Made up of five courses, this unit covers the fundamental elements of governance, integrating sustainability into strategic management and sustainability risk management.
Course overviews
Foundations of sustainability in governance
This introductory course focuses on the intersection of governance and sustainability. You’ll explore key governance concepts, examine various sustainability reporting frameworks, and learn how companies are adapting governance structures in response to changing legal requirements. Emphasis is placed on practical strategies for integrating sustainability, including board composition, competencies, and remuneration.
Modules:
- Introduction to sustainability in governance
- Embedding sustainability into governance structures
Time: 2 hours
Integrating sustainability into strategic management
This course guides you through integrating sustainability into core strategic management processes. You will learn to develop strategies that create long-term value for stakeholders, using a "triple bottom line" approach that prioritises people, planet, and profit. This module covers detailed implementation strategies, from financial planning to performance monitoring, ensuring that sustainability becomes part of everyday business practices.
Modules:
- Introduction and overview
- Develop strategic plans that incorporate sustainability
- Implement strategies that incorporate sustainability
- Evaluate and controlling delivery
Time: 4 hours
Sustainability risk management
Gain the skills to conduct effective sustainability risk assessments and embed sustainability into risk management frameworks. This course covers the essential concepts of sustainability in risk management, including materiality and double materiality, and provides tools for critically evaluating and improving your organisation's risk practices.
Modules:
- Foundations of sustainability in risk management
- Overview of sustainability risk assessments
- Breaking down the steps for an effective sustainability risk assessment
- Strategic integration of sustainability into risk frameworks
Time: 4 hours
Systems thinking and scenario analysis for sustainability
Explore the benefits of applying systems thinking and scenario analysis to sustainability challenges. This course provides a step-by-step guide to conducting scenario analysis, helping you assess the resilience of your organisation’s strategies while minimising implementation costs. Follow ISSB and TCFD guidance to make informed decisions using scenario planning.
Modules:
- Introduction and basic concepts
- The scenario process
- Evaluating business impacts
- Identify potential responses, document and disclose
Time: 4 hours
Transition planning
This course focuses on creating a comprehensive and effective transition plan that aligns with sustainability goals. You will learn to use key tools and guidelines, ensuring that your plans comply with regulations and are fit for the future. The course also covers how to evaluate your plans and collaborate effectively with experts to oversee the transition process.
Modules:
- Introduction to climate transition planning
- Crafting ambition: setting strategic goals in transition plans
- Actioning the plan: effective implementation of transition strategies
- Accountability frameworks: governance and reporting in transition planning
Time: 4 hours
Find out more
For more details of all of the units and courses of ICAEW's Sustainability Accelerator Programme.
Download the brochureSustainability Accelerator Programme
These elearning resources equip finance professionals with the strategic insight and technical expertise required to lead sustainability and ESG initiatives in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. ICAEW members can access for free.
