This landmark report—produced by Oxford Brookes University in collaboration with Windō, UN Global Compact Network UK, PRME UK & Ireland Chapter and a national network of university and employer partners—offers a comprehensive picture of the UK’s early careers landscape through a sustainability lens. Drawing on insights from over 200 organisations and a series of in-depth interviews, it explores the supply of, and demand for, sustainability-related placements, internships, and graduate roles across sectors. The report also examines how clearly these opportunities are signposted, how ready students are to take them on, and what barriers still stand in the way.

The findings reveal both momentum and misalignment. While student demand for purpose-driven work is strong and many employers offer roles with sustainability components, these are often not clearly communicated or formally defined. The report highlights a growing expectation for values-based hiring, identifies key skills gaps (notably in systems thinking and strategic foresight), and provides actionable recommendations for educators, employers, and policymakers seeking to close the gap between talent and opportunity in the transition to a more sustainable economy.