CMI Certificate in Sustainability Principles for First Line Managers - Level 3

CMI training that fits your life - not the other way around

Whether you’re balancing a full-time job, family commitments or worries about fees, we’re here to support you. Speak to us today and discover the flexible routes that can help you gain this qualification with confidence.

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Overview

Move beyond awareness and learn how to put sustainability into action with this practical leadership qualification. Delivered as an adult-only (19+) part-time course, this Level 3 CMI Certificate helps first-line managers develop the knowledge and confidence to embed sustainable thinking across their teams and projects.

You will explore how sustainability can support improved performance, responsible decision making and long-term organisational success.

You will study alongside other like-minded adults in small, supportive classes, creating a collaborative environment where you can develop practical ideas and leadership skills.

If you have been out of education for a while, do not worry. Our tutors specialise in supporting adult learners returning to study and will guide you throughout the course. You will also receive ongoing support from a dedicated assessor.

If you feel unsure about using tools such as email, Microsoft Word or Microsoft Teams, do not worry. We will support you step by step. We also offer free short digital and IT courses for adults to help you build confidence before starting a qualification like this.

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What will I study?

You will complete two complementary CMI units focused on understanding and implementing sustainability within your area of responsibility.

Unit 350 - Introduction to Sustainability

• Global and national sustainability challenges that impact organisations
• Key sustainability frameworks and their influence on organisational practices
• Practical approaches to enhance sustainability in daily operations.

Unit 351 - Implementing Operational Sustainability Practices

• How to embed sustainability into operational activities and team objectives
• The role of the First Line Manager in achieving organisational sustainability goals
• Developing and measuring effective implementation plans.

Learners explore real workplace scenarios and are supported to identify opportunities for improvement within their own roles. To date, every participant has implemented at least one positive sustainability change - demonstrating the real and immediate impact of this qualification.

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Who is it for?

This course is designed for team leaders, supervisors and aspiring managers who want to take a proactive role in shaping a more sustainable workplace. You may already be responsible for small teams or areas of operational delivery and are now ready to drive measurable improvements that benefit people, organisations and the wider environment.

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Course highlights

• Flexible study options: join online or learn on campus at Derby Road.
• Practical, applied learning: turn theory into action with real workplace tasks and examples.
• Strategic development: learn how sustainability links directly to effective management and ethical leadership.
• Two focused CMI units: deepen your understanding and develop practical implementation skills.
• Immediate impact: learners often make positive sustainability changes from the very first session.

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Included with your course

• CMI membership and access to the ManagementDirect online learning platform.
• Practical toolkits, templates and case studies from a variety of industries.
• Collaborative group discussions and applied project work to support problem-solving and shared learning.

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Why study a CMI qualification?

CMI qualifications are created with employers to help managers become confident, effective and future-focused leaders. They enhance professional credibility and provide practical tools that improve organisational performance.

• 80% of managers say a CMI qualification is key to becoming a professional manager.
• 81% share their new skills with their team.
• 79% report improved overall team performance following their training.

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Start date, attendance and fee

• Start date

This course starts at various times throughout the year. Please register your interest to be the first to know about upcoming dates. Simply click the green Register your interest button in the Course Information section on this page. One of our friendly team members will then be in touch with more details.

• Attendance - TBC
• Fee - £655

Don’t let paying for the course hold you back from achieving your goals. You can split the cost of this course over four instalments. If you wish to pay in instalments, you will be required to pay 25% (£163.75) of the total fee on the day of enrolment and a Direct Debit mandate would then to be completed to enable the college to collect further three monthly monthly payments of £163.75. The payments will be taken on the date you choose on the Direct Debit mandate form.

Please contact the college’s finance department for further details on 0808 100 3626.

• Adult learning support and guidance

  Starting something new can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. From careers guidance to mental health and wellbeing, we’re here to support you before you apply and throughout your time with us.

  Visit our adult support page

• What our students say

  “The course itself has given me practical skills I’m already using at work, but Adela’s support is what made the biggest difference. I felt more confident at every stage because I knew I had someone knowledgeable backing me up.”

  Connor

  “The flexibility of the course structure, combined with the excellent support from the tutor, made balancing my studies and work commitments genuinely achievable.”

  Michael

  “The course content was practical, easy to follow, and has genuinely helped me develop new skills. It has also boosted my confidence as a manager, and I’m now applying what I’ve learned in my day-to-day role. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to grow in their management career.”

  Tom

  “The tutor, Adela, was always patient, responsive, and went the extra mile to help me understand the material. Thanks to her guidance, I felt supported every step of the way to achieve the Level 3 and level 5 qualifications.”

  Sue

  “Despite being delivered online, the sessions never felt impersonal. The group sizes were perfect - small enough to encourage meaningful discussion and interaction, yet diverse enough to bring a wide range of perspectives. This created a supportive and collaborative learning environment where everyone felt heard.”

  Jaime

  “It was an amazing course. The tutor Adela brilliantly guided me through, and I really enjoyed the content, and this has helped me navigate my own skills and the skills needed to ensure a team is working effectively.“

   Lisa

• About the tutor, Adela Brookes

  Over the course of her career, she has held a range of roles within the education sector, including teaching, senior leadership, and teacher training. These experiences, supported by industry exposure and a commitment to continuous professional development, have enabled her to cultivate a comprehensive and adaptable skill set. She consistently demonstrates and promotes best practices whilst maintaining a strong understanding of learner development needs within an increasingly dynamic and evolving professional landscape.