Environment & Sustainability Professionals' Conference
Wednesday 20th September -
Thursday 21st September 2023
Are you an existing
IEMA member?
You must be an IEMA member to attend IEMA Connect.
Agenda for Environment & Sustainability Professionals' Conference
9:00 - 9:45
From talk to action: empowering sustainability in a changing world
Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza is a chemical biologist, conservationist, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning artist. Of Peruvian-Andean and Amazonian descent, Rosa grew up learning about traditional medicine from her grandmother in their backyard’s "natural pharmacy". Inspired to dive deeper, she went onto discovering new antibiotics and green chemistry tools during her PhD. Today, Rosa travels to the most extreme environments in the planet from the Amazon Rainforest to Yellowstone’s acidic, boiling waters searching for the tiniest creatures, from microbes to stingless bees, to create big changes in the world.In our opening keynote session, Rosa will talk about her experiences and how we empower sustainability across all communities in a changing world.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Innovation and inspiration
Sarah Mukherjee MBE
CEO of IEMA
Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza
National Geographic Explorer, Founder and Executive Director of Amazon Research Int
10:00 - 10:45
Sustainable finance – policy and practice summary and look ahead to 2024
Join this session to learn about the work of IEMA’s Sustainable Finance Network and key sustainable finance policy and practice priorities for 2024. Recommended for members working in sustainable finance.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Regulation and legislation
Rufus Howard
Policy and Engagement Lead at IEMA
David Luck
Investment Banker with a specialism in sustainability
10:00 - 10:45
An introduction to Nature Markets
Nature Markets is all about getting finance into nature conservation, restoration, and gain. In this webinar we’ll be taking an overview of nature markets – what are they, how they work, what are the opportunities and the surrounding UK policy and legislation.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Practical implementation
Professor David Hill CBE
Owner and Founder, The Environment Bank
Dr Samuel Sinclair
Director, Biodiversify
10:00 - 10:45
From strategy to delivery - building the capability to embed sustainability
Transforming your workforce to have the capability, capacity and knowledge to support your Environmental, Sustainability and ESG strategies.
Audience
Affiliate, full and fellow members
Experts/decision makers/business leaders
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Theme Topics
Green skills and workforce development
David W. Smith
Environmental Specialist, Sellafield Ltd
David Dowson
Environmental Consulting Lead, Mitie Plan Zero
Mattie Yeta
Chief Sustainability Officer, CGI IT UK Ltd
10:00 - 10:45
Upgrade to become a Full member
This very popular session is invaluable for anyone thinking of upgrading to our Full member level. We will look at the defining characteristics of a Full member, your concerns about evidencing some of the Full member competencies, and any questions you may have about the application process, particularly the written paper and interview.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Advancing your career
Theme Topics
IEMA membership
Carol Brass
Full Member Assessor at IEMA
11:00 - 11:45
From mindset to impact: harnessing organisational culture for ESG change
A discussion on strategies to drive sustainable change by leveraging the power of organizational culture. Gain insights on ESG initiatives and learn how to cultivate a mindset that creates a positive impact.
Audience
Affiliate, full and fellow members
Experts/decision makers/business leaders
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Theme Topics
Governance, leadership and organisational culture
Simon Kelly
Co-founder, Stickerbook
Chris Esbester
Head of Environmental Sustainability, BAE Systems
Leigh Broadhurst
Environment and Sustainable Development Lead, SUEZ
Georgie B Paling
ESG Portfolio Strategist, CBRE
11:00 - 11:45
Developing your skills across all walks of life
This session looks at skills that you learn outside of your regular workplace, such as through extra-curricular activities, part-time jobs, volunteering, sports clubs etc., and how these can support your job search or application. Examples of such skills include communication with customers, dealing with money, organising a football team. The session will look at real-life examples and hear about how the skills were transferred to the workplace.
