New advice aims to make NTS reports more engaging

In June, IEMA published updated guidance on writing effective non-technical summaries (NTS) for environmental impact assessments.

Effective Non-Technical Summaries for Environmental Impact Assessment builds on IEMA guidance issued in 2012 on the same topic. In the intervening decade, large strides have been made in the use of technology and digital approaches to impact assessment, but these have not always filtered through to practice in the production of NTS. In fact, many of the issues raised in 2012, concerning failures to really focus on the quality and accessibility of NTS, have not always been heeded.

The new guidance will help NTS writers meet legal requirements and improve the quality, accessibility and functionality of their NTS. These improvements will make an important contribution to improving access to environmental assessment reporting for the wider public.

The guidance is timely, given IEMA’s recent responses to government consultations on the future of the environmental assessment regime in England and Northern Ireland. IEMA has called for expanded and improved provisions that provide access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters.

IEMA is hopeful that this new guidance will give practitioners the clarity, confidence and impetus to create high-quality and engaging NTS reports.

Visit www.yourmember.info/NTS-for-EIA for the full guidance