Training & Development Hub
The ICRS aims to support members in developing the capabilities needed to advance sustainability practice across organisations, sectors and geographies.
To support members in developing their capabilities in alignment with the competency framework, this page signposts a range of training, professional development and academic pathways relevant to sustainability practitioners.
The programmes and providers listed have been included based on member feedback and their recognition within the sustainability profession. They are not accredited or endorsed by ICRS, nor do they represent an exhaustive list of available training.
This page will be updated regularly to reflect member feedback and developments within the profession.
Members should assess the suitability of each programme based on their own development goals.
Where Should I Start?
Members at different stages of their sustainability careers may benefit from different types of development.
Early career practitioners
- Introductory training in sustainability standards and frameworks
- ESG reporting and disclosure programmes
- Foundation courses in sustainability strategy
Mid-career practitioners
- Deeper technical training in reporting, impact measurement or governance
- Leadership and stakeholder engagement skills
- Systems thinking and organisational change training
Senior practitioners and executives
- Executive education in sustainability leadership
- Board-level governance and strategy programmes
- Coaching and advanced leadership development
To reflect the range of competencies outlined in our framework, training has been grouped in three areas:
- Technical training
The providers below offer training on sustainability standards, reporting frameworks and technical competencies widely used in the industry.
|
Provider |
Focus |
|
Global sustainability reporting standards and disclosures |
|
|
IFRS Foundation / International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) |
Sustainability-related financial disclosure standards |
|
Responsible business principles and implementation frameworks |
|
|
ESG Certificate |
|
|
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) Institute |
European sustainability reporting requirements |
|
ISO standards related to sustainability and risk |
|
|
Governance best practice for sustainability leadership |
|
|
Social value measurement and impact frameworks |
|
|
Greenhouse gas accounting and reporting |
|
|
Chartered Environmentalist pathway (via licensed bodies) |
|
|
Science-based target training and certification |
|
| Embedding sustainability into financial processes and decision making | |
|
Advancing sustainability practices across the built environment industry |
- Professional and Leadership Skills Development
Sustainability practitioners often highlight the importance of developing broader professional capabilities alongside technical expertise. Areas frequently identified by members include:
- Leadership and strategic thinking
- Stakeholder engagement and influence
- Change management and transformation
- Communication and storytelling
- Systems thinking
ICRS supports member development through:
Executive education programmes are also offered by academic institutions such as:
- Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)
- Cambridge Judge Business School
- INSEAD
- London School of Economics and Political Science
Training and coaching organisations, including some which have previously contributed to ICRS events include:
- Liebfrog Leadership and Development
- Academic Pathways
Academic programmes can provide deeper theoretical grounding, research experience and recognised credentials in sustainability and responsible business.
Many universities offer Master’s and postgraduate programmes in sustainability, responsible business or environmental management, alongside MBA programmes with sustainability pathways.
Examples of UK institutions offering programmes include:
- Cambridge Judge Business School
- Glasgow Caledonian University – Glasgow School for Business & Society
- Nottingham University Business School
- University of Exeter Business School
- University of Winchester Business School
Members should verify entry requirements, programme structure and fees directly with the institution.
Suggest a Training Programme
This page is designed to grow based on the experience and knowledge of the ICRS community.
If you have completed a course, qualification or training programme that you found valuable and believe would benefit other members, we encourage you to share it. Please email the Secretariat at [info@icrs.info] with the name of the course and training provider and why you found it useful. Suggestions will be reviewed periodically for inclusion.
Information for Training Providers
Training providers who believe their programme may be relevant to ICRS members are welcome to email the Secretariat at [info@icrs.info] with the programme overview and learning outcomes, target audience and alignment with the ICRS Competency Framework.
Courses and providers included on this page have been identified through a combination of member feedback, relevance to the ICRS Competency Framework and their recognition within the sustainability profession. The list is intended as a signposting resource and is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect emerging training opportunities.
Inclusion on this page does not constitute endorsement or accreditation by ICRS.