Beyond adventure: PGL Beyond engages Purpose Lab students
At PGL Beyond, creating unforgettable school trips is only part of the job. As one of the UK’s best-known providers of educational adventures, PGL Beyond also recognises its responsibility to young people, communities and the planet. In partnership with The Purpose Coalition, PGL Beyond invited Purpose Lab students from education institutions across the UK to help shape that future.
The session gave students from institutions such as Liverpool Hope University, Royal Holloway and Teesside University insight into PGL Beyond’s ESG journey - covering its “Better Beyond Adventure” strategy, safeguarding practices, supply-chain standards and B Corp submission. Students were asked to reflect on priorities such as transparency, inclusion, community impact and measurable environmental action.
Students were keen to hear about clear goals, regular updates and visible changes on the ground. They also connected responsibility with safety and inclusion - emphasising safeguarding, accessibility and the day-to-day experience for every child and colleague.
“Values for me are totally non-negotiable… alignment between personal values and organisational ESG priorities translates into authentic engagement.”
Students highlighted where impact would be felt most: transparent reporting, stakeholder inclusion and tangible investments in biodiversity, responsible resource use and accessible experiences. They also asked how colleagues could actively contribute to ESG, and how the company would balance growth with its commitments when trade-offs arise.
From the post-session survey, several themes stood out:
Authenticity and community: “Engaging with marginalised communities, having sustainability at the forefront of the company's mind.”
Clear goals and updates: “Have set goals in mind when it comes to ESG and constantly review and update set goals.”
Show, don’t tell: “I would feel confident having clear communication about what’s being done and seeing results - this would show me that their promises are real and not just on paper.”
Safety and inclusion: “Trips that care for the environment, support communities, and are safe and inclusive influence my choice.”
Access for all: “Accessibility and inclusivity for all students.”
There was also a call for visible, practical proof points - on sites and online. Students want to see food-waste reduction, fewer single-use plastics, inclusive equipment and activities, and clearer routes for colleagues to lead or join ESG projects. They encouraged PGL Beyond to keep listening (through materiality and ongoing engagement), publish targets and progress, and bring its supplier base along through stronger accountability.
The session showed what happens when businesses open up and listen to different perspectives. PGL Beyond heard from a diverse cohort of students about their ESG expectations, and, in turn, those students were given an inside track into a company making impressive strides in this space.
