114 LAWYER MONTHLY EXPERT WITNESS AWARDS 2025 “A credible and persuasive expert witness doesn’t just present technical facts, they translate complex issues into clear, understandable terms while remaining impartial and objective.” However, many still struggle with implementing meaningful actions beyond just compliance. While some focus on reporting ESG metrics, they often lack comprehensive systems for tracking and improving these areas across the board. The gap remains in aligning true cultural change with the ESG framework, particularly when it comes to long-term accountability and transparency in risk management. Difficulty also presents for smaller less mature organisations to embrace ESG due to a lack of knowledge, resourcing and funding, which is where specialist consultants/advisers can support meaningful outcomes. Your work spans both technical compliance and leadership development. How important is internal culture in preventing the kinds of failures that often end up in court? Internal culture is crucial in preventing the kinds of failures that lead to legal disputes. Technical compliance alone cannot them stand out. What truly sets them apart is their integrity and the ability to offer insights that are not just technically accurate but also relevant and actionable within the context of the case. SafeAssure supports organisations through auditing, training, and risk management — how do you ensure that your consulting work translates into tangible, long-term change for clients? At SafeAssure, we focus on embedding sustainable, practical solutions tailored to each client’s needs. We don’t just provide advice, we help organisations implement real change by delivering strategic action plans, training programs, and ongoing support. By fostering ownership of management systems, aligning them with the client’s values, and ensuring that leadership is actively engaged in the process, we ensure that improvements are deeply integrated into the company culture and operations, driving long-term results. Can you walk us through a case where your expert opinion had a significant influence on the legal outcome? What did it teach you about the expert witness process? One notable case involved a construction site safety incident where I provided an expert assessment on risk management failures and compliance breaches. My findings highlighted specific gaps in the company’s safety systems that were not immediately evident during initial investigations. This insight significantly influenced the legal outcome, as it demonstrated that the incident could have been prevented with proper adherence to safety protocols. It reinforced the importance of a detailed, systematic approach when evaluating safety systems and underscored the need for clear, fact-based testimony in influencing legal outcomes. With ESG increasingly under the microscope, how are you seeing businesses shift their approach — and where do you think many are still falling short? Businesses are increasingly integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their strategies, recognising the importance of sustainability and corporate responsibility.
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