Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (Level 4)
This apprenticeship will provide organisations with CR&S practitioners that have the knowledge skills and behaviours to help innovate and drive ambitions for social and environmental change within their organisation/s. CR&S Practitioners help to drive this by delivering an CR&S strategy (“The Strategy”) to guide organisations on contributing positively towards social and environmental outcomes.
The CR&S Practitioner will typically be working on multiple initiatives covering a variety of geographies and/or focus areas, and stakeholders. For instance, some roles may be weighted towards managing employee initiatives. Others may have a stronger focus on topics like human rights, carbon reduction, waste management, energy efficiency and supply chain. Therefore, the CR&S Practitioner’s day-to-day responsibilities will vary depending on circumstances and in turn means they could work independently, in a team, or collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
It is vital for a CR&S Practitioner to be passionate about social and environmental change, and strive to role model ethical behaviour and values. It is also imperative for the CR&S Practitioner to understand their business, the landscape and industry it operates in, and demonstrate the value of CR&S to the business.
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Duration
20 months (15, plus 3 for End Point Assessment)
Most Suitable For
Anyone wanting to improve their skills and knowledge in social and environmental change for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability. This apprenticeship is designed for those with a desire and opportunities to be able to lead on sustainability initiatives/activities within their organisation/s.
Award
Level 4 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Apprenticeship award. Apprentices receive free membership to the ICRS whilst undertaking the apprenticeship. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices can complete an optional module to prepare for an ISEP exam. LDN pay for the ISEP exam plus the first year of Associate membership.
Additional Funding
- If apprentice is under the age of 25, Employer may not have to pay Class 1 Employer National Insurance. Full details and criteria are found here.
- For apprenticeships starting between 1 August 2024 - 31 July 2026, employer may be eligible for £1,000 if apprentice is aged 16 - 18 years old (or 15 years of age if the apprentice’s 16th birthday is between the last Friday of June and 31 August); or aged between 19 and 24 years old and has either an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan provided by their local authority and / or has been, or are, in the care of their local authority. Full details and criteria are found within the relevant DfE Funding Rules.
- Some Councils are providing incentive payments to local small employers who recruit and employ young apprentices. To find out more, including eligibility and how to apply for an incentive, please visit Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub (details within the GRANT presentation)
- Lancashire County Council incentive is £3,000 for 100 Lancashire employers
- Chorley Council incentive is £1,500 for Chorley employers
- Fylde Borough Council incentive is £5,000 for Fylde employers recruiting a new apprentice who is a Fylde resident.
Start Date
Usually two intakes per year. Upcoming options will be identified following expression of interest.
Teaching Delivery
Online
Key Learning Requirements
Apprenticeships require learners to achieve specific new knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs), which are detailed in the Apprenticeship Standard. These are achieved by;
1) Programme Teaching; Online teaching sessions once a month usually 2 hours duration (these are recorded for learner to access if they are unable to attend the live session), plus coaching sessions (once a month) and online teaching materials.
2) Independent study; such as assignment/project research and write up
3) Learning in the workplace; shadowing colleagues, completing programme assigned work based projects, day-to-day development within your current role duties/work activities, reflections with mentor, relevant training sessions.
Modules
Exclusive content has been embedded in to this programme for health and care professionals. This programme has fixed module delivery (you are unable to choose the modules studied). A list of modules is available on the course webpage or course materials.
Placements
This programme does not require external placements to be completed, although varied experiences are beneficial.
Assessments
Assessed throughout the programme by assignments, observations, evaluations and End Point Assessment.
Key Candidate Entry Requirements
• Employed 30 hours or more per week for the duration of the apprenticeship.
• Preferably, evidence of English and Maths at GCSE C/4 or above /Functional Skills Level 2 / Equivalent. An initial diagnostic assessment will be completed by the Education Provider at application stage to determine entry requirements met.
Full requirements and details are found on the course webpage/information.
Key Employer Entry Requirements
• Ensure Learner has the support and opportunities to achieve the requirements of the apprenticeship
• Candidate’s Manager to mentor the apprentice.
Listed as an Approved Provider under an NHS Procurement
Yes
Application Timescale
- It takes on average 2 months to complete all application stages for this programme.
- If recruiting to this position, additional time will be required for recruitment and advertising stages.
Education Provider deadlines include:
Usually close application window 1-2 months prior to each intake (e.g. for October 2025 intake, deadline to start application formally with the Education Provider is 31 August 2025).
Additional Training Hub Support
Primary Care employees have access to:
- All resources provided by the L&SC PC Training Hub such as Digital training, Health and Wellbeing support and events.
- And, Non-clinical Training and Resources. This webpage lists training and resources for non-clinical roles, which may compliment the apprenticeship (always check suitability with your apprenticeship education provider).
Pathway
Skills England has an
interactive occupational maps tool which shows the variety of progression pathways using apprenticeships.
Career progression does not have to be linear. Entry criteria may differ per provider and even more varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience.
Information Last Updated
07/07/2025
Further Programme and Provider Information
If you would like to know anything further about the programme itself, please contact: Simon Baker on [email protected]
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for an apprenticeship (either for yourself, a member of staff or a vacancy position), please complete the Primary Care Expression of Interest Form. This is for Primary Care Employers within Lancashire and South Cumbria only. By completing the expression of interest form, the Training Hub Apprenticeships team will be able to complete basic pre-checks, provide you with personalised guidance, and start the programme application process for you. If you would like to discuss anything first, please email [email protected] or call Olivia, Apprenticeships Manager, on 07735161775. You can find out more about the stages of applying for an apprenticeship within our Apprenticeships Process - Employer Guide. Social Care Employers within Lancashire and South Cumbria, please contact Dawn on [email protected]
