IEMA Fellows’ impact gaining momentum

31/05/2024

Eleanor Morris outlines the plans and activities for IEMA’s leading membership grade IEMA’s very top tier of sustainability professionals are Fellows – a group of world-leading experts from a range of backgrounds and sectors. Drawing on their vast knowledge of sustainability, these individuals are able to offer innovative solutions to the environmental, climate and sustainability crises we face, and have a vital role in guiding the next generation of talent. To accelerate their impact, IEMA established a Fellows Network Steering Group in March, which is now working hard to develop a ‘Fellows Pathway to 2030’, outlining their vision and ambitions for the profession. “The impact of IEMA’s Fellows is gaining momentum, with members seeking to pioneer work on ambitious areas of thought leadership and establishing a clear voice of authority,” says Diana Lock, the group’s vice-chair. “Fellows are keen to extend their reach to attract a new diverse membership.” A network of networks The Fellows represent a network of networks; collaborators-at-large with the skills and expertise to maximise IEMA’s professional impact. Following a survey last year, members have signalled a desire to mentor, volunteer, provide testimonials and act as assessors, and will also work to boost connectivity and raise awareness of Fellows across the membership. They will also continue to support and nurture IEMA members through their membership mentoring commitments, as well as guiding and informing professional standards, among many other activities. “I joined the IEMA Fellows so that I could help and encourage new sustainability professionals to reach their full potential,” Lock continues. “Over the years I’ve had some great mentors, and feel that being a Fellow gives me a chance to give something back to the profession.” “We recognise the need to work at pace to support our experts” The path ahead In February, IEMA held a panel session with its Fellows (www.bit.ly/storytelling_power) that showcased the breadth and depth of their experience, and the new steering group will share its Fellows Pathway to 2030 widely in the autumn. IEMA will also be hosting a Fellows-only event in central London in early July, while various sessions with the Institute’s leading thinkers will also be taking place during the IEMA Connect 2024 conference in October. We recognise the need to work at pace to support our experts and to nourish knowledge and learning across all membership levels, and encourage you to reach out to colleagues with the FIEMA suffix should you seek support and guidance. If the past six months are anything to go by, our more than 300 Fellows will continue to be a force to be reckoned with, pioneering approaches and sharing their knowledge across membership. For those that are keen to join this esteemed group of thought leaders, sign up to our ‘How to become a Fellow’ workshops in July, or contact me at [email protected].