but you are expected to show intention, progress and leadership. If you can evidence your ESG efforts, you’ll be in a better position in inspections and more attractive to staff, families and commissioners who care about these issues.

Environmental: Start with what’s in front of you

You don’t need a huge budget to make environmental improvements. Small changes add up.

Ask yourself:

• Are lights and equipment switched off when not needed?
• Could you reduce paper usage and move more processes online?
• Are appliances well-maintained to keep them energy efficient?
• When heating water, are you only heating what you need?

These practical steps cut costs while reducing your environmental impact – a win win.

Social: You’re already doing this

The social side focuses on people, and care providers naturally excel here. It’s about supporting staff wellbeing, creating inclusive workplaces, listening to service users and their families, and building community connections.

Consider:

• Do staff have regular, meaningful wellbeing support?
• Are you capturing feedback from service users and families – and acting on it?
• Is equality and dignity training part of ongoing development?

Strong social practices improve your culture, attract and retain good people, and build trust with your families.

Governance: The foundation of quality

Governance sounds dry, but it’s essential. It covers how decisions are made, how you protect data, whether your values are lived out in practice, and how transparent you are with your team and regulator. Good governance means sound decision-making, ethical leadership and accountability.

Making it manageable

Don’t try to overhaul everything at once. Start by recognising the good work already happening in your service, then identify one or two changes that would make a tangible difference – think about reducing paper forms or introducing staff sustainability champions.

Involve your team in the conversation. Ask what changes would improve their day-to-day work and use Citations interactive checklist to help you gain clarity on where you’re at.

Getting support

ESG doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Citation can help you prepare for CQC inspections and embed sustainable practices that work for your service. Give us a call on 0345 844 1111 or click here to learn more – and don’t forget to let us know that you’re a Care England member when enquiring to access preferential rates.