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

Overview

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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Or call 01623 900485

Start anytime | 6-month part-time course | Study online or on campusat Derby Road.

This course is an in-depth programme designed for team leaders, supervisors and aspiring managers who want to confidently champion sustainability across their organisation. Through four integrated units, learners develop the knowledge, behaviours and practical leadership skills needed to drive measurable, ethical and long-lasting change.

Who is it for?

This course is ideal for those who want to move beyond basic understanding and take a leading role in shaping sustainable practice within their team or department. You may already oversee people, projects or operational processes - and now want to align your leadership approach with modern environmental and social expectations.

Course highlights

Flexible study options: choose online delivery or attend in person at Derby Road.
Extended learning journey: five 3-hour lessons over six months to allow for deeper exploration and applied learning.
Four specialist sustainability units: covering sustainability foundations, operational implementation, ethical leadership and project delivery.
Real-world impact: plan, deliver and evaluate your own sustainability project as part of the qualification.
Leadership focus: develop the confidence and capability to influence wider organisational culture and performance.

Included with your course

CMI membership and full access to the ManagementDirect online learning platform.
Professional toolkits, templates and case studies to support sustainable leadership.
Peer learning, discussion and collaborative project work to help turn ideas into measurable improvements.

Why study a CMI qualification?

CMI qualifications are developed with employers to help managers at every level become confident, capable and ethical leaders. Learners gain both credibility and practical skills that translate directly into improved team and organisational performance.

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

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.

Start dates and fees

Start Date - This course is offered on a rolling basis so please get in touch to find out when the next course is starting.

Cost - £1,395

What will I study?

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.