Audience
Associate and practitioner members
Early-mid career/career changers
Key Themes
Advancing your career
Theme Topics
Transferable skills and training
Josh Huggins
Founder, GS2
Pranjal Mathur
Climate risk & ESG analyst, KPMG UK
11:00 - 11:45
Implementing circular economy within asset management
Ian Tarplee & Carl Waring will provide a brief introduction to circular economic systems thinking. They will then build on this to illustrate the rapid evolution of circular economic thinking towards a future competitive horizon based upon regenerative products, where “value” is measured on societal, environmental and economic outcomes. They will illustrate how asset management can enable a circular economy and provide an overview of how this can be applied to support circularity across an industrial cluster.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Practical implementation
Ian Tarplee
Group Leader - Environment, Sustainability, Climate Advisory, Frazer-Nash
Carl Waring
Principal Consultant, Frazer-Nash Consulting
12:00 - 12:45
Lunch networking
Your chance to network online with peers and enthusiasts from around the work. Grab your lunch or a coffee, depending on where in the world you are, and join this session. You will have an opportunity to join different breakout rooms to meet with different networks or discuss different topics.
13:00 - 14:00
From incentives to action: how do we enable the entire workforce to make sustainable decisions?
Everyone in the workforce will need to take small actions if we are to transform industry. Organisations set up various sustainability challenges or schemes with varying success. To change hearts and minds, and ensure sustainable decisions become habit, incentives and communication will need to be creative, engaging and in line with our values.
In this session we will explore:
- The key people-related drivers that enable a workforce to make sustainable decisions
- How these drivers can be changed or improved to encourage participation in sustainability initiatives. Taking us from an incentives-based organisation (do this action and we’ll give you X) to an organisation where people want to act because they are empowered, educated and enabled.
- The role sustainability professionals can play in supporting this organisational development
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Sarah Mukherjee MBE
CEO of IEMA
Enrique Lindeberg
Organization Strategy & Sustainability, Senior Consultant, Korn Ferry
Sukhbir Sandhu
Director, Centre for Workplace Excellence, University of South Australia
Laila Takeh
Sustainability & Climate Director, Deloitte
14:00 - 14:45
Womens empowerment workshop
IEMA's 2022 State of the profession survey evidenced that 40% of women reported a lack of self-confidence as a barrier, compared to 19% of men − this was true even accounting for age. We therefore want to run a womens empowerment workshop to suppport our female IEMA members.
Key Themes
Advancing your career
Traci Lewis
Green Career Coach & Consultant, Catalyse Change CIC
Leanne Linacre
Co-founder and CEO, Lead5050
14:00 - 14:45
Sustainable urban planning and transportation solutions
This case study will explore sustainable urban planning and transportation solutions.
Throughout this session we will:
Find out about some of the urban design solutions Gillespies has implemented to support sustainable communities and appropriate transport solutions, tailored for different localities.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Innovation and inspiration
Sheena Bell
Associate Partner, Gillespies
14:00 - 14:45
Carbon accounting: updates and insights
Hear from IEMA’s experts in carbon accounting on the growing importance of carbon accounting, including changes to the guidance and use of frameworks.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Regulation and legislation
Richard Lupo
Managing Director, SHIFT Environment
15:00 - 15:45
Transforming governance for sustainable supply chains
This case study will explore the impact of governance on sustainable supply chains.
During this session we will:
- Discuss the necessary green skills and capabilities required to support sustainable supply chains. Explore the training and development programs that have been implemented to build these skills, including capacity-building initiatives for suppliers and employees.
- Examine the role of governance, leadership, and organisational culture in driving sustainability within supply chains. Present a case study of a company or industry sector that has implemented transformative governance practices, such as supplier codes of conduct, responsible sourcing policies, and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
- Highlight the sustainable business models that have emerged as a result of the transformed governance practices, such as circular supply chains, fair trade initiatives, and ethical sourcing models. Discuss the benefits and challenges associated with these models and their potential for scalability and replication.
