Consultant spotlight: Rachel Weller
Rachel is a senior consultant and a member of Sancroft’s Executive Committee. She has recently returned to Sancroft following her maternity leave. We talked to her about her role, her motivation and what you can expect from working with her.
Welcome back, what has it been like returning to work?
I had a real sense of FOMO when I went on maternity leave at the beginning of 2024. There were lots of interesting projects in the pipeline. It also felt like a very exciting time for the business and for the field of business and human rights generally, especially with the passing of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive in the EU.
I have enjoyed returning to work, catching up on how things have developed since then and inputting on the projects that colleagues have been working on. I’ve also been lucky enough to attend a number of interesting events to understand what has, and hasn’t changed, including at the UN Business and Human Rights Forum in Geneva, baby and husband in-tow.
Where does your interest in sustainability stem from?
As cheesy as it sounds, I’ve always been motivated by the opportunity to create a more just world. Previously, I’d enjoyed working with NGOs and corporate foundations to advance progress on issues including health and equality. Given the enormous power of the private sector, I wanted to pivot to work with businesses and investors to help them make money more responsibly, and to protect the people and planet on which their businesses ultimately depend.
Looking back to when I first applied to join Sancroft in 2019, I was attracted by the opportunity to develop expertise on a range of sustainability topics and service lines while deepening my expertise in human rights. Given how interconnected sustainability topics are, and the need for integrated solutions, I believe that that having this holistic view remains incredibly important.
What do you love about your role?
I enjoy working with different people to help them unpick the challenges that they and their organisations face, and, crucially, work with them to develop solutions. This includes solving their problems creatively and translating and applying global standards in their unique contexts.
As a profession, sustainability is changing so quickly, so there is always lots to learn.
As a member of Sancroft’s Executive Committee I am enjoying working collaboratively with colleagues and partners to help drive improvements in our business and how we serve our clients.
What can Sancroft clients expect from working with you?
Pragmatic advice, taking into account where their organisation is now, and where they should focus their resources in order to drive meaningful change for people, the planet and their business.
I make a concerted effort to cut down complexity and jargon. Equally, I am very conscious of the responsibility to use our clients’ time and resources effectively. I also believe you can’t put enough importance on providing a friendly face – just being a nice human being.
And finally, what do you get up to when you’re not advising our clients?
When I’m not chasing after my young son, or exploring the best soft play London has to offer, I’d like to be drinking orange wine, eating pastries, gardening, travelling and reading highbrow (and lowbrow!) books. Oh, and I have recently switched out rowing on the river Lea for Reformer Pilates.