By Blessing Aladetoun, Marketing Manager, Bloomsbury Institute

Organisations are setting ambitious Net Zero and sustainability targets but many lack the leadership capability to deliver them. This is the sustainability “say–do gap”, and it is exactly what the Strategic Sustainability Leadership qualification is designed to address.

Bloomsbury Institute has marked a significant milestone in its partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) with the introduction of the Level 7 Strategic Sustainability Leadership qualification, designed to equip students with the skills needed to lead organisations through the transition to a more sustainable future.

The new qualification, delivered to MBA and MSc Management students, was formally celebrated at a recent event bringing together students, academics, and industry leaders to explore the role of leadership in addressing global sustainability challenges.

As the first and only higher education provider appointed to deliver this postgraduate-level qualification, Bloomsbury Institute is positioning its students at the forefront of sustainability leadership and organisational transformation.

The Strategic Sustainability Leadership qualification complements the Institute’s existing professional offer. Our MBA or MSc Management students starting from October 2025 will, upon graduation, receive the award alongside their Masters, and in addition to the previously co-accredited CMI Level 7 Diploma they can also apply for Chartered Manager status, a prestigious CMI accreditation backed by a Royal Charter, which demonstrates that you have exceptional management and leadership skills.

Together, these four elements enhance a student’s employability and create a distinctive and career-focused package:

• Academic excellence through an MBA or MSc Management degree
• Professional leadership accreditation via the CMI Level 7 Diploma
• Future-focused sustainability expertise through the Strategic Sustainability Leadership qualification

This integrated approach ensures graduates are not only academically qualified, but also professionally recognised and equipped with the practical skills to lead in areas of growing global importance.

The Strategic Sustainability Leadership qualification places particular emphasis on real-world application, enabling students to embed sustainability into business strategy, decision-making, and operations. It prepares graduates to lead Net Zero initiatives, manage complex organisational change, and deliver measurable environmental and social impact.

As organisations across sectors accelerate their sustainability commitments, the demand for leaders who can translate strategy into action continues to grow. Through this new qualification, Bloomsbury Institute is ensuring its graduates stand out, not only as managers, but as responsible leaders ready to shape a more sustainable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Strategic Sustainability Leadership qualification?
The Strategic Sustainability Leadership qualification is a professional programme designed to equip learners with the leadership skills needed to address sustainability challenges within organisations. It focuses on bridging the gap between sustainability ambitions and practical delivery.

What is the sustainability “say-do gap”?
The “say-do gap” refers to the disconnect between organisations setting ambitious sustainability or Net Zero targets and their ability to actually implement the leadership, skills, and operational changes needed to achieve them. This qualification is designed to help close that gap.

Who is this qualification for?
This qualification is aimed at current and aspiring leaders who want to drive meaningful sustainability change within their organisations. It is particularly relevant for professionals in management, leadership, and strategy roles across sectors.

How does this qualification improve employability?
By combining strategic leadership training with sustainability expertise, the qualification helps learners develop in-demand skills that are increasingly valued by employers. It supports career progression into roles focused on sustainability, ESG, and organisational leadership.

What is the role of CMI in this qualification?
The qualification is developed in partnership with Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the UK’s leading professional body for management and leadership. This ensures the programme is aligned with recognised professional standards and enhances its credibility with employers.