About Us
Helping schools turn climate education into real climate action
Since 2007, we've empowered 5,000+ students across 200+ UK schools to develop the skills, confidence, and leadership needed to tackle the climate crisis
Our Mission
Empower schools, young people, and communities to take meaningful climate action through high‑impact educational conferences and year‑round sustainability learning.
Our Vision
A future where every school across the UK places sustainability at the heart of learning, leadership, and daily practice.
Our Journey
From a village hall to venues across the UK
2007: The Beginning
The first schools' conference was held in 2007 at Chipping Village Hall and Brabin's Endowed School, targeting Year 4 and Year 5 pupils engaging with Eco-Schools programmes. Under the leadership of Headteacher Glynis Goldsbrough, this pioneering event planted the seeds for a movement.
2007-2012: Growing Roots
Four further conferences were held in Chipping, supported by members of the Lancashire Schools Sustainability Forum including FACE, Global Renewables, Lancashire Global Learning Centre, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Penwortham Environmental Education Centre, RSPB, and students from St Christopher's CE High School.
2013-2016: Expanding Impact
St Christopher's CE High School became the new host venue, welcoming conferences in their 6th Form Centre. In 2016, we introduced a dedicated programme for able and gifted high school students, extending our reach across age groups.
2017-Present: Scaling Up
As attendance grew, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust generously offered their facilities, hosting our well-attended annual conferences since 2017. Support from Forum members continues alongside new environmental organisations, creating rich learning experiences for thousands of students.
2022: Formalising Our Mission
In November 2022, Sustainability Learning CIC was established as a Community Interest Company, formalising years of grassroots impact and setting the foundation for expansion across the UK.
Our Impact
Delivering measurable outcomes across whole-school systems since 2007
18+
Years
Of environmental education leadership
17+
Conferences
Delivered across the UK
5000+
Students
Empowered to take climate action
200+
Schools
Participating nationwide
Awards & Recognition
Our work recognised on the national stage
EFL Green Club Award
English Football League Awards, London
Shortlisted for the EFL's premier environmental award, recognising our annual Sustainability Learning Conference at Blackburn Rovers alongside Carlisle United and Northampton Town.
Read more →BASIS Award for Sustainable Sport
British Association for Sustainable Sport, Wimbledon
Shortlisted for the UK's premier sustainability in sport award at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, following the success of our Ewood Park conference.
Read more →Lord Frank Field Community Partnership Award
Educate Awards, sponsored by Frank Field Education Trust
Long-standing partner school Accrington St Christopher's CE High School named runner-up, recognising the community impact of our joint sustainability programmes.
Education Estates Awards
Education Estates, 2025
Recognised at the Education Estates Awards 2025 for our contribution to sustainable school environments and environmental education across the UK.
In the Press
What others are saying about our work
EFL · July 2025
More than 600 students attend Blackburn Rovers' award-nominated Eco-Conference
EFL · November 2025
Blackburn Rovers Community Trust shortlisted for prestigious BASIS award following Sustainability Conference success
Blackburn Rovers · April 2025
Rovers shortlisted for Green Club Award
Blackburn Rovers · July 2024
Blackburn Rovers Community Trust host successful Sustainability Learning Conference at Ewood Park
Key Partner
Lancashire Schools Sustainability Forum
Founding delivery partner · Lancashire
The Lancashire Sustainability Learning Forum, in close association with Sustainability Learning CIC, helps deliver the Schools Sustainability Conferences NW. The Forum is a platform for sharing skills, knowledge, and experience in promoting education for sustainable development (ESD) in schools and other learning communities across Lancashire.
The Forum encourages environmental education and learning beyond the classroom, with an emphasis on real-world links to jobs and future career prospects. It offers support for Sustainability Leads in schools - including CPD and INSET training - and promotes the work and learning opportunities of its wider membership.
Our Approach
Four pillars driving real, measurable climate action in schools
Climate Action Skills
We equip students with practical tools to create change - not just awareness, but confidence and capability to lead environmental initiatives in their schools and communities.
Teacher & Leadership Support
We strengthen sustainability leads and senior leadership teams through CPD, networking, and resources that embed sustainability into whole-school culture and curriculum.
Partnerships & Careers
We connect education with green industry, introducing students to career pathways in sustainability and linking schools with expert organisations working on real solutions.
Community Impact
We deliver measurable outcomes across whole-school systems - from curriculum integration to campus operations, creating lasting change beyond individual events.
Meet Our Team
Passionate professionals dedicated to sustainability education
Glynis Goldsbrough
Founder
Glynis founded Sustainability Learning CIC and has championed environmental education for over 20 years. As former Headteacher at Brabin's Endowed School, she launched the first schools' sustainability conference in 2007, growing it from a single village hall event to a nationwide movement.
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Wendy Litherland
Forum Chairperson
Wendy brings decades of experience in sustainability education and school leadership. As Forum Chairperson, she guides our strategic direction and ensures our programmes meet the evolving needs of schools and educators.
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David Reid
Technical Director
David leads our technical operations and digital strategy. With expertise in technology and education, he ensures our platforms and communications effectively support schools in their sustainability journey.
Connect on LinkedInOur Volunteer Team
Behind every conference is a dedicated group of volunteers who make it all happen. We're proud to introduce the extended team helping us grow nationwide.
Lydia
Chair of Senior Leadership CPD
2021 – present
Lorimer
Chair of Governors CPD
2022 – present
Jorja
Conference Operations
2018 – present
Joining Summer 2026Danielle
Regional Volunteer Lead
Midlands
2024 – present
Joining Summer 2026Barry
Regional Volunteer Lead
North East
2025 – present
"By 2025, all education settings will have nominated a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan."
What Students Say
"The conference opened my eyes to how much I can do to help the environment. It was inspiring!"
- Year 7 Student
"I loved meeting organisations working on real solutions. Now I know how to get involved."
- Year 9 Student
"Learning about sustainability in a fun, hands-on way made it so much more interesting than textbooks."
- Year 8 Student
"The conference gave me ideas for our school eco-club. We're making real changes now!"
- Year 10 Student