Finance & Accounting

Certificate of Practice in ESG and Climate Risk Management

This course provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and climate risks within their organisations. Participants will learn to integrate ESG considerations into decision-making processes and develop strategies for sustainable practices.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Organisations are increasingly held accountable for their ESG performance and climate risk management. Stakeholders, including investors, customers, and regulatory bodies, demand transparency and proactive strategies. Professionals must navigate complex regulations, assess risks, and implement sustainable practices to avoid reputational damage and financial losses. This course equips participants with essential skills to identify and mitigate ESG-related challenges, ensuring compliance, fostering trust, and driving sustainable growth. By mastering these competencies, professionals will be better positioned to influence their organisations' strategic direction and enhance their market competitiveness.

Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, enabling them to assess ESG risks and develop actionable strategies. By practising the integration of ESG factors into business operations, attendees will enhance their decision-making skills and contribute to their organisation's sustainability goals. They will learn to communicate effectively with stakeholders, develop comprehensive ESG strategies, and implement climate risk management plans, all of which are critical for driving organisational success in a rapidly evolving landscape. This hands-on approach ensures that participants leave with applicable skills and tangible outputs that can be immediately utilised in their roles.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of case studies, interactive workshops, and simulations to build practical skills in ESG and climate risk management. Participants will analyse real-world scenarios, collaborate in teams to develop ESG strategies, and present their findings. Outputs include risk assessments, strategic plans, and stakeholder engagement proposals. Each session is designed to reinforce learning through hands-on activities, ensuring that participants can apply their knowledge in their organisations. By the end of the course, participants will have created tangible work products that demonstrate their understanding of ESG principles and climate risk management techniques, enhancing their professional capabilities and confidence in addressing these critical issues.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Assess ESG factors impacting organisational performance and reputation through detailed analysis.
Analyse climate risk scenarios using established frameworks and tools to inform decision-making.
Design an ESG strategy tailored to specific organisational contexts, addressing stakeholder needs.
Prioritise stakeholder engagement strategies for effective ESG communication and collaboration.
Construct a climate risk management plan addressing identified vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies.
Justify the integration of ESG metrics into financial reporting processes for transparency and accountability.
Evaluate the effectiveness of ESG initiatives in achieving organisational sustainability goals.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Risk Managers: Responsible for identifying and mitigating risks related to ESG and climate factors.
Sustainability Officers: Tasked with implementing sustainable practices within their organisations.
Compliance Professionals: Ensure adherence to regulations related to ESG disclosures and climate risks.
Investment Analysts: Evaluate the impact of ESG factors on investment decisions and portfolio management.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Conduct comprehensive ESG risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
Develop actionable climate risk management strategies tailored to organisational needs.
Facilitate stakeholder engagement on ESG issues to enhance collaboration.
Integrate ESG considerations into financial analysis for informed decision-making.
Implement monitoring frameworks for ESG performance to ensure compliance.
Communicate ESG strategies effectively to diverse audiences for transparency.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Understanding ESG and Climate Risks

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a case study of a company facing ESG-related challenges. They will identify the key ESG factors at play, assess their implications, and propose initial recommendations for improvement, considering stakeholder perspectives and regulatory requirements.

Output: A detailed report summarising the ESG factors, their implications, and proposed recommendations.

09:00–09:54Define ESG and its components: Environmental, Social, Governance, and their interconnections.
09:54–10:48Explore the regulatory landscape surrounding ESG and climate risks, including key legislation.
10:48–11:00Identify key stakeholders and their expectations regarding ESG performance and reporting.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identify key stakeholders and their expectations regarding ESG performance and reporting. (continued)
12:12–13:06Discuss the impact of climate change on business operations and strategic planning.
13:06–14:00Review frameworks for assessing ESG performance and their application in practice.

Day 2Frameworks and Tools for ESG Analysis

Applied activity: Working in groups, participants will select an ESG framework and apply it to a fictional organisation. They will gather data, assess risks, and prepare a mock ESG report based on their analysis, focusing on key metrics and stakeholder interests.

Output: A mock ESG report using the chosen framework, including risk assessments and performance metrics.

09:00–09:54Examine established frameworks for ESG risk assessment (e.g., TCFD, SASB) and their relevance.
09:54–10:48Learn to use tools for measuring and reporting ESG performance effectively.
10:48–11:00Discuss the role of data analytics in ESG decision-making and risk assessment.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Discuss the role of data analytics in ESG decision-making and risk assessment. (continued)
12:12–13:06Explore best practices for ESG disclosures and reporting to stakeholders.
13:06–14:00Evaluate the effectiveness of different ESG metrics and their impact on performance.

Day 3Developing an ESG Strategy

Applied activity: Participants will develop an ESG strategy for a fictional company, considering its unique context, stakeholder expectations, and industry challenges. They will present their strategy to the group for feedback and refinement, focusing on implementation feasibility.

Output: A comprehensive ESG strategy document that outlines objectives, initiatives, and expected outcomes.

09:00–09:54Identify organisational goals and align them with ESG objectives for strategic coherence.
09:54–10:48Explore strategies for integrating ESG into corporate governance and operational practices.
10:48–11:00Discuss the role of leadership in driving ESG initiatives and fostering a culture of sustainability.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Discuss the role of leadership in driving ESG initiatives and fostering a culture of sustainability. (continued)
12:12–13:06Learn to set measurable ESG targets and KPIs to track progress effectively.
13:06–14:00Evaluate case studies of successful ESG strategies and their outcomes in various sectors.

Day 4Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Applied activity: Participants will create a stakeholder engagement plan for their fictional organisation, outlining strategies for communication, feedback mechanisms, and engagement activities to address stakeholder interests and concerns. They will role-play stakeholder interactions to refine their approach.

Output: A stakeholder engagement plan detailing strategies for effective communication and engagement.

09:00–09:54Identify key stakeholders and their interests regarding ESG issues and climate risks.
09:54–10:48Learn techniques for effective stakeholder engagement and building trust through transparency.
10:48–11:00Discuss the importance of clear communication in ESG reporting and stakeholder interactions.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Discuss the importance of clear communication in ESG reporting and stakeholder interactions. (continued)
12:12–13:06Explore methods for addressing stakeholder concerns and incorporating feedback into ESG strategies.
13:06–14:00Evaluate case studies of successful stakeholder engagement and communication strategies.

Day 5Integrating Climate Risk Management

Applied activity: In teams, participants will develop a comprehensive climate risk management plan for a fictional organisation, identifying potential risks, proposing mitigation strategies, and outlining implementation steps. They will present their plan to the class for critique and discussion.

Output: A climate risk management plan that includes risk identification, mitigation strategies, and implementation recommendations.

09:00–09:54Assess climate risks using scenario analysis and stress testing to inform strategic decisions.
09:54–10:48Discuss the role of insurance and financial instruments in climate risk management and mitigation.
10:48–11:00Explore strategies for mitigating climate-related risks and enhancing resilience.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Explore strategies for mitigating climate-related risks and enhancing resilience. (continued)
12:12–13:06Learn to communicate climate risks to stakeholders effectively and transparently.
13:06–14:00Review case studies of organisations successfully managing climate risks and their lessons learned.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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