ApprenticeshipCorporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Apprenticeship

Course overview
Want to make a difference and drive your company's ambitions for social and environmental change? Studying this apprenticeship will enable you to gain the knowledge and skills to deliver and communicate corporate responsibility and sustainability (CR&S) initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
This course is delivered online, meaning there's a high degree of flexibility for apprentices to study alongside their work, and for employers to suit the needs of their business. You'll take part in regular workshops with your fellow students and you'll also receive dedicated 1-2-1 time with your tutor.
The roles and responsibilities of organisations are changing rapidly - society increasingly expects that businesses should act responsibly, not just to their shareholders but also to their wider stakeholders and the broader community.
The broad purpose of this apprenticeship is to develop individuals who can drive an organisation's social conscience, helping to innovate and drive ambitions for social and environmental change and, ultimately, ensure they are embedded and implemented. Corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioners are often ambassadors for their organisations, championing their CR&S strategy and expanding their network of influence in order to bring about positive impact.
As an apprentice working on this programme, in your daily work you will be able to interact with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. You will develop the skills to facilitate change by helping others to understand how different roles fit within the strategy and how everyone’s contribution can impact the greater good.
You may also reach out into the community to work collaboratively, and in some cases to understand the views of external organisations such as charities, social enterprises, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), or local and central government.
This is a Green apprenticeship, hand-picked by industry experts to mark the Coronation of King Charles III in recognition of their sustainability credentials. Find out more.
Funded by:

Any questions?
Contact the apprenticeships team
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For employers
Apprenticeships can add value at all levels of your business:
- Upskill your staff with industry relevant qualifications.
- Drive an increase in productivity.
- Promote long-term loyalty and reduce staff turnover.
- Reduce the cost of qualifications and training.
- Develop staff with a minimum of interruption to day-to-day operations.
- Offer genuine opportunities for personal development.
- Scale your business with the help of an increasingly skilled workforce.

For apprentices
Here's what a higher or degree apprenticeship can offer you:
- A combination of on-the-job and academic study which is relevant and applied.
- A continued wage and contract of employment which includes all the same benefits as any employee.
- A higher or degree qualification which is recognised, transferrable and the same level as if achieved through traditional study routes.
- A debt free future with zero tuition fees. (Please note, as apprenticeships are funded by employers, apprentices are not eligible to apply for Student Loans Company loans)
- An opportunity to develop new skills and progress within your industry.
What does this course lead to?
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for contributing towards, and in some cases take ownership of, CR&S, campaigns, projects and events, making sure these are embedded by facilitating delivery. Depending on the size of the organisation, the CR&S Practitioner may be expected to contribute towards strategy design, internal and external communications and reporting, data management, research and horizon-scanning, and supporting budget management. Ultimately, they will be responsible for helping to ensure their organisation acts to embed The Strategy into every-day business practices and in turn managing risk and reputation.
Who is this course is for?
This apprenticeship is ideal for those who are already working in a similar role at an entry level, or for those who wish to move into this field of work.

Facilities
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.
Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
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What you'll study
Core modules
Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Essentials
.
Project Management
.
Data Collection and Analysis
.
Reporting Techniques and Compliance
.
Stakeholder Engagement
.
Communication and Planning
.
Strategy Development and Budgeting
.
Quality Assurance in CRS Projects
.
Event Execution and Follow-up
.
External Partnerships
.
Budgeting for Long-Term Projects
.
Portfolio Building
.
Sustainable Practices and Innovation
.
Professional Discussion Preparation
.
Mock Professional Discussion/Feedback
.
How you'll study
The course is delivered online, meaning there's a high degree of flexibility for apprentices to study alongside their work, and for employers to suit the needs of their business. You'll take part in regular workshops with your fellow students and you'll also receive dedicated 1-2-1 time with your tutor.How you'll be assessed
- Assignments
- Project work
- End-point assessment
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
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Fees and finance
Businesses with an annual payroll above £3million will be classed as a levy paying employer and will be able to use funds accrued in their digital apprenticeship service (DAS) account for payment of the training. Please contact us for guidance on fees if you are a non-levy employer which will cover at least 95% of the costs.
- The maximum funding drawdown for this course is: £14,000
Apprentices pay nothing towards their course fees
The course fees will be covered by your employer.
Optional Costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Earn while you learn
As an apprentice you'll earn while working and studying towards your degree.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Entry Requirements

To study for an apprenticeship, you must be employed and have a contract that will cover the duration of your apprenticeship.
All apprentice applications need to go through apprenticeships@solent.ac.uk in the first instance. Applicants will be expected to provide the following documents during the onboarding process:
- CV
- Job description
- Maths and English certificates - GCSE/GCE/Functional Skills*
- Completed skills assessment (template provided by Solent's apprenticeships team)
- Passport/visa (showing access to public funds if non UK passport), or birth certificate
- Share code to show immigration status if applicable
Please note: if any certificates are from outside of the UK, you will need to have a Naric Equivalency Statement alongside the certificates.
* Maths and English delivery to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 can be provided for some courses and should be discussed at onboarding stage if you do not have Maths and English certificates at Grade 4/C and above.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must:
- have a contract of employment that spans the length of the apprenticeship
- hold a UK passport, or if you are a non-UK national, have valid passport and Share code to demonstrate residency
- have lived in the UK for the past three years
- have access to public funds (residency status/visa status)
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of work experience and academic study. Candidates on an apprenticeship will work a paid job while simultaneously working towards a relevant qualification in their chosen field.
Apprentices are employees with a contract of employment that must cover the duration of the programme being studied. Apprentices have guaranteed time from their employer to complete their studies, at a minimum of six hours a week, known as off-the-job training hours. The University will provide each apprentice with a tracker to ensure these off the job hours are logged to demonstrate compliance with this funding rule.
Higher degree apprenticeships
Solent offers a diverse range of higher and degree apprenticeships, some of which will include an additional qualification that will be studied within the Apprenticeship Standard, eg: HNC, BA or BSc.
Our apprenticeships give employees the opportunity to upskill in their chosen field or retrain for a new career while working.
Employers will see an increase in knowledge and skills, improved productivity, and a boost in the expertise of the workforce.
Find out moreThinking of applying?
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Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.

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