Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner

Level 4

Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner

Level 4

No formal entry requirements
Level 4 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner
15-month practical period, 6 months EPA

Standard Overview

The Level 4 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Apprenticeship equips individuals with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to drive meaningful social, ethical, and environmental change within organisations. Apprentices develop the capability to manage sustainability initiatives, influence stakeholders, measure impact, and support compliance with national and international sustainability frameworks.


This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals and employers seeking to upskill existing staff, embed sustainability into business strategy, and build long-term organisational resilience. Learning is applied directly in the workplace, ensuring immediate value for both the apprentice and the employer.

Standard Overview

The Level 4 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Apprenticeship equips individuals with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to drive meaningful social, ethical, and environmental change within organisations. Apprentices develop the capability to manage sustainability initiatives, influence stakeholders, measure impact, and support compliance with national and international sustainability frameworks.


This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals and employers seeking to upskill existing staff, embed sustainability into business strategy, and build long-term organisational resilience. Learning is applied directly in the workplace, ensuring immediate value for both the apprentice and the employer.

No formal entry requirements
Level 4 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner
15-month practical period, 6 months EPA
  • Public sector organisations (Local authorities, NHS trusts, government departments)
  • Education (​​universities, colleges, and multi-academy trusts)
  • Charities, social enterprises, and NGOs
  • Professional services firms (consultancy, finance, legal, accountancy)
  • Retail, hospitality, and leisure organisations
  • Creative and cultural sector organisations (TV & Film, Live Events, Agencies, theatres, and festivals)
Typical responsibilities for a Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Apprentice could include, but are not limited to:
  • Supporting sustainability projects
  • Engaging staff and partners in ethical practices
  • Monitoring and reporting social/environmental impact
  • Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Developing campaigns and initiatives aligned to sustainability goals
  • Advising on organisational sustainability strategies
Typical responsibilities for a Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Apprentice could include, but are not limited to:
  • Supporting sustainability projects
  • Engaging staff and partners in ethical practices
  • Monitoring and reporting social/environmental impact
  • Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Developing campaigns and initiatives aligned to sustainability goals
  • Advising on organisational sustainability strategies

Diploma in Business Sustainability (Level 4)

Alongside the apprenticeship standard, the apprentice will also study and complete a Diploma in Business Sustainability, a Level 4 qualification from the Institute of Sustainability Studies (ISS). This online, self-paced 12-month programme provides access to industry experts to support wider knowledge development as well as access to expert masterclasses and other CPD opportunities.

The Diploma includes two assessments: one at module 6 and another at module 12, followed by a multiple-choice exam at the end. The diploma starts 3 months into the apprenticeship.

Logo of Institute of sustainability studies

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, a keen interest in the field is essential. 

Who This Apprenticeship Is Ideal For:

Key Benefits of the Apprenticeship

Benefits for Employers

Benefits for Individuals

Diploma in Business Sustainability (Level 4)

Alongside the apprenticeship standard, the apprentice will also study and complete a Diploma in Business Sustainability, a Level 4 qualification from the Institute of Sustainability Studies (ISS). This online, self-paced 12-month programme provides access to industry experts to support wider knowledge development as well as access to expert masterclasses and other CPD opportunities.

The Diploma includes two assessments: one at module 6 and another at module 12, followed by a multiple-choice exam at the end. The diploma starts 3 months into the apprenticeship.

Logo of Institute of sustainability studies

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, a keen interest in the field is essential. 

Who this apprenticeship is ideal for

Key Benefits of the Apprenticeship

Benefits for Employers

  • Upskill existing staff to lead sustainability, ESG, and corporate responsibility initiatives
  • Embed sustainability into organisational strategy and decision-making
  • Develop internal capability to manage compliance, reporting, and ESG risk
  • Support Net Zero, UN SDGs, DEI, and ethical governance commitments
  • Improve employee engagement, retention, and progression through funded development
  • Reduce training costs through apprenticeship funding while delivering measurable impact

Benefits for Individuals

  • Achieve a Level 4 apprenticeship and Diploma in Business Sustainability while in paid employment
  • Build in-demand skills in ESG, sustainability planning, reporting, and stakeholder engagement
  • Apply learning directly to real workplace challenges
  • Develop leadership, communication, and influencing capability
  • Access Industry experts, masterclasses, and CPD opportunities
  • Progress into sustainability-focused roles with strong career prospects

Modules

This comprehensive, self-paced online diploma is designed to equip learners with the practical skills needed to lead and implement sustainability initiatives within their organisation. It covers key areas including sustainability strategy and planning, green marketing and communications, ESG reporting, and sustainable supply chain management.

Modules

  • Core Sustainability Principles: Terminology, reporting, role expectations, collaboration, critical thinking, and the 3 Ps (People, Planet, Profit)
  • Developing a Sustainability Plan: Organisational strategy, green initiatives, mission and values, ESG reporting, diversity, equality and inclusion
  • Stakeholders and Partnerships: Internal and external engagement, accountability, governance, and sustainable supply chains
  • Project Management
  • ESG Reporting, Data Analysis, and Data Management
  • Module 1 – Introduction to business sustainability 

  • Module 2 – Sustainability Plan Development 

  • Module 3 – Sustainability Plan Implementation

  • Module 4 – Decarbonisation

  • Module 5 – DEI

  • Module 6 – Sustainable Supply Chain

  • Module 7 – Green Marketing and Communication

  • Module 8 – Circular Economy 

  • Module 9 – Business with Biodiversity

  • Module 10 – Sustainable Operations

  • Module 11 – ESG Reporting and Auditing

  • Module 12 – Sustainable Finance

Employer Testimonials

Employer Testimonials

Where do you see yourself?

