“The course gave me the confidence to talk about sustainability in the boardroom and translate it into real business strategy”
Julie Westcott
EHS&S Director at TE Connectivity
Diploma in Business Sustainability Graduate
Why did you decide to take the Diploma course?
I’ve been doing health and safety for some time, and I’ve already been involved in sustainability committees. My boss decided to align safety and sustainability under one role — and I have to say, it works really well. For me, it was important to understand what people were talking about and to be that person in the boardroom who was able to give updates on what needed to be happening and why.
Why did you choose this course over others?
I originally chose the Diploma because of the flexibility. I travel a lot during the week for work, so I needed something that would fit around that. Also, 85 percent of my business is in Europe, so I wanted something that covered the European aspects. That was really important to me – things like the CSRD and up-and-coming EU legislation that you wouldn’t get in a UK-focused course.
How was your experience with the content and learning format?
I enjoyed the online format; it let me fit it around work, around home, and even do it when I was sitting on a train or a plane. Being able to log on and go through the modules while flying was fantastic. The additional reading and resources were great, and I liked being able to scroll through the content I already knew and go deeper into things I didn’t.
Did the course have an impact on your work?
Yes, definitely. The CSRD section was really interesting. Since completing the course, I’ve implemented double materiality and gained a solid understanding of the new reporting standards. The TCFD helped with structuring transition planning, and stakeholder mapping was brilliant for understanding where everyone sits.
I’ve used course materials as a reference point since. The strategy and planning approaches, like the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, weren’t new to me, but they were excellent reminders. Ultimately, the course gave me the confidence to talk about these topics in the boardroom. I now understand the acronyms and can translate what my sustainability lead is saying into language that applies to the business. Additionally, I met some really good people on the course, and we’re still in touch.
Would you recommend the course to others?
I already have! I’ve recommended it to a couple of people in my network. I think one of them is already doing it or has already completed it. The course is fantastic, and everyone should acquire this knowledge.
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