Lifetime appoints Head of ESGI to drive sustainability and social impact agenda

The Lifetime Group, the UK’s leading provider of skills training and apprenticeship programmes, today announces the appointment of Zara Idris in the newly created role of Head of ESG & Social Impact.

Zara brings a wealth of experience in ESG strategy development, youth development and social value measurement, and will collaborate widely across Lifetime, Skilltech Solutions and Innovate Awarding to further embed sustainable practices across the Group.

Zara has previously held roles at The Prince’s Trust, WE Charity, End Youth Homelessness and builders’ merchants Lords Group Trading, where she developed and implemented a group-wide ESG strategy, as well as establishing the business’ own charitable foundation. Returning to the world of skills and training with Lifetime, Zara will combine a passion for social mobility with expertise in developing ESG initiatives which deliver measurable impact.

Zara Idris, Head of ESG & Social Impact said of her appointment:

“I’m delighted to be returning to my roots in the skills and employment sector. Lifetime’s commitment to ensuring that skills training is accessible, inclusive, and truly transformative is clear. I’m excited to build on this strong foundation and work with the entire Group to embed ESG and social impact.”

In recent months, Lifetime has published its first ESGI Report, setting out progress so far as well as future commitments. Using the Social Return on Investment framework and methodology tool to understand the social, environmental and economic value generated relative to investments made, Lifetime has calculated an SROI of over £112million during 23/24. This value reflects not only the positive impact created directly by Lifetime, but also the benefits generated for partner organisations, thanks to increased retention and progression. Over the coming months, Lifetime will further incorporate social value metrics and SROI calculations to evidence and strengthen the positive impact of learning programmes.  

Looking ahead, Lifetime is also announcing a new formal partnership with Action for Children to enhance volunteering and charitable giving. The Group is also setting environmental targets aligned with international best-practice frameworks and enhancing commitments to EDI and staff upskilling as part of wider ESGI initiatives.

David Smith, CEO at Lifetime, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Zara on board. Her background in youth employment charities and in corporate sustainability mean she is uniquely placed to support our mission.

“With support from colleagues across the Group, we are embedding ESG principles into our operations, programme delivery, assessment and accreditation. In doing so, we can leverage the power of learning as a force for positive change, for our organisation, partners, learners and society at large.”