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The Institute for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability is a professional body dedicated to supporting corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioners at all stages of their career.

Membership
The ICRS welcomes applications for membership from all those with an interest and/or involvement in Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability. Eligibility for Associate, Member and Fellow level membership is assessed, primarily, against the elements of the Institute’s Competency Framework. Each application is assessed by an experienced practitioner who is a Member of the Institute and has received appropriate training. In order to reach their decision the assessors, who are all volunteers, look for evidence of an individual’s expertise and achievements. Academic fast-track is permitted for applicants who hold a Master's or PhD qualification in CR and sustainability or a relevant subject from an officially recognised UK or EU University or business school. There are 4 levels of membership, as follows: Affiliate - Practitioners who: Associate - Practitioners who: Member - Practitioners who: Fellow: Applications for Fellows are not yet open. The plan is to appoint the first Fellows in July 2015. All Fellows must be Members of the Institute first.
 * have less than two years of professional experience in CR&S, or
 * have some professional responsibility or interest in CR&S even if it is not a core part of their work, or
 * are studying for a qualification in CR&S or a related subject, or
 * are considering a career in CR&S, and
 * can demonstrate an active interest in CR&S
 * have at least two years’ experience in a CR&S role within the last five years, or
 * have a CR&S-related Master’s Degree or PhD recognised by the ICRS, and have worked in a CR&S role for at least one year within the last three years, and
 * meet the requirements of an Associate in the ICRS Competency Framework
 * have at least five years’ experience in a CR&S role within the last eight years, or
 * have a CR&S-related Master’s Degree or PhD recognised by the ICRS, and have worked in a CR&S role for at least three years within the last five years, and
 * meet the requirements of a Member in the ICRS Competency Framework

Membership benefits include:

 * formal recognition as an Associate/Member of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability.
 * access to the collective experience and knowledge of the Institute’s community of members
 * continuing professional development to help develop CR&S skills and capabilities
 * access to CR&S webinars and events throughout the year
 * access to a range of resources include the award winning online learning materials from Ashridge Business School
 * mentoring opportunities within the ICRS community (from autumn 2014)
 * access to discount offers on resources that support continuing professional development

CPD
All ICRS Associates and Members are required, as a condition of their on-going membership, to undertake continuing professional development (CPD). Members should regularly reflect on their CPD and plan according to their own professional development needs.

ICRS vision
Is of a world where all businesses act responsibly and sustainably to have a positive impact on society and safeguard the future of our planet.

ICRS mission
Is to be the leading organisation for corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioners by supporting them to be brilliant in their work.

ICRS role
Is to help CR and sustainability professionals to be brilliant in their work. ICRS does this by setting professional standards, recognising achievements, and providing or directing members towards practical support and advice.

Competency framework
The competency framework below has been developed by the ICRS. It sets out the key skills and behaviours required in CR and sustainability roles. The framework is designed to inform, guide and inspire members at every stage of their career. It includes two elements:
 * 1) The Guiding Principles which are informed by, and shape an understanding of, the CR and sustainability agenda; and
 * 2) The Core Competences of a CR&S professional.

Activities
The ICRS provides a variety of services to help practitioners develop professionally, and also to promote corporate responsibility and sustainability as a profession.

Webinars
The ICRS’s focus is on webinars rather than in person events, so that all ICRS members have equal access to leaning opportunities, regardless of where they are located.