9-in-10 educators have spoken out about under-resourcing for climate activities in schools.
Most teachers appointed to the role of ‘sustainability lead’ are not being allocated any of their working day to the position.
From those surveyed by environmental specialist iAM Sustainable for a new report, The Lonely Role of the Sustainability Lead, 39% of professionals were spending up to five hours a week of their own personal time on research and planning for sustainability at school.
Overall, 88% of classroom teachers said they were not being given any paid time to carry out sustainability lead duties. Under-resourcing went further still, with 29% saying they had nobody to turn to for technical advice, and 84% had received no formal sustainability or environmental training.
‘Schools care deeply about sustainability and the future they are helping to create for young people. What this research shows is not a lack of commitment, but a lack of capacity,’ said Luke Pargeter, CEO of iAM Compliant. ‘Many sustainability leads are trying to deliver a complex agenda alongside a full-time role. They’re passionate about making a difference but often lack the time, training and support structures needed to turn ambition into action.
‘For schools and trusts looking to close that gap, they need practical support that reduces administration and helps sustainability leads focus on delivery rather than paperwork,’ he continued. ‘Online tools can provide research-backed training, guided action, and simplified evidence tracking. Allowing sustainability leads to build confidence, strengthen technical understanding, and manage the role more efficiently with greater clarity.’
You can read the full report here.
Image: Anthony Lim / Unsplash
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