Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner
Job Description:Corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioners make sure that businesses work in an ethical way.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day tasks will depend on the size and type of organisation you work for. You could:
- design the company strategy for corporate responsibility and sustainability
- make sure the business works in a way that does not cause harm to communities or the environment
- keep up to date with policy and legislation
- work with internal and external partners
- promote the company vision and encourage all employees to take an active part in sharing its values
- collect company data, for example on pay by gender
- manage a budget
- run projects
- write internal and external communications
Skills:
You’ll need:
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things (creativity)
- business management skills
- customer service skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
As well as:
- the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
- leadership skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- excellent verbal communication skills
- persistence and determination
Entry Requirements:
To become a Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner, specific subjects are not typically required for entry into the field. However, certain subjects and skills can be beneficial in preparing for a career in this field.
- Science: Biology and Chemistry can provide a foundational understanding of environmental science, which is relevant to sustainability work.
- Mathematics (Maths): Basic math skills are important for data analysis, financial modelling, and evaluating sustainability metrics and reports.
- Business Studies or Economics: courses in business studies or economics can provide insights into corporate operations, financial analysis, and the economic aspects of sustainability.
- Geography: Geography can offer knowledge about environmental systems, climate change, and geographic factors related to sustainability.
- English Language: Strong communication skills, including writing and verbal communication, are important for conveying sustainability initiatives and reports effectively.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
University
You could do a degree in a relevant subject like:
- environmental science
- environment and sustainability
- economics
- business
You can take a postgraduate qualification in corporate social responsibility. This will help you learn more about the subject but it’s not essential for getting into the role.
College
You could take a college course in Understanding Environmental Sustainability.
This will help you gain some of the knowledge and skills you need to apply for trainee or apprenticeship roles.
Apprenticeship
You could do the higher level apprenticeship called corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioner.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 35-39 hours of work. You could be required to work days/nights/weekends occasionally.
You could work in the community, from home or in an office.
Career Path & Progression:
You could work for private companies, government or local authorities.
With experience you could move into a higher level role with leadership responsibilities. You could become become self-employed and work freelance for different companies.
You could go on to take a masters degree apprenticeship called sustainability business specialist.