UKSIF and University of Cambridge – Sustainable Finance Foundations: Banking, Investment and Insurance

Introduction

For many years, UKSIF members have been asking for learning support to ensure staff across their companies attain a core level of understanding on sustainability and how this applies to financial services firms.

In response to this, UKSIF has worked with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), who have now developed a new course, Sustainable Finance Foundations: Banking, Investment and Insurance.

This online course supports finance professionals to develop a crucial foundational understanding of the risks of the global sustainability crisis and opportunities for a sustainable transition.

The learning is rooted in the latest sustainability thinking and can help learners to embed impact and sustainability risk mitigation into their work.

Learning Objectives

The course is designed for individuals working across banking, investment and insurance who are looking to understand how sustainability issues apply to their work and identify the opportunities for a sustainable transition in the finance sector.

Through six modules delivered by experts from industry and academia, this course aims to help learners:

1. Understand global pressures and trends, their commercial implications, and why business as usual is no longer viable.
2. Evaluate the role of business in society and explore what leading practice looks like within financial institutions and the future direction of travel.
3. Assess how financial institutions can support the transition to a more sustainable economy and compare their practical actions on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and sustainability.
4. Create a personal action plan to contribute to change in your organisation or sphere of influence.

Specifically, the course covers the following key areas:

1. Global pressures and trends
2. Commercial implications
3. Business leadership and action
4. Good practice principles
5. Sustainable finance in practice
6. Taking action

Learning time and Format

A typical learner will take 7-10 hours to complete the course, delivered as an online, self-paced course using the e-learning system of University of Cambridge Online. All participants have access to a flexible, 12-month licence, so can re-visit the learning as needed.

The course is delivered in English.

Award and Assessment

The course is assessed through in-learning quizzes, activities and submission of a final assignment. Learners can retake all assessments as required throughout the 12-month licence period.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a digital badge from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, which can be used on LinkedIn and other platforms.

CPD Certification

This course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 7 hours of learning.

Note: to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon the learner. CISL, UKSIF and University of Cambridge Online accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.

Cost

£139 + VAT if applicable
Discount available for those looking to purchase bulk licences.

Payments can be made online using University of Cambridge Online’s payment portal. Alternatively, if you are looking to pay over the phone, by invoice or require a quote for more licences, please specify that you are booking onto the UKSIF version of the course. Please ensure to quote “UKSIF Sustainable Finance Foundations Course” along with any bulk purchase discount codes when making payment outside of the eCommerce link.

Materials & equipment

Most computer systems should be able to run the course. The key requirements are sufficient internet speed and stability for video streaming (2 Mbps up/down). We recommend accessing the course using one of the following supported web browsers.

FAQs

University of Cambridge Online have answers to common questions about the technical aspects of the online course system on their help centre.

For any questions about the course, or how to enrol, please contact UKSIF on info@uksif.org.