We are looking to work with 10 organisations to pilot the Environment Leaders Programme with disadvantaged young people aged 13+ from August 2026. If you are interested in being considered please express an interest below.
Developed with WWF and the RSPB, the Environment Leaders Programme helps young people to develop the skills and agency they need to make positive change for the natural world.
SCQF Level 5 and 6 qualifications now available.
Leadership skills for positive change
Young people are driving action for the environment—they care, campaign, and volunteer for a better future. To support them, we’ve partnered with WWF and the RSPB to create the Environment Leaders Programme.
Designed to harness young people’s optimism and determination, it equips them with the skills to make real impact. Both qualification levels are available digitally for independent learning or in classrooms with teacher support, with full resources provided.
Available qualifications:
- SCQF Level 5 Qualification in Leadership Skills
- SCQF Level 6 Qualification in Leading a Project for Positive Change (worth 8 UCAS points)
The Environment Leaders Programme supports Scotland’s Learning for Sustainability curriculum by developing pupil leadership, promoting environmental responsibility, and enabling real‑world action. It helps learners embed sustainability, global citizenship, and outdoor learning through learner‑led projects, whole‑school improvement, and positive action for people, planet, and communities.
The Environment Leaders Programme aligns with the following UN Sustainability Development Goals:
- Quality Education (Goal 4)
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11)
- Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12)
- Climate Action (Goal 13)
- Life on Land (Goal 15)
- Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17)
What’s included?
- Online tutor training, available anytime.
- eLearning or classroom-ready resources (including PowerPoints).
- Editable Learner Evidence Records for reflection and progress tracking.
- Supplementary learner materials.
- Promotional resources for recruitment and project showcase.
- Dedicated QA and relationship manager support from the Leadership Skills Foundation.
It’s given us a chance to actually act on what we believe in and what we want to do.
An increase in agency and independence
From planting trees to teaching Year 3s in local primaries, the difference the Environment Leaders have made at Colton Hills has been transformative. Teachers have seen a clear shift in students’ confidence to drive forward the change they want to see.
Watch to hear from the students >
What does delivery look like?
- Registration: requires contact and billing information for your organisation
- Access: login provided – access to all resources and training given
- Delivery: deliver in the way that best fits your setting and timetable
- Certification: when your learners have worked through the resources, collect their certificate and celebrate their achievement!
- Impact: see tangible differences in learners as they put their skills to use
Interested in delivering this programme.
