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Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)

Corpus Christi College, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, UK

Dates

  • 2-5 November 2025
  • 19-22 April 2026

Duration and format

Three and half day residential seminar

Location

Cambridge, UK.

Fee

  • The standard residential Cambridge fee remains at £4,750. For more information visit our dedicated fees page.

Selection criteria

Delegates who are accepted to the Programme are typically able to demonstrate:

  • Appropriate senior level position within their organisation, with over 15 years’ experience
  • Significant institutional influence within their organisation to directly affect strategy/strategic decisions
  • Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and ambition to transition their organisation beyond business as usual
  • A high level of proficiency in the English language (in order to derive maximum value from participation)
  • Ability to pay the fees or to identify a sponsoring institution

How to apply

Submit your application or get in touch to  who meets the above criteria and we will share materials with you to forward on. 

 

The Business & Sustainability Programme, Cambridge


The Cambridge seminar of the Business & Sustainability Programme was where this flagship executive education programme began in 1994 as The Prince of Wales’ Business and Sustainability Programme.

Drawing delegates from across the UK, Europe and the Middle East, the programme equips leaders with the knowledge, commitment and inspiration to turn sustainability trends into strategic business decisions.

It gives leaders the knowledge and techniques to redefine and respond to their social, economic and environmental priorities by providing a safe space for sharing, innovation and collaboration.

See a list of previous delegates

 

 

 

“This programme allowed me to upskill myself in both my sustainability and leadership capabilities and helps me to expand my network of fellow sustainability leaders. Through the programme I found benefits to my own future personal development as well as raising the importance and urgency of sustainability to business and society.”

Daniël van Veen, Partner & Director, PwC Netherland

 

How the programme is delivered


Participants begin their engagement ahead of the seminar through tailored conversations, a sustainable business survey and preparatory readings.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, case-study presentations, group discussions, individual reflections and networking opportunities. Small-group conversations help participants reflect on their leadership journey, test their assumptions, share challenges , learn from peers and co-create responses.

 

Key themes


The need for effective business leadership

With the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity in the context of current global pressures, systems and trends such as food, water and energy security, social equity, consumption and the circular economy, supply chain resilience, sustainable finance and investment and climate change. 

Business strategy and resilience

The opportunity to move from compliance and incrementalism to future-fit transformation, building a resilient business that will compete on sustainable outcomes. 

The framework for sustainable outcomes

The frameworks and approaches to enable organisations to protect, create and scale value over the long-term, including leveraging a clear organisational purpose, embedding sustainability into core business models, innovating for solutions and mobilising coalitions. 

Building the case for a sustainable approach to develop a resilient business

With clear purpose, that will compete on sustainable outcomes that deliver for the long-term whilst producing the returns required in the short term.    

The way to ‘operationalise’ sustainability

To develop and implement new strategies, innovative solutions and business models that are both sustainable and commercially competitive.     

Leadership capabilities

The role of individual and collective leadership in framing and communicating a vision for a sustainable and resilient business that will inspire and empower action at scale. 

 

 

The faculty of sustainability experts delivering the programme


Each programme is facilitated by an expert faculty of business and policy leaders, academics and influential thinkers. Recent seminars have included:

Paul Gilding

CISL Fellow, independent
writer, corporate advisor and advocate for action on climate change. Former CEO of Greenpeace international

 

Ian Ellison

CISL Fellow. Former Sustainability Lead in Product Development with Jaguar Land Rover

 

 

Sam Mostyn AO

Non-Executive Director on
boards including, Mirvac,
Citibank, and Transurban and multiple non-government organisation including President
of Chief Executive Women

Kate Beddoe

Chief Sustainability & Risk Officer at Silver Fern Farms. Former Vice President Risk & Sustainability for the AMCOR global business and Strategic Risk Manager at Toyota Australia.

 
 

Learn more about our exceptional Fellows and Senior Associates.

 

How do we deal with participants from the same industry?


 

The seminars provide a safe space for delegates to share and co-explore challenges and ideas relating to their personal and professional context. All discussions are treated as confidential and are conducted under the Chatham House Rule. For some of the more sensitive conversations, attendees from competing organisations are allocated to different syndicate groups, however, there is nothing to prevent these individuals engaging in active debate and sharing of ideas – in our experience, delegates appreciate the opportunity to interact with their peers on a shared sustainability agenda.

 

How to apply


Approximately 35 delegates are selected to attend each seminar. All nominations are subject to a robust vetting procedure to achieve the right balance on each seminar between industry sectors and between business, government and NGOs.

Submit your application or get in touch to nominate a colleague via email who meets the above criteria and we will share materials with you to forward on.

Please note that you will need to complete the online application form in one sitting, so please ensure that you have all required information with you.

 

Fees, terms and conditions


The residential programme fee is £4,750 (VAT-exempt), which includes tuition, learning materials, accommodation, activities, meals and membership of our alumni Network. 

Contact

Cressie Strachan, Programme Director

Testimonials

"The quality of teaching and organisation of the event was exceptional. The content was inspirational, evidence based and practical. As a direct result of the course I have identified a number of action that I will take forward to strengthen my leadership and delivery" 

Jo Green, Chief Officer, Performance and Innovation, Scottish Environment Protection Agency

"The most impactful and useful course I have ever done. The blend of facts, reality and leadership skills have equipped me to have the right conversations and affect change in my organisation. There is a lot to do, but I have come away armed with the knowledge and that if we work together, companies can solve the crisis we find ourselves in."  

Laura Simmonds, Head of Responsible Procurement, Intercontinental Hotels Group

"This programme is fantastic in giving the broadest global overview possible on all areas of sustainability, and to be honest, business."

Chris Foy, CEO, Equity Insurance