Here’s how our vetting process works, what shortlisting means, and how you can improve your chances of getting fully accepted onto the platform.
What is Leafr's selection process?
We are selective: that means that everyone who applies to Leafr will be vetted. We do this in several different ways with our proprietary vetting system:
You apply to us with a written application, including suitable case studies. You then join our Waitlist, where Applicants are assessed against our project demand data, and references are checked.
We perform a background check: we check that the candidate passes the minimum threshold to be considered: evidence of relevant or adjacent sustainability experience, publications, credentials, testimonials provided.
AI Assessments: We assess and rank candidates using AI, but we only use the technology as decision input: the AI is never to one making a decision.
Interviews: we interview candidates using our proprietary sustainability vetting framework - based on what they have told us during their application. This framework has a series of questions across all sub-areas of sustainability and sustainability (agriculture, carbon removal, ESG etc.). Candidates need to hit a series of proof points in their answers in order to be accepted. We also interview for behavioural and competency based factors as normal.
We often shortlist consultants after having checked their applications. This means their profile has met the initial quality standards required for project consideration.
Once you have passed all stages, we will accept you to Leafr. You'll then need to sign your consultant agreement and create your profile.
Finally, we constantly assess Leafr specialists’ performance in applications and projects while you are on the platform.
What are the stages?
First: You will be placed on a Waitlist
Once you apply, your profile enters our review queue. Because we receive more applications than we can process at once, you will be placed on a waitlist.
This allows us to vet candidates in line with current project demand.
If you’re on the waitlist, you don’t need to take any action immediately. We'll contact you once your profile reaches the next stage.
What does it mean to be Shortlisted?
If you are shortlisted, it means your profile has met the initial quality standards required for project consideration. You’ll now be eligible to:
Receive curated projects by email
Apply to selected roles on the platform
Proceed to further vetting stages if invited to an interview by a client
However, being shortlisted does not mean you’ve been accepted onto the full Leafr consultant network yet. Fewer than 25 percent of shortlisted applicants are accepted in the end.
How do I get accepted?
To become fully accepted, one of the following must happen:
You are selected for a project by a client and successfully complete a trial project
You complete a vetting interview with a Leafr team member, usually after a project interview with a client.
If your trial project goes well, you’ll be accepted into the full Leafr consultant network and gain access to the broader pool of sustainability projects.
What happens if I get rejected?
You won't be able to see or apply to projects.
Due to the large number of applications we receive we are unable to give individual feedback, but we take into account a range of factors including levels of client demand for particular skillsets.
Removing Consultants
Leafr reserves the right to remove or reject any user at its discretion. This may include, but is not limited to:
Poor performance on projects or during interviews
Substandard client communication
Repeated low-quality applications
Profile misrepresentation or dishonesty during onboarding
Attempting to work with clients outside of Leafr (this breaches our terms)
We continuously review all consultant profiles, including those who have been shortlisted but not yet accepted. Shortlisting is not a guarantee of future access to the platform.
Final note
If you are successful, Leafr will handle contracts, invoicing, and client communication support. However, once on a project, you are responsible for delivery. Leafr does not supervise your work and does not manage your methods. The agreement and quality of service are between you and the client.
If you have questions or want to check on your status, reach out at [email protected].