Welcome to ResponsibleSteel Holly!

We are very excited to welcome Holly Patten who will be joining ResponsibleSteel as a Communications Intern this summer. Holly is currently studying History at the University of Nottingham and will support us as we prepare for key upcoming events, notably the launch of the additional requirements and Forum III in the Autumn. She is eager to learn more about ResponsibleSteel and has a keen interest in communications. Welcome to the team, Holly!

1. We are very excited to have you join ResponsibleSteel for the summer. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I have just completed the second year of my History degree at the University of Nottingham where I’m set to graduate in 2023. At university, I am a Student Digital Ambassador meaning that I produce online content for the Faculty of Arts to help new students navigate the university and engage with prospective students. During my summer at ResponsibleSteel, I’m hoping to gain further experience in communications and brand management as well as learn about the steel sector.

2. What attracted you to RS and what are you most looking forward to during your internship? 

ResponsibleSteel is tackling the whole ESG spectrum with diligence and determination and this motivated me to be a part of the mission. The future of the planet is uncertain, and we must be doing everything we can to ensure that it is preserved. It really feels like we are on the cusp of change, and RS has laid the groundwork to make this possible. I am most looking forward to learning to work in a team in a business environment and gaining insight into both internal and external communications as RS grows.

3. You currently study History, how do you think the skills you have gained from your studies will help you in your role?

A degree in History requires high levels of precision and attention to detail, qualities that are crucial when conveying an important, clear message business to business. A History student asks questions, explores interpretations and communicates their points effectively, and these skills will help me in my role as I support the team in developing a communications strategy and expanding new membership.

4. What drew you to communications?

I think that being a part of the bridge between an organisation and the rest of the world can be a complicated task, but one that I am able to take on because I am very much a people person and able to adapt to different situations. The idea of creating brand awareness excites me because I like to consider and satisfy the interests of all we are reaching out to. Being part of a communications team with an environmental and social cause feels even more rewarding as we are working to achieve real impact on a global scale.

5. What do you think will be the main opportunities for communicating better on the work of RS?

I think we need a greater sense of urgency in how we communicate our goals, as this will drive people into change. For example, communicating the timeframe in which we are aiming to drive change and what will happen if action is not taken. That said, we also want to balance this urgency with our commitment to being thorough. I also think we could be more vocal about the impact we are having on our Twitter and LinkedIn platforms to reach wider audiences.

6. In your opinion, why is ResponsibleSteel’s work so important and how do you think communications will play a role in helping us fulfil our mission?

The work of ResponsibleSteel is vital because the steel industry is responsible for between 7% and 9% of direct greenhouse gas emissions. By creating an international standard for steel, RS is actively changing the shape of steel production and its downstream uses so that society becomes more sustainable. Equally important is the fact that the RS Standard covers the entire ESG spectrum, meaning that issues like Biodiversity and Human Rights are not fading into the background. Communications plays an essential role because it puts the incredible work of RS on the world stage and gives us a platform for conversation on the move toward sustainable steel.