This apprenticeship equips you with the skills to go onto:

A CSR Manager develops and implements strategies that align business operations with social, ethical, and environmental responsibilities. They manage corporate initiatives to support communities, reduce environmental impact, and enhance brand reputation.

An ESG Analyst evaluates a company’s performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas. They analyse data, prepare reports, and provide insights to guide sustainable investments and corporate decision-making.

A Sustainability Advisor provides expert guidance on reducing environmental impact and improving resource efficiency. They develop sustainability plans, advise on green policies, and help organisations meet sustainability targets and compliance requirements.

A Community Investment Officer manages programs and partnerships that support local communities. They identify opportunities for corporate giving, employee volunteering, and social impact initiatives aligned with organisational values.

A Social Impact Consultant helps organisations assess and maximise their positive social contributions. They design programs, measure outcomes, and provide strategic advice to ensure sustainable and meaningful social change.

An Environmental Policy Coordinator develops, implements, and monitors environmental policies and compliance frameworks. They work with stakeholders to ensure operations align with environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals.

Where do you see yourself?

This apprenticeship equips you with the skills to go onto:

A CSR Manager develops and implements strategies that align business operations with social, ethical, and environmental responsibilities. They manage corporate initiatives to support communities, reduce environmental impact, and enhance brand reputation.

An ESG Analyst evaluates a company’s performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas. They analyse data, prepare reports, and provide insights to guide sustainable investments and corporate decision-making.

A Sustainability Advisor provides expert guidance on reducing environmental impact and improving resource efficiency. They develop sustainability plans, advise on green policies, and help organisations meet sustainability targets and compliance requirements.

A Community Investment Officer manages programs and partnerships that support local communities. They identify opportunities for corporate giving, employee volunteering, and social impact initiatives aligned with organisational values.

A Social Impact Consultant helps organisations assess and maximise their positive social contributions. They design programs, measure outcomes, and provide strategic advice to ensure sustainable and meaningful social change.

An Environmental Policy Coordinator develops, implements, and monitors environmental policies and compliance frameworks. They work with stakeholders to ensure operations align with environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals.

Want to find out more?

Wondering how an apprenticeship can influence your future? If you’re considering career paths or seeking practical experience, we’re ready to assist you. Contact us today to discuss your choices and move closer to your ideal career!

Want to find out more?

Wondering how an apprenticeship can influence your future? If you’re considering career paths or seeking practical experience, we’re ready to assist you. Contact us today to discuss your choices and move closer to your ideal career!

Understanding the industry (terms & relationships)

  • Health and safety standards including: manual handling, work at height, provision and use of work equipment, construction (design and management), noise, first aid, working hours, electricity at work, fire & emergency procedures, accident reporting and Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment.
  • Security and control of equipment protocols.
  • Management structures within a venue, etiquette and culture, including communication protocols and interdependencies of departments.
  • Relevant industry bodies and their roles e.g. HSE, ABTT, BECTU principles of stage and production management.
  • Creative venue safety systems.
  • The history, styles, architecture, terminology and acoustics of creative venues.

Planning

  • The selection of the correct tools and equipment for tasks such as assembling scenic components and truss and rigging lighting, audio and video equipment.
  • Computer-aided design – viewing, extracting information and realising specifications from system designs e.g. stage plans, lighting plans and sound schematics.
  • Environmental and sustainability protocols e.g. correct disposal of different lamp types and electronic equipment, reduction in use of PVC products.
  • Approaches to problem solving – to achieve the creative team’s requirements within the appropriate venue or production’s resources.
  • Competently use safety and access equipment e.g. personal and fall protection equipment, ladders, access towers and tallescopes.
  • Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts.

Production Processes, Performance & Maintenance

  • The agreed industry safe working procedure: e.g. The Code of Conduct for Get-ins, Fit-ups and Getouts.
  • Recognition of production design elements – scenic, lighting, audio and visual e.g. means of scenic construction: timber, metal and textile. The properties of electricity, fixed and temporary electrical systems; theory, practice and safety e.g. to enable portable appliance testing of relevant technical equipment.
  • The properties of mechanical and electromechanical systems e.g. to enable the assembly and monitoring of hydraulic systems for scenic effect.
  • Lifting operations; theory and practice e.g. to enable monitoring of a lifting operation in compliance with LOLER such as performer flying.
  • How to identify potential improvements to systems and procedures to better enable the realisation of the creative team’s vision for the production.
  • Housekeeping – keeping venue work and storage areas clean, tidy and free from the build-up of waste materials.
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To be eligible, applicants must be aged 16 or over, living in England and not taking part in full-time education. If they are already employed, they can start an apprenticeship in their current job to help them progress to a higher level position.

Apprenticeships range from Level 2 to Level 7. The levels and their equivalent qualifications are listed below: 

Level 2 = 4 GCSEs

Level 3 = 3 A Levels

Level 4 & 5 = Foundation degree and HNC/D

Level 6 = Bachelor’s Degree

Level 7 = Master’s Degree

Access Industry currently offers apprenticeships up to Level 4, but we continually update available apprenticeships to meet learner needs and industry trends.