Alison AthertonProfile page
Program Lead - Business, Economy And Governance
Institute for Sustainable Futures
- Program Lead - Business, Economy And GovernanceInstitute 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 DirectorUniversity of Technology Sydney, Institute for Sustainable Futures, Sydney, Australia2020 - present
- Research PrincipalUniversity of Technology Sydney, Institute for Sustainable Futures, Sydney, Australia2009 - 2020
- Senior Research ConsultantUniversity of Technology Sydney, Institute for Sustainable Futures, Sydney, Australia2006 - 2009
- Program Lead: Business, Economy and Governance ProgramUniversity of Technology Sydney, Institute for Sustainable Futures, Australia22 Apr 2022 - present
UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY ORGANISATIONAL UNITS MEMBERSHIP
NON-ACADEMIC POSITIONS
- Environmental OfficerPurves Environmental Fund, Sydney, Australia2005 - 2010
- Senior AdvisorKPMG (Australia), Sustainability Services, Sydney, Australia2005 - 2006
- Senior Sustainability AdvisorForum for the Future, London, United Kingdom2004 - 2004
- International AuditorActionAid, London, United Kingdom2002 - 2004
- Senior Internal AuditorBritish Council, London, United Kingdom2000 - 2002
- ExecutivePricewaterhouseCoopers (United Kingdom), Public Services Assurance and Business Advisory Services, London, United Kingdom1997 - 2000
DEGREES
- BA, Social and Political SciencesUniversity of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom1992 - 1995
CERTIFICATIONS
- ACAInstitute 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