The ICRS Launches New Apprentices Hub and Announces Steering Committee
The ICRS Apprentices Hub
The Institute for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (ICRS), the UK’s professional body for CR&S practitioners, is delighted to announce the launch of its new Hub for apprentices and the selection of the Steering Committee.
Recognising the need for a dedicated space for apprentices across the UK to connect, the Hub will facilitate networking, knowledge sharing, host events, and expand connections among those in training. The Steering Committee members, who bring a diverse range of experiences and interests, have been selected to shape the Hub's strategy, ensuring it delivers maximum value to its members. Tobias DeSouza and Maria Radeva will serve as Co-Chairs, with Eliane Barclay, Grace Fower, and Freya Brookes as Committee members.
Additionally, the ICRS is excited to welcome two senior advisors to the Hub. Robert Powell, Sustainability Director at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and creator of the Level 4 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner apprenticeship programme, and Raphaella Gordon-Saker, who leads Formula E's social impact strategy, will bring their extensive expertise in corporate responsibility and sustainability to help shape the future of the ICRS Apprentices Hub.
The inaugural ICRS Apprentices Hub event is scheduled for July 3rd, 2025, from 12-1pm. It will feature introductions to the ICRS and the Hub, followed by speed networking. Further details on the launch event will be announced soon.
Steering Committee Details
Tobias DeSouza - Co-Chair
Tobias DeSouza completed a CR&S Apprenticeship at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, an international law firm in London. After qualifying in August last year, Tobias became a Pro Bono & Social Impact Executive, focusing on legal pro bono work for charities and individuals unable to afford legal advice, and advancing the firm's social impact initiatives, including charity partnerships, volunteering, and fundraising. Tobias is excited to be part of the new ICRS Apprentice Hub and looks forward to connecting with apprentices across the country.
Maria Radeva - Co-Chair
Maria combines academic background in International Business Management with deep passion for sustainability, bringing energy, insight, and purpose to her role as a Co-Chair of the ICRS apprenticeship Hub. In her professional role as ESG assistant at MKM Building Supplies, she focuses on turning ambition into action. She is committed to helping shape future leaders and change makers and driving real impact through the ICRS’s mission of responsible business.
Eliane Barclay – Committee Member
Eliane, Community Engagement Apprentice at North London Waste Authority, is excited to join the ICRS Apprentices Hub Steering Committee, bringing her passion for social impact and community engagement to this role. With a background working and volunteering in community organisations, she is dedicated to fostering meaningful change and passionate about making the right decisions for people and the planet. Eliane looks forward to building a Hub where apprentices can exchange knowledge, support one another and create valuable connections throughout their journey.
Grace Fower – Committee Member
Grace is delighted to have been appointed as a member of the Steering Committee for the ICRS Apprentices Hub. Based in Birmingham and working within the construction industry, she is committed to promoting social value, sustainability and creating a positive impact within the local community. She looks forward to contributing her experience and knowledge to the development of engaging Hub events, fostering a strong, collaborative network of CR&S apprentices.
Freya Brookes - Committee Member
Freya Brookes is a current apprentice focusing on social impact at Amazon, including stakeholder management, product donations, and engaging Amazon employees in volunteering. She started her apprenticeship in August 2024 and is thoroughly enjoying it. Freya is excited to be part of the apprentice steering committee and looks forward to networking with apprentices across the country.
Rob Powell – Advisor
Rob Powell is Sustainability Director at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. Rob is responsible for spearheading the firm’s operational Sustainability commitments in Europe and is a member of the firm’s Sustainability Advisory Practice which helps clients to navigate the ever-changing landscape. Rob pioneered the creation of the Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Practitioner (Level 4) – the UK’s first vocational pathway in sustainability – there are now 450+ CRS apprentices employed by 250+ businesses across the country. He is a frequent speaker on the social sustainability circuit and regularly contributes to industry reports and thought leadership articles, he is chair of trustees for Workwhile and a trustee of Special Olympics GB.
Raphaella Gordon-Saker – Advisor
Raphaella Gordon-Saker leads Formula E's social impact strategy, driving global initiatives that harness the power of sport to drive social change. Recognised in Edie’s 30 Under 30, she specialises in building purpose-led strategies and establishing high-impact partnerships and programmes. Beginning her career on a Future Careers pathway at Virgin Media O2 - she's proud to now support the ICRS Apprentice Hub Steering Committee.