SUSTAINABILITY, NATURE, CLIMATE, PEOPLE, PLANET

Ilkley Moor at the summer solstice

I’m a sustainability and public policy expert, working across sectors. I specialise in helping companies, NGOs and policymakers drive better nature and climate outcomes. I spent 10 years at Aviva plc, as Group Director of Sustainability and Public Policy. I led the work (with my jobshare partner) on Aviva’s world leading sustainability strategy. Prior to that I spent a decade in Westminster, including as a Special Adviser in HM Treasury and DWP.

I have degrees from Harvard and Leeds, and a Postgrad Diploma in Conservation Management (and 6 happy months as a Ranger in the Dales). I also work on fatherhood, men and equality, and am a Trustee of York Climate Commission.

If you think I might be able to help, please get in touch.

click here to email me

www.linkedin.com/in/willmcdonald-sustainability

Recent projects include …

Corporate engagement for Defra of the Department’s own supply chain, looking at nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities (research outputs not publicly available)
Research into the current status and drivers of demand side of nature – see link for Report and webinar recording Esmee Fairbairn Driving demand: business action on nature
Delivery of practical Nature Finance training to environmental NGOs and others Nature Finance – A Course For eNGOs
Leading workshops with restoration projects in Nature North’s Coasts and Estuaries investible proposition on engaging the private sector (ongoing)
Delivery of workshops for Defra’s NEIRF programme (via EKN), engaging with NEIRF grantees and the private sector
Jointly facilitated a Netherlands-UK bilateral roundtable on growing nature finance at the Dutch Embassy Netherlands UK Roundtable on Nature Finance
Co-authored the Association of British Insurers’ Guide to Action on Nature, the ABI’s most downloaded publication that year, helping businesses understand and respond to nature-related risks and opportunities
Worked with Nature North to develop their understanding and approach to the private sector, and contributed to the publication of Investing in Nature for the North, A Strategic Plan for a Nature Positive Regional Economy.
Engagement with the insurance sector for WWF UK project on climate and nature and the role that insurers can play (internal report)
Member of the Transition Plan Taskforce Nature Working Group, as WWF UK, for the development and publication of The Future for Nature in Transition Planning.
Project manager and researcher on WWF UK report on to what more the Bank of England could do on climate and nature Too Hot To Handle
Subject Matter Expert supporting Imperial College Business School to launch Sustainable Finance and Investing course.

20+ years of experience

Across policymaking, business and NGOs

Sustainability

I help organisations navigate to a sustainable future – investments, strategy, operations, people, governance and policies

Policymaking

I help all stakeholders understand and deliver good public policy and regulation for a sustainable future

Building a deer and sheep fence on a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust / WWF UK / Natural England project, with Ingleborough in the background

What other people say …

“I thoroughly enjoyed working with Will and look back with pride at what we delivered in the time we worked together at Aviva. It is a real skill being able to navigate the world of sustainability, while at the same time focusing on what the company needed to deliver for shareholders, customers and internally. Will does this really well and manages all stakeholders effortlessly.”

Kirsty Cooper CBE

“I worked with Will over a number of years as the industry went through some significant changes and challenges. As a senior leader in one of the largest firms, Will was always quick to grasp the big picture and help drive the industry towards better outcomes. He had a reputation across the sector, policymakers and NGOs as someone you could work with and who would get things done.”

Huw Evans, Partner KPMG and former Director General of the Association of British Insurers (ABI)

“Will is incredibly talented. He has a unique combination of experiences and has delivered very successfully in the commercial, policy and regulatory worlds where he has shown real leadership. He is a joy to work with and will be an asset in your team. I couldn’t recommend him too highly.”

Amanda Mackenzie OBE

“I’ve always enjoyed working with Will – he’s smart, on top of his brief and focused on what’s needed. A pleasure to work with.“

Andy Briggs, Group CEO of Phoenix

“Having worked with Will in a number of roles I’ve directly experienced and been motivate by the knowledge and passion he brings to every project. It’s always been a pleasure to work with someone who can focus on outcomes and impact, and bring out the best in people along the way.”

Pauliina Murphy, Engagement Director, World Benchmarking Alliance