Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ option, but a crucial driver in long-term success. And yet the issue of how and where to start is often a stumbling block, particularly for small and medium-sized accountancy practices.

With this in mind, ICAEW has developed the Sustainability Accelerator Programme for members, designed specifically to equip them with the knowledge and tools to integrate sustainability into their everyday work and drive meaningful change.

The aim of the new initiative is to make complex sustainability topics accessible and actionable for finance professionals at all levels. The programme is built on a competency framework that defines the essential skills for success, developed with input from practicing accountants and real-world case studies to reflect the experiences of ICAEW members.

Stephen Heathcote, CEO at PrimeGlobal, the Association of Advisory and Accountancy Firms, provided insights for the content of the course. He says: “An understanding of sustainability is increasingly becoming critical for finance professionals in practice and business. There is a massive opportunity to support businesses, going beyond compliance, to help them stay relevant to their employees and customer needs. However, it is often hard to know where to start – particularly for small and medium practices (SMPs) that have time and resource constraints.” 

The programme is designed to ensure members master skills in sustainability reporting, assurance and advice, which are increasingly vital to staying competitive. It reflects a shift in the profession, where sustainability is increasingly seen as integral to responsible and ethical business. As trusted advisers, accountants are uniquely positioned to lead their organisations or clients through this complex landscape. 

Heathcote adds: “The launch of ICAEW’s Sustainability Accelerator Programme is a major breakthrough, as it provides accessible entry points and exit points, so you can build sustainability knowledge matched to your individual requirements. The training and resources are also available remotely, allowing professionals to learn in a flexible way. It provides consistent standards that can be mapped to professionals at different stages of their careers.”

Myfanwy Neville, Partner and Head of Governance and Sustainability at Berg Kaprow Lewis, also provided insights for the content of the course. She says: “We as accountants have all these amazing skills to measure, assess and understand risk. We’ve got all the skills that we need to step into the breach of the transition to the next version of the economy.” 

Offering clear learning outcomes and practical tools, the programme aims to prepare members to meet the challenges of the modern business environment and contribute to a more sustainable world. It is divided into five main units, including building a business case for sustainability and sustainability assurance. Each unit is further broken down into bite-sized modules featuring practical examples, interactive content and real-world case studies.

Richard Spencer, ICAEW’s Director of Sustainability, says: “At ICAEW, we have a vision that our members enable a world of sustainable economies. This is a huge economic and business issue.

“Sustainability issues are a huge source of business risk and economic disruption so it’s important from the perspective of businesses thriving and succeeding to ensure that the planet succeeds. This stretches our members’ view beyond that of financial capital to human and natural capital and how to maintain those. By maintaining them, our businesses and economies will thrive and prosper.”

With more than 50 hours of study, the programme is designed to be accessible and flexible, allowing participants to learn at their own pace while fitting into work schedules. It also furnishes members with top-quality, engaging e-learning CPD resources and certifications, with the chance to earn digital CPD badges that acknowledge achievements. These CPD badges are valuable credentials that members can add to their professional profiles to highlight their commitment to sustainability.

Neville says: “There are enormous risks coming down the line and what’s great about this programme is that it starts from the premise that we need different skills and it creates a sense of urgency to act at every level – not just the senior leaders or the owners of the business. The urgency to act is placed firmly at the feet of everybody as part of the process. We need to expand our knowledge and our skillset and that’s why this sustainability programme is so valuable.”

While the courses are structured to build on each other, members can also pick and choose which modules best fit their current needs. Interactive assessments, quizzes and questions will test participants’ knowledge throughout each module, with feedback given on progress. 

“Our goal is to make this learning journey as accessible and impactful as possible, fostering an environment where accountants can gain confidence in their sustainability efforts,” ICAEW says. “Sustainability is more than just compliance; it’s an opportunity to enhance the value you bring – whether you’re advising clients or shaping the strategic direction of your organisation.” 

To further boost learning, members can join the ICAEW Sustainability and Climate Change Community to share insights and discuss studies with colleagues or in professional forums.

PrimeGlobal’s Heathcote says: “For SMPs, ICAEW’s Sustainability Accelerator Programme provides a fantastic tool to ensure they are ready to proactively support their clients and to provide relevant training for their teams. I am sure it will be embraced by many SMPs – it’s what they have been asking for.”