Level 4: Version 1.1

Other versions:

  • Reference: ST0934
  • Qual No: 610/6300/9
  • Sector: Business and administration
Prices

Full EPA fee: £1,650

Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (CR&S) Practitioners are found across all sectors and industries. Acting as the social conscience of an organisation, they help develop, deliver and embed corporate responsibility and sustainability strategies.

The role involves influencing stakeholders, managing projects and campaigns, supporting reporting and data management and ensuring responsible practices are embedded in everyday operations.

This is a versatile standard that will enable organisations to bring together their CR&S strategy together and champion the way in environmental and social impact.

Key highlights of this standard include:

  1. Drives Social and Environmental Impact
  2. Boosts Brand Reputation and Trust
  3. Enhances Workforce Skills and Diversity
  4. Supports Business Resilience and Innovation
  5. Cost-Effective Talent Development
  6. Aligns with National and Global Sustainability Goals

2023 Coronation LogoRoyal apprenticeships

This standard is one of the Green apprenticeships, handpicked by industry experts to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

Download the Specification

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Price and reassessment

Maximum funding: £14,000

Full EPA fee: £1,650

Reassessment:

  • Work based project followed by a report and apresentation with Q&A: Remote: £300 | Face to Face: £350
  • Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence: Remote: £300 | Face to Face: £350

Gateway requirements

Before the apprentice can enter the EPA Gateway process, the following evidence is required:

  • Gateway Declaration and Authentication Statement (this must be signed using an e-signature via a document signing service, such as DocuSign, or a wet signature)
  • Reasonable Adjustments Request Form, if applicable (this must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the EPA Gateway submission)
  • Portfolio of Evidence (for Assessment method 1)
  • The project title, brief summary and terms of reference (for Assessment method 2).

If the apprentice is aged 16-18 years, they must have achieved English and Maths qualifications to at least Level 2. If the apprentice is aged 19+ when they begin their apprenticeship, the requirement for the attainment of these qualifications is optional (effective from 11th February 2025). Employers may choose whether these qualifications are necessary, and further details regarding funding can be found in the latest funding rules.

Assessment methods

The assessment methods for the Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Practitioner apprenticeship consist of the following:

  • Assessment method 1: Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
    • The apprentice will take part in a 60-minute professional discussion led by an independent assessor. This will focus on the required knowledge, skills and behaviours for the standard, with the apprentice using their portfolio to support their answers. The assessor will review the portfolio beforehand and ask at least ten questions to assess competence.
  • Assessment method 2: Work-based project followed by a report and a presentation with questions and answers
    • The work-based project requires the apprentice to complete a real work-based project that demonstrates how they apply the required knowledge, skills and behaviours. They will produce a written report that explains the project’s purpose, actions, outcomes and impact. The apprentice will then present their work to an independent assessor, who will ask questions to confirm the apprentice’s understanding, decision-making, and contribution to the project.

See the specification document for full details.


“Our experience with Gateway Qualifications has been highly positive. The proactive approach taken by the EPA Operations Manager to review our apprenticeship delivery and provide clear, constructive recommendations ensured our learners are thoroughly prepared for End-point Assessment. The feedback was shared at precisely the right time and has been fully embedded into the programme design. This kind of collaborative support is rare and demonstrates a real commitment to quality and learner success.”

Martin Craven, Head of Curriculum, Copa Training


The Sustainability Academy

Gateway Qualifications has partnered with The Sustainability Academy to support the delivery and assessment of the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner (ST0934) apprenticeship, bringing together Gateway Qualifications’ expertise as an End-point Assessment Organisation with The Sustainability Academy’s specialist sustainability knowledge and sector insight.

As part of our collaboration with The Sustainability Academy, all apprentices registered with us for EPA will have the opportunity to undertake a short online course – The Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals.

The course brings together key information on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, providing apprentices with insights into global sustainability efforts and how they relate to their own learning, development, and employment.

Frequently asked questions about this standard
Which organisations offer roles like this?

These roles exist across public, private, and third‑sector organisations and are relevant to nearly all industries. Businesses increasingly need to demonstrate responsible, ethical, and sustainable practices across employee wellbeing, education and sustained employment opportunities, social mobility, community engagement, environmental impact and more.

Is this apprenticeship considered a “Green Apprenticeship”?

Yes — it is one of the officially recognised Green Apprenticeships highlighted for their role in supporting environmental and social sustainability.

This standard is also one of the Green apprenticeships, handpicked by industry experts to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

What makes a successful CR&S Practitioner?

A good CR&S Practitioner is:

  • Passionate about social and environmental change
  • An ethical role model
  • A strong communicator
  • Organised and collaborative
  • Able to influence decision‑making
  • Able to look to the future
What is the link to the Sustainable Development Goals?

There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals and this standard has links to everyone, but equally your organisation may only link to a number or be able to develop their CR&S strategy to encompass more of them.

The Sustainable Development Goals are part of the global blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.

Learn more about the 17 goals here: THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development

When does the work-based project for end point assessment?

The project starts after the project brief and terms of reference have been agreed either prior to or at the planning meeting with the independent assessor.

The assessor will confirm the brief and terms of reference having discussed these with the apprentice and employer and then set the timeframes for the projects completion. The apprentice will have 16 weeks to plan and undertake the project and produce their project report for submission at the end of the 16 weeks on the specified date by the specified time.

What is the project brief and terms of reference, required to be submitted at Gateway?

The apprentice must scope out the project and provide a brief summary of what the project will cover. The terms of reference will provide information on what will be undertaken (an overview of the plan, research requirements and timeframes.)

Because this document includes a timeline. The apprentice must give consideration to the allowance of 16 weeks allowed and cannot be started until signed off by the assessor. We welcome discussion before Gateway with the apprentice and employer to ensure that they are comfortable with this aspect.

We provide additional information and a template to support the apprentice, training provider and employer.

How do we switch to EPA with you?

Switching to us is straightforward. If you want to switch, just give us a call and we will help you to get set up and make the process as seamless as possible.

If you are new to the standard and looking for an EPAO, please reach out to the team to find out more about what we offer and how we can support you.

If you are considering delivering the standard and want to know more, get some advice on curriculum planning or who this standard is for, again call the team, we have a wealth of knowledge and support available for you.

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