Transition planning and transition plans

Matt Scott, Chapter Zero Senior Advisor, shares his thoughts on an inspiring global gathering of non-executive directors at the 2025 ChangeNOW conference in Paris. Offering insights into how climate governance is good governance, and how NEDs can lead the way in driving strategy that will ensure resilience and reap value, as well as offering critical oversight of transition planning to deliver credible outcomes.

The past twelve months have highlighted how companies are not only increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change but also how they are powerfully positioned to be agents of change, with the ability to curb these impacts and promote long-term sustainability and resilience for the global economy and for society. The need to decarbonise and to achieve net zero commitments is being driven by a range of economic, regulatory and market factors, all of which require companies to respond faster than ever before.

Karen Ellis, Chief Economist at WWF-UK and speaker at Chapter Zero events, says that boards are looking for pathways to help them integrate nature into their transition plans.

In collaboration with the Oliver Wyman Forum, as part of our transition planning materials, we launched this series of three interactive, masterclasses. The third masterclass focused on transition planning beyond the boardroom, exploring the ever-changing external landscape, engaging with key stakeholders, and considering the broader implications of business transition.

In collaboration with the Oliver Wyman Forum and as part of our wider series on transition planning, Chapter Zero members came together for the second of three interactive, practical transition planning masterclasses. These are in-depth learning experiences where attendees learn from both experts and peers. Building from the first masterclass on transition planning foundations and the role of the NED, the second masterclass explored how NEDs can lead through uncertainty, effectively review and challenge transition plans and take into account legal considerations associated with transition planning. This document provides a summary of the rich learnings and key takeaways from the session.

In collaboration with the Oliver Wyman Forum, as part of our wider Transition Planning series, Chapter Zero recently launched the first of three interactive, practical transition planning masterclasses. Building from our Getting Started series, these in-depth masterclasses explore transition planning concepts in greater detail. The first masterclass explored the basics and best practices for transition planning, as well as the evolving role of non-executive directors (NEDs) in this space. You can find the key takeaways from the first session below.

In collaboration with the Carbon Trust, the first module in our Transition Planning series explores the role of the non-executive director (NED) in ensuring organisations follow best practices in assessing climate-related risks and opportunities, the scenario analysis methodology to support such assessment, and practical insights of key levers for organisations to develop a transition plan.

Chapter Zero is proud to have played a part in the work of the Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) that today delivers a best practice Disclosure Framework for climate transition plans so companies can play their part in the shift to net zero.

Chapter Zero has partnered with Freshfields and the Centre for Climate Engagement to explore climate-related legal questions with non-executive directors from across the UK. The series began in September 2023 with a session providing an overview of the interaction between climate change, legal issues and business, and then focusing on legacy risks to companies, including litigation, and how they can be mitigated. Below is a summary of the second session which explored the landscape of legal issues that organisations face in daily operations and when implementing climate strategy, identifying key legal considerations at the forefront of transition planning.

Chapter Zero partnered with Freshfields and the Centre for Climate Engagement in 2023 to explore key climate-related legal questions with non-executive directors from across the UK, especially in the context of transition planning. Below is a summary of the first session, which focused on legacy business and risks.

The Bank published its Climate Transition Plan in July 2023, which details the Bank’s target and strategy to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions for physical operations.

Chapter Zero recently organised a series of two roundtables for Audit Committee Chairs and members in partnership with Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) to explore forward planning, effective communication, and an understanding of emerging requirements for Audit Committees to drive climate action on boards.  With expert input from A4S, the second session focused on transition planning and the changing sustainability reporting landscape. These are two topics that are critical for Audit Committees to keep ahead of, and you can find the key takeaways from the second session below.

In collaboration with BCG, the third module in our Transition Planning series equips non-executive directors with practical tips on how to fully integrate climate transition planning into business strategy.

In collaboration with EY, the second module in our Transition Planning series equips non-executive directors (NEDs) to navigate the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape in which climate transition planning sits and understand the implications for businesses.

Last night we launched our new Transition Planning Toolkit for non-executive directors at our flagship event attended by more than 300 Chapter Zero members, partners and supporters.

There is growing international momentum around private sector transition plans and their vital role in supporting the global shift to net zero across the financial sector and the real economy. This is a status update from the Transition Plan Taskforce.

New CDP data shows companies are recognizing the need for climate transition plans but are not moving fast enough amidst incoming mandatory disclosure.

This CDP report provides an overview of the current state of climate transition plan information disclosed through CDP's 2022 climate change questionnaire. The data analysed in this report spans over 18,600 organizations in 13 industries and across 135 countries.

Part 4 of the Transition Planning Toolkit. Read Barriers and Enablers to consider and prepare for the barriers to developing and delivering on the company’s transition plan, and to understand enabling factors and processes that may enhance this delivery.

Part 3 of the Transition Planning Toolkit. Use the Governance Compass tool in your board committee meetings to ensure that your committee’s work considers, aligns with and supports the company’s Strategic Ambition and transition plan.

Part 2 of the Transition Planning Toolkit. Complete the Transition Planning Scorecard to help assess how effectively your board is responding and contributing to the transition to a low GHG-emissions and climate-resilient economy.

Simon Carter, CEO, shares how British Land worked with their non-executive directors and ESG Committee to create a credible net zero transition plan.

Jane Goodland, Group Head of Sustainability, shares how the London Stock Exchange Group helps investors and listed companies to allocate capital, navigate the climate transition, and the importance of board engagement.

Nigel Topping CMG, Business Champion for the UK Climate Change Committee, shares the current climate state of play and urges business leaders to move beyond frameworks and take concrete steps towards net zero goals.