CMI 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

Build your confidence as a responsible leader with these practical courses focused on sustainability in the workplace. Delivered as adult-only (19+) part-time courses, these Level 3 CMI courses help first-line managers understand how sustainable practices can improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and support long-term organisational success.

You will explore the key principles of sustainability and how they can be applied within everyday operations to achieve positive environmental and business outcomes. Designed for team leaders, supervisors and aspiring managers, it supports first-line managers in developing the knowledge and confidence to embed sustainable thinking across teams and projects.

Through integrated units, you will gain practical leadership skills, behaviours and insight into how sustainability can drive improved performance, responsible decision-making and long-term organisational success. The courses equips you to influence others, embed sustainable practices and champion lasting positive change within your organisation.

You will study in small, supportive classes alongside other adult learners, creating a relaxed environment where you can share ideas and experiences.

Do not worry if you have been out of education for some time. Our tutors have extensive experience supporting adult learners returning to study and will guide you throughout the course. You will also receive support from an assessor during your qualification.

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.

Award, Certificate or Diploma?

CMI qualifications come in three different sizes, depending on how in-depth the qualification is and how long it will take you to complete it.

What will I study?

• Award

  You will study one core CMI unit designed to give you a solid foundation in sustainable leadership principles.

  Unit 350 - Introduction to Sustainability

  • Explore global and national sustainability challenges that influence organisations.
  • Understand key sustainability frameworks and how they shape organisational strategy and behaviour.
  • Identify practical approaches to embedding sustainability into everyday team operations.

  Learners examine real workplace examples and discuss practical actions they can take from day one. To date, every participant has implemented at least one sustainable improvement - demonstrating the real, immediate impact of this training.

• Certificate

  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.

• Diploma

  You will complete four complementary CMI units. Together, they guide you from understanding sustainability principles through to leading change and delivering your own workplace project.

  Unit 350 - Introduction to Sustainability

  • Understanding global and national sustainability challenges
  • Exploring key sustainability frameworks that influence organisations
  • Applying practical approaches to improve sustainability in the workplace

  Unit 351 - Implementing Operational Sustainability Practices

  • The role of the First Line Manager in achieving sustainability goals
  • Embedding sustainable practice into day-to-day operations
  • Measuring and evaluating success

  Unit 352 - Ethical Management and Leadership for Sustainability Practice

  • Exploring the behaviours of ethical managers and leaders
  • Understanding the importance of integrity, fairness and transparency
  • Developing personal leadership capability through reflection and planning

  Unit 353 - Undertaking a Sustainability Project

  • Planning and delivering a sustainability initiative
  • Measuring impact and evaluating success
  • Reflecting on outcomes and planning future improvements

  Throughout the course, learners examine real workplace examples and identify opportunities to drive positive change within their own roles. Every participant so far has implemented sustainability improvements - from small operational changes to broader strategic initiatives inspired by their learning.

Who is it for?

Course highlights

Included with your course 

Why study a CMI qualification?

CMI qualifications are developed in partnership with employers to help managers at every level become confident, effective and future-focused leaders. They strengthen professional credibility while equipping learners with skills that directly improve workplace performance.

• 80% of managers say a CMI qualification is key to becoming a professional manager.
• 81% share their new skills with their team.
• 79% confirm improved overall team performance as a result of their learning.

Start date and fees

• Start dates

These courses start 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.

• Fees
  • Award - £349
  • Certificate - £599*
  • Diploma - £995*

*Don’t let paying for the course hold you back from achieving your goals. If you choose to study the Certificate or Diploma. you can split the cost of the course over four instalments. If you wish to pay in instalments, you will be required to pay 25% 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 payments (monthly for the Certificate, bi-monthly for the Diploma). 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.