Overview

Academi Wales is offering a comprehensive leadership programme to equip leaders across Wales with the skills, knowledge, and capabilities necessary to drive progress towards achieving Net Zero emissions. In partnership with Cynnal Cymru Sustain Wales (CCSW), the programme is designed for those in leadership roles whose responsibilities intersect with environmental sustainability and will focus on both individual and collective action for a greener future.

The programme delivered includes Carbon Literacy and Nature Wise courses for emerging leaders. Our aim is to ensure that leaders not only understand the challenges of the net zero transition but are equipped to lead change within their organisations and communities.

Phase 2 will build on feedback and insights from the first phase to create a deeper, action-oriented curriculum, culminating in peer-to-peer learning opportunities and tailored workshops specifically for senior leaders.

Ready to lead the change?

Apply today and become part of the movement towards a greener future for Wales.

Benefits to you

By participating in this programme, you will:

• Develop critical knowledge: gain a deep understanding of both local and national carbon reduction strategies as well as nature-based solutions - key to Wales’ Net Zero ambitions.
• Enhance leadership capabilities: build leadership skills tailored to the complex challenges of driving sustainability initiatives in the public sector.
• Engage in collaborative learning: engage with peers from different sectors to share insights and approaches for achieving Net Zero and cultivate a deeper understanding of our relationship to natural systems.
• Develop action-oriented skills: apply what you learn directly to your leadership role through practical, real-world action planning workshops.
• Impact on Wales' future: contribute to the wider efforts to make Wales a global leader in environmental sustainability and Net Zero.

Leadership behaviours

This learning programme will help you to develop your leadership behaviours in the following areas:

Target audience

This programme is designed for Wales’ public sector leaders, who are responsible for or have influence over Net Zero initiatives. We encourage the following groups to apply:

• Approaching senior leadership - professionals with leadership responsibilities, and are approaching senior leadership (typically with 5 or more years’ leadership experience)
• Senior leadership - senior / top-tier leaders and executives, such as Chief Executives and Directors
• Policy makers and public sector leaders - those influencing or making decisions that align with Wales’ Net Zero commitments.

Cost

There is no delegate charge.

How to apply

More information

• To begin your journey towards certification, you will need to complete two courses:
  • Course 1: Delivery of Carbon Literacy at Work (Wales)
  • Course 2: Delivery of Nature Wise Eco Literacy
• You must complete both courses in order to receive accreditation. The course dates are provided in the application process, and you can choose from a mixture of online and in-person sessions. Note that booking will be on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to book early for your preferred sessions.
• Course selection flexibility: you can choose any combination of online or in-person sessions for the two courses. You do not need to attend the same format for both.
• Commitment: by signing up for this programme, you are expected to engage fully in all aspects of the course, which includes online learning, interactive workshops, and peer discussions. The programme is designed to be both practical and impactful, requiring a committed and thoughtful approach.
• Homework: as part of your learning journey, there will be approximately 4-5 hours of homework. This includes completing the Carbon Literacy Project’s Evidence Form and creating a personal pledge to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and biodiversity enhancement. These tasks are designed to help you reflect on what you’ve learned and apply it to your leadership role, ensuring that the knowledge gained is actionable and integrated into your work.
  We understand that time is valuable, and the programme is designed to be both flexible and meaningful. The assignments will be structured to provide practical, real-world benefits to you and your organisation, empowering you to make a tangible impact in the transition towards sustainability.
  Your dedication to the full scope of the programme will be crucial for achieving the Carbon Literacy Project’s Carbon Literate Accreditation and Cynnal Cymru’s Nature Wise Eco-Literacy Certification and driving meaningful change within your organisation.
• Locations: Both online and in-person delivery options are available to ensure accessibility.

External resources

In addition to the core programme, you will have access to a range of external resources to help you deepen your understanding of Net Zero and sustainability practices:

• Carbon literacy project: a range of resources to support personal and organisational carbon reduction efforts.
• Nature Wise: tools and knowledge about how nature-based solutions can support Net Zero goals.
• Climate Action Wales: a government-led initiative outlining Wales’ ambitions and strategy for reaching Net Zero.
• UK Green Building Council: resources on sustainability in the built environment.
• Sustainability leadership tools: online platforms and publications that help you integrate sustainability into your decision-making processes.