The "Foundations of ESG" Level 1 course comprehensively introduces Environmental, Social, and Governance principles. Designed for professionals and students alike, this course equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively navigate and implement ESG strategies. Learn from industry experts, explore real-world case studies, and develop the expertise to drive sustainability and ethical governance in your organisation.

Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, you will be introduced to the principles of ESG and learn how environmental, social, and governance factors contribute to sustainable business practices and stakeholder value. You will also be able to develop an ESG action plan for your organisation, applying the knowledge and skills gained during the course.

• Comprehend the importance of ESG and its impact on business and society.
• Implement ESG strategies and practices within your organization.
• Appreciate why Environmental, Social and Governance is important in the public and private sectors
• Evaluate and manage ESG risks and opportunities effectively.
• Examine how organisational behaviour is impacted by ESG
• Develop skills to initiate or improve ESG programmes in their organisations
• Understand the legal duties company directors must observe concerning ESG
• Examine examples of good and bad business behaviour across different industrial sectors
• Explore how business ethics, Environmental, Social and Governance and corporate governance are converging
• Develop the components of an ESG action plan for their organisations
• Communicate ESG performance to stakeholders with clarity and confidence.
• Contribute to sustainable and ethical business practices.

This course is Ideal for:

• Executives involved in strategic and operational functions, including finance, corporate strategy, human resources, supplier or community relations, and government affairs
• Senior managers involved in setting up corporate governance or ESG initiatives and integrating ESG into their organisations.
• Stakeholder managers responsible for their organisation’s dealings with the community, their employees and elsewhere
•   Investors and analysts interested in ESG investing
• Managers involved in developing, implementing and monitoring change programmes to improve standards of corporate behaviour and business conduct
• Students and recent graduates aspiring to build a career in ESG-related fields.

What is ESG and Why Does it Matter?

• Introduction to ESG: Definition, evolution, and importance
• Environmental Factors: Climate change, sustainability, and resource management
• Social Factors: Labor practices, human rights, and community engagement
• Governance Factors: Corporate governance, ethical practices, and accountability.
• The pressure for change
• The Legal Background of ESG
• Company directors’ obligations and ESG
• Is ESG Just Public Relations?
• ESG and corporate governance links

Best Practice In ESG – Corporate Approaches on the Key Topics

• Codes of Practice
• Dealing with communities
• ESG and employees
• Managing suppliers responsibly
• Responsible client relations
• Corporate Responsibility and the environment

The Business Case for Environmental Social and Governance

• The Strategic Imperatives involved in ESG
• What is a business case?
• USING tools to build the business case
• Identifying and Managing ESG risks
• The public procurement challenges from ESG
• Getting and maintaining corporate support and approval

Changing the Organisation to Include ESG

• Developing the ESG corporate vision
• Setting our ESG strategic SMART objectives
• Identifying and Managing affected stakeholders
• How leaders make ESG happen
• The key steps to make the ESG change effective

Developing and Implementing the ESG Plan

• What should be in the ESG plan?
• Communicating the plan
• Piloting the plan
• Overcoming objections
• Measuring impact and results
• Auditing and reviewing ESG performance
• Reporting on ESG

Learning Methods

• Lectures and Readings: Foundational knowledge through expert lectures and curated readings.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples to illustrate the application of ESG principles.
• Interactive Workshops: Hands-on sessions to develop practical ESG skills.
• Guest Speakers: Insights from industry leaders and ESG professionals.
• Group Projects: Collaborative projects to apply ESG concepts to real-life scenarios.
• Assessments: Learners will submit one assignment to evaluate their understanding of and applying ESG principles.