James York is the Group Corporate Responsibility Director for the smart infrastructure solutions firm Costain. Costain provide engineering and technology solutions to energy, water and transportation industry clients across the UK.
Based in the south west, James is responsible for developing and implementing Costain’s sustainability strategy and targets. A major part of his role is to manage the corporate responsibility reporting. This includes producing the corporate responsibility section of the Costain annual report, as well as leading on the annual sustainability report, modern slavery statement and gender pay gap report.
James has helped shape Costain’s EDI strategy and acts as a ‘white heterosexual male ally’ to the company’s employee networks. He is particularly proud to support Costain’s first pride march in London in 2017.
James has a passion for youth equality, regularly volunteering with the Prince’s Trust and promoting STEM careers in schools as a STEM ambassador.
James is client-focused and works closely to support their sustainability or responsible business priorities, ensuring that Costain remains focused on its material issues.
James joined Costain in 2008 as a trainee site engineer, before fulfilling various roles including: community engagement, stakeholder engagement, communications management and leading the community relations team. James was appointed as the Group Corporate Responsibility Director in November 2019.