The Prince’s Accounting for Sustainability Project (A4S) was established by The Prince of Wales in 2004 with the aim of inspiring action by finance leaders to drive a fundamental shift towards resilient business models and a sustainable economy. A4S and ICMIF formed a partnership in 2019 which was founded on shared values and shared purpose and ICMIF hopes to encourage more member organisations to become involved in the work of the A4S as it expands on a global basis.
The role for the finance community in achieving a sustainable world is critical and mutuals and cooperatives are ideal candidates to become actively involved in this work. Learn more about the ICMIF/A4S partnership here.
The A4S Academy is a CFO-sponsored programme, which empowers and equips finance teams with the skills needed for their businesses to succeed in the face of environmental and social risks and opportunities. The programme is for senior finance professionals and is offered free of charge. The 2021 programme starts on 1 June and all sessions will be held online.
The Academy is focused on practical implementation, with structured support provided for participants. The programme draws on leading practice and utilises tools and guidance from the A4S Essential Guide Series developed by finance, for finance. Participants have access to a variety of knowledge-based materials, experienced practitioners and skills development sessions to support them through the year-long programme.
Graduation from the Academy is dependent on completion of a short case study, evidencing the progress participants have made against their personal programme objectives. Academy graduates are invited to join the alumni network, where they will have ongoing access to events, support and a community of peers from whom they can continue to draw inspiration.
The deadline for application is 14 May and the 2021 programme starts on 1 June.
ICMIF members are invited to apply for the 2021 programme here.
THE BENEFITS:
- Equipping with technical know how
- Empowering with leadership and influencing skills
- Connecting to peer resources and networks
Why this, why now?
A4S believes that businesses are at a critical juncture. Over the next few decades, the success and failure of organisations will be determined by how they respond to environmental and social risks. Beyond risk, A4S says there are also huge opportunities to be made from the innovation, efficiencies and new markets which sustainable business models create.
To achieve a sustainable economy, A4S believes businesses need to be able to deliver financial returns in the short and long term, while generating positive value for society and operating within environmental constraints.
Finance has a vital role to play. To ensure finance professionals excel in the new economy, their skills and competencies need updating. How will they price externalities, how will they navigate the changing business landscape and how can they deliver on ‘purpose’?
A4S information calls about the Academy
A4S has scheduled the below information calls in which people can learn more about the course and ask questions to the team.
Register using the links below for one of the information calls:
Session One:
18th March 2021 – 13:00 PDT / 16:00 EDT
Session Two:
22nd March 2021 – 9:00 PDT / 12:00 EDT / 16:00 GMT
Session Three:
22nd April 2021 – 8:00 PDT / 11:00 EDT / 16:00 BST
