Russell Bedford - Case Study: Multi-disciplinary team collaboration

Russell Bedford International in Barcelona: Objectives for sustainability

In recent years, sustainability has become a top priority for organisations around the world. Scientific warnings about the planet’s condition have highlighted the urgent need for change. As a result, governments and major corporations have integrated sustainability into their policies. Stephen Hamlet, CEO of Russell Bedford International, says “it’s inspiring to see our firms setting clear sustainability objectives.”

GNL Russell Bedford, a firm within the Russell Bedford International network, based in Barcelona, is committed to playing a role in the global shift towards sustainable practices. Their Sustainability & Impact division has been working constantly to improve their sustainability value proposition, benefiting both the network and their stakeholders worldwide.

Nando Agustí,
Senior Manager in Sustainability and Impact at GNL Russell Bedford

To keep sustainability at the core of their mission, GNL Russell Bedford has key areas for establishing objectives. Their focus is on leveraging their greatest assets: their people and their knowledge. Here are the main goals: 

  • Building an expert and multidisciplinary team  
    GNL Russell Bedford ensures that their team is well-equipped to meet their clients’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) needs. This includes helping clients with regulatory compliance and developing corporate strategies that focus on sustainability. 

  • Investing in collaboration between different business areas and international branches to pool knowledge 
    To tackle the complex challenges of sustainability, GNL Russell Bedford encourages collaboration between different departments and international offices. By sharing knowledge across these areas, they can provide tailored solutions to meet client needs. 

  • Continuously training internal teams through official instruction programmes 
    The team regularly engages in official training programs, earns certifications like BCORP, and attends key industry events such as the International Climate Change Congress. This continuous learning ensures they stay updated on the latest in sustainability. 

  • Offering an up-to-date service proposal aligned with new regulatory requirements and industry trends 
    With sustainability regulations constantly evolving, especially in the European Union, GNL Russell Bedford ensures their services help clients meet current requirements while preparing them for future changes. 

  • Sharing knowledge with stakeholders 
    They actively share their sustainability expertise through articles, training events, and workshops. This helps educate stakeholders and prepares them for upcoming challenges in sustainability. 

  • Providing personalised sustainability training to our clients and prospects 
    GNL Russell Bedford offers tailored training to help clients understand sustainability’s impact on their business. They work closely with executive teams to guide them through regulatory changes and improve their environmental impact. 

Anna Peláez,

Senior Consultant in Sustainability and Impact at GNL Russell Bedford

Anna Peláez, Senior Consultant in Sustainability and Impact at GNL Russell Bedford, emphasised the importance of team training in advancing sustainability efforts. She said, "collaboration between networks accelerates learning and helps to bring about internal practices and conversations with stakeholders that facilitate compliance with regulations such as ISSA 5000."

Russell Bedford International member firms discuss ISSA 5000 at the Russell Bedford International Tax and EMEA Conference 2024

Stephen Hamlet, CEO of Russell Bedford International said, "it’s inspiring to see our firms setting clear sustainability objectives. At the Russell Bedford International Tax and EMEA Conference 2024 in Marrakesh, Anna helped to explain the challenges that have emerged over the years, leading to the opportunities these now present, from the perspective of the auditor and consultant as well as the client and their businesses. With so much at stake, but with such passion and determination, as witnessed from regular interactive activities and discussions within the organisation, we hope this approach will be replicated across our network and beyond." 

GNL Russell Bedford in Barcelona exemplifies how firms can successfully integrate sustainability into their core business strategies. By building expert teams, encouraging collaboration across departments and international offices, and continuously training their staff, they are well-positioned to meet evolving regulatory requirements and address the complex challenges of sustainability. Through commitment to sharing knowledge with stakeholders and providing personalised support to clients they set a strong example for the entire Russell Bedford International network. 

Main image: Stephen Hamlet, CEO of Russell Bedford International