What is ISEP/IEMA? | Everything You Need to Know

If you’re new to the health, safety and environmental sector, you will likely come across ISEP, formerly known as IEMA, quite quickly. They are a globally recognised professional body that has made it their mission to address the growing need for environmental professionals and stricter international policy. As a professional, it is imperative you understand who they are and what they do.

What Does ISEP Stand For?

ISEP stands for, the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals and it was formerly known as IEMA, the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. ISEP is a global professional body of over 20,000 individuals and 300 organisations working and studying the environment and sustainability.

ISEP, formerly known as IEMA, rebranded. Learn more about the rebrand here.

What Is the Purpose of ISEP?

Their primary mission is to provide resources, tools, research, exclusive career events, and internationally recognised environmental and sustainability qualifications to meet the real-world needs of its members as they enter the environmental management sector and progress.

Other areas they work towards as an organisation are influencing policy and regulation changes at national and international levels to advocate for more beneficial policies and practices that support sustainable development.

What are ISEP Courses?

The courses ISEP provides are internationally recognised, particularly in sectors and industries where environmental management and sustainability are priorities, like construction, energy and manufacturing. In fact, in these industries, ISEP qualifications are often required or highly valued.

ISEP provides a syllabus and exams for training providers like Astutis, and depending on your individual and organisational goals, there will be a course to help you get there.

Who Can Take an ISEP Course?

The short answer? Anyone can take an ISEP course. They have developed different environmental courses ideal for specific career stages and roles.

There are courses for those passionate about environmental and sustainability issues and who want to develop a long-term career within the environmental sector as consultants, auditors, etc. Individuals in this camp will be looking for courses such as:

• ISEP Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management, formerly IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management – A solid and natural next step follow-up after completing the IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management to become more specialised.
• ISEP Pathways to Net Zero, formerly IEMA Pathways to Net Zero – A deep dive into the world of Net Zero and best practices for organisations to reduce their carbon emissions by implementing practical methods and strategies.
• ISEP Diploma in Sustainable Business Practice, formerly IEMA Diploma in Sustainable Business Practice – For those who want to supercharge their career growth in the environmental sector and become a foremost expert.

However, ISEP has also created courses for those who want to become more environmentally aware in their current roles, such as:

• ISEP Sustainability Skills for the Workforce, formerly IEMA Sustainability Skills for the Workforce – A universal environmental course that has broad applications. The perfect course for organisations that want to build a better culture surrounding environmental topics and issues to implement environmental management systems more effectively.
• ISEP Environmental Sustainability Skills for Managers, formerly IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills for Managers – Similar to the Workforce version of the course but from the perspective of managers and supervisors. It applies to any industry and helps build an understanding of the strategic and operational implications environmental sustainability has on their team and department.

Courses such as this will help to build a better understanding of how a role can impact the environment with practical steps to becoming more sustainable no matter your position on the organisational chart.

Important Note: In order to pass and give yourself to best chance to succeed in higher-level courses, you will need a deep understanding of environmental topics, more experience and other lower-level qualifications before enrolling.

Differences Between ISEP/ IEMA and NEBOSH Environmental Courses

The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) also offers environmental courses for those looking to broaden their knowledge of environmental and sustainability subjects. There are many differences to consider when choosing between the two providers for your environmental training and consultancy needs.

In addition to developing courses to advance people within the industry, ISEP also creates sustainability standards and partnerships to help transform businesses and make them future-proof. Its more in-depth specialised courses are suitable for those passionate about environmental and sustainability issues. But as we’ve mentioned, they offer more generalised courses as well.

NEBOSH is the leading examining body for the UK health and safety industry. Their courses are designed to teach the skills and knowledge to manage health, safety, and environmental issues in all places of work, so their environmental courses are more for learners who want to understand and add environmental management into a quiver of general HSE skills.

What is an ISEP/ IEMA Membership?

An ISEP membership refers to a professional's affiliation with ISEP and there are different tiers, each with its own set of benefits and perks.

• Student – For those studying relevant fields.
• Affiliate  – Open to anyone with an interest in environmental management and sustainability.
• Associate (AISEP) – For professionals who have completed relevant qualifications or have experience in the field.
• Practitioner (PISEP) – One of the most common memberships, the Practitioner tier is available to those with significant experience and expertise in environmental management.
• Full Membership (MISEP) – For seasoned professionals with extensive experience.
• Fellowship (FISEP) – The highest level of membership, recognising exceptional contributions to the field.

The memberships are more specifically for professionals working in fields related to environmental management and sustainability.

Is ISEP Membership Worth It?

Whether ISEP/ IEMA membership is worth it is dependent on your specific circumstances. An official ISEP member has access to various communications, networks and publications. They’re also eligible to attend career events, and student members will have opportunities for student placements.

Where Can You Take ISEP Courses?

To take an ISEP course, you’ll need to find a training provider, such as Astutis. We have a whole host of ISEP courses available on our website for those looking to upskill in the fields of environmental management and sustainability. Each course is available in a variety of different modalities that are flexible to your needs, including:

• Online
• Virtual
• Classroom
• On-Site

To find out more about which course is right for you, we recommend you take a look at our ISEP course catalogue below, or you can contact us via email (enquiries@astutis.com) or phone (+44 (0) 345 241 3685).