University of Leicester offers organisations free climate leadership training

Leicestershire organisations looking to increase their sustainability credentials can take advantage of free leadership training from the University of Leicester.

The Climate Leadership & Action Programme is designed for senior staff with responsibility for sustainability, compliance or business planning, particularly in organisations without a dedicated sustainability team that are facing growing demands from clients, supply chains or tender processes.

Set to launch on Monday 15 September, the six-week course is fully funded and open to all small to medium-sized enterprises, charities, CICs and social enterprises across Leicestershire.

“This is for anyone who’s feeling the pressure to act on sustainability but doesn’t know where to start, or how to do it well,” said Alice Jackson, Sustainability Impact Consultant, and one of the programme facilitators.

She added: “We’ll help you cut through the noise and focus on what matters. By the end, you’ll walk away with a government-aligned carbon reduction plan, accredited carbon literacy training, and the confidence to lead real change in your organisation.”

Professor Paul Baines, Programme Director, said: “We are delighted to offer a world-class course on sustainability leadership at no cost to our SME organisations clients, but this is only available on 15 September and 27 October – it’s a case of enrol now or lose out. Places are limited to 20 for September and 20 in October.”

A past participant in the course, Sophia Blair, a bid writer from Obsequio Group, said: “It was such an insightful experience. I learnt so much about how I can encourage positive change in my own carbon footprint. I would 100% recommend the course.”

June Gomes, a bid writer and community development adviser at Community Enterprise Engine, also benefitted from attending the course. She said: “I feel much more informed about climate impacts, policy positions, and practical actions we can implement.”

Delivered through a mix of online learning and in-person workshops at the University’s Brookfield campus, the programme requires just 17 hours of time over six weeks. It is fully funded for SMEs, charities, CICs and social enterprises based in Leicestershire and has a value of over £2,000 but is delivered at no cost to the organisations attending.

The Climate Leadership & Action Programme is part of the GreenerFuture Leicestershire project, delivered by the University of Leicester’s School of Business with funding from Innovate UK.

To find out more or apply, email greenerfuture@le.ac.uk or visit the booking page.