Jonathan Staward
Chief Compliance RIsk Officer UK&I, Chair ESG Forum
Equifax
Underpinned by their key priorities – Consumer Impact, Community, Suppliers, Environment, Security, Privacy, Culture and Careers, Corporate Governance – sits its core values and purpose of ‘helping people live their financial best’ and using the power of data to make a positive impact.
Equifax takes inspiration from the one in two adults that do not feel confident managing their money (Money and Pensions Service) and the £24bn in unclaimed benefits each year (Policy in Practice), with a goal to educate both current and future consumers to prevent financial distress, particularly for those most vulnerable using data to address barriers to financial inclusion.
Using intuitive data, the Equifax ESG report showcases their progress in diversity and inclusion through employee-initiatives and measurement of diversity statistics through a Self-ID campaign attracting a 65% completion rate, exceeding the 60% target.
They also demonstrate consideration to their environmental impact through a maturing data minimisation strategy and Google Cloud impact measurement, part of the global business’ net-zero plan for 2040.
Another key focus is Equifax’s continued work on supply chain transparency and reporting, moving closer to their target of 73% Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTI) suppliers. In addition, it has driven a 196% increase in engagement in their community outreach programme centred on financial education and career education to drive social mobility for young people.
The organisation also holds the Bronze EcoVadis rating with sustainable procurement being a key focus for 2025, giving key insights into our effectiveness as a business and how we can work together as a team to address our gaps and improve our transparency.
Equifax ‘Speakers for Schools’ partnership is a highlight of the report, showcasing their work delivering a pilot education outreach programme to underserved children from schools in areas of deprivation, enhancing financial literacy and their ability to manage their own finances.
In 2022, Equifax partnered with Thrive CSR to measure and report the social value of their work. Aligned to the Social Value Model and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Since September 2022, they’ve reported over £45m in value delivered to society.
You can read our full report here.
At Equifax, we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward.
Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.
Equifax Ltd is one of the Equifax group companies based in the UK. Equifax Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
For more information, visit www.equifax.co.uk.