The Natural Step :: Transition FAQ

What is the process to become a member?

It will take some time to build the membership but there are already mechanisms for engagement. We already have networks in the USA and Canada, for example, and training is made available wherever there is sufficient demand. 

As this is a network united around a shared language for sustainability, the first step is to learn about the Framework. If you are already familiar with the Framework, you may skip to a higher level course or enter directly into the learning community. For those seeking accreditation, the pathway is via the Academy courses, followed by a screening process and a mentorship period. For organisations, we encourage you to begin applying the Framework and then stay connected as an organisational member.   

How can I learn about The Framework?

There are many ways for you to learn about the Framework and how to apply it. Your options include: 

• Take our eLearning course available in English, French, Italian and Swedish. 
• Attend Level 1 and 2 practitioner courses from The Natural Step Academy
• Engage experienced advisors from our Global Advisory Services teams to run in-house training for your network or organisation. 
• Look at case studies, social media, videos, read academic papers
• Undertake academic studies where the Framework is applied

I am already a member of a regional TNS network, so how will this affect me?

Local membership is also global, so this gives the possibility to contribute to and benefit from something larger while still having the same services locally. Our aim is to strengthen and facilitate cross-pollination between both the formal and informal networks we have today, while respecting diversity and recognising that the services and focus of each local network may differ. 

The Natural Step is not present in my area, so how can I get involved? 

We are aiming to leverage online media as much as possible via a new online platform. We recognise there is no substitute for meeting face to face so wherever possible we are partnering with interested individuals and organisations to convene TNS training, invite people to become members and self-organise into local networks. As critical momentum builds, members may wish to take on the role of convening a local network focal point to officially expand the network. Focal points may be new TNS offices or Affiliate Organisations with whom we have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding. 

I cannot afford the cost of getting trained, so what should I do?

We do our best to provide affordable training and there are diverse ways of learning about our methods. However we do recognize that cost can still be a barrier. Please let us know your concerns as sometimes this enables us to jointly identify sponsors or help us demonstrate there is demand when we apply for funding. We can also recommend different options such as have training provided by advisors as participating in a mentorship process with reduced cost.  Our train the trainer accreditation process is also intended to be replicated via Associates and Affiliates, so if you find the means to get trained yourself, then we equip you to help us train others in new places or where there is extra demand. This can be a way to overcome cost barriers in the longer term and provide you with a source of income.  

What is the timeline for creating the new network?

Networks are built one node at a time so we are encouraging interested stakeholders to get involved as soon as possible, and to contribute in whatever way they can. A number of organisations are already progressing through training to take on roles in the network and we are formalizing other relationships. 

Key Milestones

• Stakeholder feedback and comments: by 31 December 2010
• Appointment of network CEO: by Summer 2011
• First Network meeting: hopefully Summer 2011

How will the network be governed and who is leading and deciding on this process?  

While the form of the network is being researched and established, we have an interim decision-making structure as follows: 

• The Council of The Natural Step International, made up of current TNS member offices, vote on key issues. 
• A Governance Committee appointed by the Council decides on executive matters
• The Governance Committee has appointed an Interim CEO to deliver the transition on behalf of the council.

How will the network functions be run? 

The Natural Step International, recognising the need for a new network secretariat, has agreed to facilitate some core activities across research, training, advisory services, member services, communications, fundraising and governance. To facilitate a distributed model, TNS offices that meet certain requirements will take on some of these coordinating roles on behalf of the secretariat.  Affiliate organisations may be involved in running of key functions.

Will the network provide quality control for people who use the Framework? 

Yes and no. We provide certificates of completion for TNS Academy training courses.  We do not guarantee people are skilled to apply the Framework, though that is our aim and we hope to see stronger accreditation processes in due course. We will require quality control for Associates and TNS branded activities (Navigators) to ensure we uphold training and advisory standards, the integrity of the Framework, and promote best practice. 

Experience tells us that it takes a lot of practice to become good at ‘playing the sustainability game’ so our aim with the learning community is to support and empower people to practice and grow, rather than discourage people from trying or criticizing if they make mistakes. Being a member is one way to show you are connected to a world-class network promoting continual improvement using the Framework, so in some senses, that may provide a measure of quality. 

Can I get my academic qualifications recognized?

Academic qualifications stand for themselves and are the responsibility of the institutions offering them. However, as an increasing number of practitioners are learning about the Framework via academic studies our aim is to connect them all and ensure consistency and access to the latest information about the Framework. We actively encourage the integration of the Framework into academic curricula and have co-developed a flagship international master’s programme in Strategic Leadership toward Sustainability¸ together with Blekinge Institute of Technology. We intend to have such programmes officially recognised and connected in the network through partnerships. In this way, graduates from those programmes may have their qualifications acknowledged in the network. 

Is the Framework in the public domain?

Yes, this network unites around its development, application, open dissemination and promotion in order to accelerate change toward sustainability. This has been The Natural Step’s mission from the beginning, so we are not proposing anything different other than a clearer, more inclusive and participatory structure that recognizes we have many more friends, supporters and allies than we did 20 years ago. This also acknowledges that while the method we promote is best known as ‘The Natural Step Framework’ it has been developed and published in an open peer-review process as a ‘Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development’. In the past we have been concerned about protecting its integrity but we believe it is sufficiently well-established now and the network itself will collectively uphold it. 

Why are you providing accreditation to some practitioners?

You don’t need accreditation to apply or use the Framework. However, to represent The Natural Step and use the brand you need our approval. For many this is a mark of quality, so it is important that we uphold it. Contrary to the Framework itself, The Natural Step’s brand and intellectual property developed over many years are protected. Since it’s in our mission to promote sustainability, most things we produce are shared under creative commons license. However, some resources such as learning designs, new tools, advisory practices and facilitator resources are reserved, shared and developed with the most experienced advisors to ensure we maintain the integrity of what we do and can continue to offer high class services. Those who meet the standards and requirements set by The Natural Step have the option to become accredited Associates. Our aim with Associates is to expand our capacity to deliver on our mission. As such, there are certain requirements on Associates.

What is your policy on using the TNS logo and brand?

Permission to use the logo and brand is given to Associates, Affiliate Organisations and key partners in order to acknowledge our relationship (i.e. Navigators). Pathfinder Members may wish to indicate that they are a ‘member of The Natural Step Sustainability Network’. To avoid misunderstanding we encourage people to be transparent in their relationship with us. We may revisit the use of branding as the network develops.