National Apprenticeship Week 2025 – Apprentice Wednesday
Interview with Sarah James, People and Operations Manager, Savient Limited
What motivated you to return to education and pursue an apprenticeship in Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S)?
My passion for CSR and sustainability has always been a driving force in my career, but I felt that further education would give me the depth of knowledge I needed to make a real difference. The apprenticeship provides a unique opportunity to gain industry-leading insights from experts, collaborate with peers, and implement what I learn into real-world projects at Savient Limited. Joining The Manchester Metropolitan University in September 2024 was at first daunting but the insight from the lecturers, class discussions, and building my network is invaluable. The course certainly felt like the perfect way to contribute to the future of our business and the planet.
How will this apprenticeship help you drive sustainability initiatives at Savient?
This apprenticeship will equip me with the knowledge and strategies needed to address sustainability challenges in the tech industry. It’s all about learning how to make CSR and sustainability integral to business operations. By applying what I learn, I can help Savient Limited reduce its carbon footprint, achieve our goal of net zero by 2050, and embed environmental and social responsibility across our practices. The course provides practical solutions that I can bring back to Savient and implement in my role as People and Operations Manager.
Why do you believe CSR and sustainability are so important for the future of businesses?
CSR and sustainability aren’t just trends—they’re the future. Businesses that embrace these principles will not only contribute to a better planet but also build a more resilient and responsible brand. Sustainability is essential for reducing environmental impact, fostering community wellbeing, and improving long-term success. For me, it's about leading change helping businesses understand the value of CSR, not just as a moral obligation but as a critical strategy for future growth.
What do you hope to achieve by completing this apprenticeship?
I hope to gain a comprehensive understanding of CSR and sustainability strategies and how they can be effectively implemented within the tech industry. This apprenticeship will help me become a stronger advocate for sustainable practices at Savient Limited, contribute to meaningful change, and provide solutions that drive both social and environmental responsibility. Ultimately, I want to ensure that Savient not only meets its sustainability goals but also becomes a role model for others in the tech industry. I’m a woman on a mission to highlight the importance of this subject and why we need to act now.
What advice would you give to others considering an apprenticeship, especially later in their career?
With the everyday tasks of personal and work demands the easy answer would be make excuses as to why you shouldn’t do an apprenticeship. However, don’t hesitate to invest in yourself and your future. Returning to education through an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to gain new skills and deepen your expertise while continuing to work. The combination of learning from experts, collaborating with peers, and applying knowledge in a real-world setting is invaluable. It’s never too late to enhance your skills and make a meaningful impact—whether that’s in sustainability, leadership, or any other areas where you wait to focus on your personal and professional development.
How do you see your apprenticeship impacting your role at Savient?
My apprenticeship is directly aligned with my role as People and Operations Manager. It’s helping me develop a more strategic approach to corporate responsibility and environmental initiatives, allowing me to lead projects that reduce our carbon emissions and have a measurable impact. I’m gaining insights that will enhance my ability to influence positive change within the company and with our partners. Driving Savient’s long-term sustainability goals is what I want to achieve following the course.
How important is it for businesses to focus on reducing their carbon footprint, and what role do apprenticeships play in that?
Reducing our carbon footprint is not just important; it’s essential for the future of our planet and the success of our businesses. As companies face increasing pressure to become more environmentally responsible, apprenticeships are a valuable way to equip employees with the skills they need to lead these changes. By offering apprenticeships focused on CSR and environmental impact, businesses can ensure they have the expertise to meet these challenges head-on and make a real difference. I’m grateful to the The Manchester Metropolitan University for seeing the importance of this course and providing the experts in the subject matter to deliver the course.
What role do you see CSR playing in shaping the future of the tech industry?
CSR is going to be a defining factor in the future of the tech industry. As technology continues to evolve, businesses in the sector must lead by example in terms of environmental responsibility and community engagement. The apprenticeship has given me the tools to help Savient not only stay ahead of the curve but also to set a standard for how tech companies can reduce their environmental impact and become true leaders in CSR. At Savient I have helped us to achieve a CSR gold accreditation, international CSR and environmental awards and deliver a successful CSR strategy on behalf of the business – I’m proud of what we have achieved so far but there is more that can be done.