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Alison Atherton

Program Lead - Business, Economy And Governance

Institute for Sustainable Futures

BIO

Alison Atherton is Program Lead for the Business, Economy, and Governance Program at the Institute for Sustainable Futures and has two decades of experience in sustainability research and consultancy. Her expertise spans corporate sustainability, responsible investment and sustainable finance. She has directed and managed numerous large-scale projects for government, non-profit, and private sector clients.


Alison's research focuses on sustainable finance and corporate sustainability. Her recent work includes assessing corporate sustainability performance for responsible investors, designing learning modules on sustainable finance, and advising on climate-related financial disclosures. Alison's leadership in sustainability is evident through her extensive project portfolio, publications, and active participation in industry conferences and advisory groups.


Alison has a background in social sciences, audit and accountancy. Previous roles included corporate sustainability advisory and assurance at KPMG, corporate sustainability consultancy at a leading UK leading sustainable development organisation, Forum for the Future, and administration of a private environmental fund.

UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY APPOINTMENTS

  • Research Director
    University of Technology Sydney, Institute for Sustainable Futures, Sydney, Australia2020 - present
  • Research Principal
    University of Technology Sydney, Institute for Sustainable Futures, Sydney, Australia2009 - 2020
  • Senior Research Consultant
    University of Technology Sydney, Institute for Sustainable Futures, Sydney, Australia2006 - 2009
  • Program Lead: Business, Economy and Governance Program
    University of Technology Sydney, Institute for Sustainable Futures, Australia22 Apr 2022 - present

NON-ACADEMIC POSITIONS

  • Environmental Officer
    Purves Environmental Fund, Sydney, Australia2005 - 2010
  • Senior Advisor
    KPMG (Australia), Sustainability Services, Sydney, Australia2005 - 2006
  • Senior Sustainability Advisor
    Forum for the Future, London, United Kingdom2004 - 2004
  • International Auditor
    ActionAid, London, United Kingdom2002 - 2004
  • Senior Internal Auditor
    British Council, London, United Kingdom2000 - 2002
  • Executive
    PricewaterhouseCoopers (United Kingdom), Public Services Assurance and Business Advisory Services, London, United Kingdom1997 - 2000

DEGREES

  • BA, Social and Political Sciences
    University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom1992 - 1995

CERTIFICATIONS

  • ACA
    Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, London, United Kingdom1999 - 2005

UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

  • 13 Climate Action
  • 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
  • 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

PROFILE TYPE

  • Academic

DISCIPLINES