In today’s fast-evolving business environment, corporate responsibility is no longer a question of compliance - it’s about contribution. With Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations rising across all sectors, insurance brokers and carriers are uniquely positioned to influence real, measurable change. Their trusted, long-term relationships with clients, combined with their central role in underwriting risk and allocating investment, give them a powerful platform to lead on responsible business practices.
Chris Pitt (pictured), group impact director at Benefact Group, is clear about the opportunity - and the responsibility - that this presents. “Doing good is important for the insurance sector because we’re a major part of the economy,” he said. “How we insure and where we invest has a huge impact and influence on the world, so we have a responsibility and opportunity to do good.”
For Pitt, genuine corporate responsibility starts with a shift in mindset - from ticking ESG checklists to embedding purpose into core strategy. He challenges brokers to ask themselves two fundamental questions: “What impact do you have, and therefore what opportunity do you have to make a difference?”
“Just picking something to do good isn’t enough,” he said. “Brokers have huge influence through how they advise and support a wide range of customers.” Whether it’s working with schools, car insurance clients, or warehouse operators, brokers can find ways to support clients in becoming more sustainable and resilient.
Collaboration, Pitt stressed, is key. “Listen and influence. Connect with insurance partners, reinsurers, claims management experts, IT suppliers and more... Through the insurance value chain, you can achieve much greater impact.”
As environmental regulation becomes more rigorous, sustainability has taken centre stage for many businesses. Pitt describes regulation as “a powerful lever to encourage the sector to think and be transparent about the impact it’s making.” Yet he also warns against losing sight of purpose. “It’s important we don’t get too tied up with reporting to the detriment of taking action.”
Insurers and brokers can drive environmental impact through both investment and underwriting. A recent PwC report underscores this, revealing that 91% of insurance leaders believe investments are the primary way ESG is shaping corporate impact - closely followed by underwriting.
Pitt sees brokers’ influence beginning with a deep understanding of their underwriting footprint: “Which have the biggest impact?” he asked. “Which customer groups can we most readily work with and influence? Which are most at risk from the changing climate?”
He also warns against the growing trend of “green hushing” - the reluctance to speak about positive climate actions for fear of criticism. “We’ve got to share the great work we’re doing, so we can learn from one another, accept the challenge, and remain undeterred from doing good.”
Ways brokers can drive ESG and climate action include:
Small steps, big messages
While the industry’s most substantial impact comes through underwriting and investment, daily decisions still matter. “You might have a big initiative to help customers,” Pitt said, “but if you’re not taking steps - working to electrify your fleet for example - it massively undermines your efforts.”
Even modest actions can send strong signals and boost staff engagement. A 2023 report from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) supports this, showing that consumers are willing to pay more for products from firms seen as socially responsible - making the business case for embedding responsibility across every layer of operations.
Practical ESG actions in day-to-day operations include:
Looking ahead: purpose as standard
According to Pitt, the very notion of corporate responsibility is shifting. “The term corporate responsibility is becoming outdated,” he said. “Today, there’s a growing expectation that sustainability and ethical business practices aren’t just add-ons - they’re embedded into every aspect of operations.”
The pressure to act is growing, from regulators, clients, and the wider public. But Pitt cautions against waiting for perfect clarity. “Brokers shouldn’t let uncertainty hold them back - waiting for all the answers will only stall progress,” he said.
Instead, they should lead by example. “They should focus on clearly defining their impact and opportunities, staying committed to meaningful action. By doing so, brokers will continue to be seen as credible and trusted advisers in an evolving landscape.”