Audience
Affiliate, full and fellow members
Experts/decision makers/business leaders
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Theme Topics
Governance, leadership and organisational culture
Heidi Barnard
Head of Sustainability, NHS Supply Chain
15:00 - 15:45
Impact assessment – policy and practice summary and look ahead to 2024
Join this session to learn about the work of IEMA’s Impact Assessment Network and key impact assessment policy and practice priorities for 2024. Recommend for members working in environmental assessment, planning and infrastructure.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Practical implementation
Rufus Howard
Policy and Engagement Lead at IEMA
Juliette Callaghan
Partner, Trium Environmental Consulting LLP
15:00 - 15:45
Upgrade to become a Practitioner member
This session will be hugely valuable for anyone thinking of upgrading to our Practitioner membership. Using practical examples and case studies where possible, we will work through the criteria and experiences that we are looking for in our Practitioner members. We will review the IEMA competency framework and how our Practitioner members can demonstrate their skill in all 13 key competencies. Additionally, we will take you through the upgrade journey so you will know what to expect as your application progresses, how the assessment process works and what support is available to you.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Advancing your career
Theme Topics
IEMA membership
Helen Woolston
Sustainability Assessor and Trainer, IEMA
15:00 - 15:30
IEMA’s Green Careers Hub: learnings & next steps
The second phase of IEMA’s Green Careers Hub launched on 15th June. This session will talk about what's currently on the site, and where we want to go next. It’s an opportunity to find out more about the Hub and ask any questions or provide any feedback you might have about the site.
Key Themes
Advancing your career
Theme Topics
Innovation and inspiration
Rebecca Turner
Careers Pathway Manager, IEMA
16:00 - 16:45
Making the case for a sustainable business model
We know sustainable business models are 'the right thing to do' but how do we convince others to turn talk and willing into strategic action? This session will look at how to influence decision-makers to adopt sustainable business models.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Theme Topics
Sustainable business models
Dr Shirley Gallagher, FIEMA
Managing Director, SysPro: Systems for Progress Limited
16:00 - 16:45
IEMA futures - career focus
This session will focus on career paths within the profession. You will hear from one more experienced speaker and one graduate/early-career member to give you an idea of career progression and how roles can develop from the entry level routes to management or beyond. Join this session to learn more about careers, ask questions, and network.
Audience
Associate and practitioner members
Early-mid career/career changers
Key Themes
Advancing your career
Theme Topics
Careers
Mark Hebblethwaite
Senior Acoustics and Vibration Consultant, Bureau Veritas
William Soper
Senior Sustainability Consultant at CGI and Sustainability TAG Member at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)
Simone Codrington
Sustainability Manager, Willmott Dixon
18:00 - 20:00
In-person and online regional networking
Join us in-person at various locations, including London, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff, and join us online for networking in India, Central Europe and more. Register for your session in the attendee hub.
8:00 - 9:00
What should international action on green skills look like?
In the build-up to COP28, which this year takes place in the United Arab Emirates, IEMA is campaigning for greater recognition of the role of skills in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process.
This panel session will explore the importance of enhanced skills provision for delivering the agreements reached at COP28 and subsequent negotiations, including the panellist’s thoughts on the practical steps that should be taken to increase the availability of green skills both in the UK and internationally.
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Theme Topics
Green skills and workforce development
Ben Goodwin
Director of Policy and Public Affairs, IEMA
Thomas Kankam Adjei
National Project Coordinator, UNEP NDC Action project
Signe Norberg
Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Aldersgate Group
Ewurasi Nnadozie
Head of International, Climate Education and Green Skills, Department for Education
Phil Cumming
Head of Product Sustainability, The Warehouse Group
Hae Kyeung Chun
Technical Officer, Skills and Employability Branch, Employment Policy Department of the International Labour Organization (ILO)
9:00 - 9:45
The language of sustainability reporting: what is it and how can we use it to empower others?
In this session we would like to explore:
- The language of reporting – explaining acronyms and meanings
- How you can communicate this language to non-sustainability professionals
- How you can engage others in sustainability reporting
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Practical implementation
Sandra Schoonhoven
CoE Lead ESG Standardization & Integration, ING
10:00 - 10:45
A new member benefit: using navigate-environment, by Croner-i, to be confident with your compliance
Explore the benefits available to IEMA members from IEMA's partnership with Croner-i.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Regulation and legislation
Zoe Barett
Senior Product Specialist, Croner-i
10:00 - 11:00
Transform: From eco-anxiety to eco-action
Join our session where we explore what eco-anxiety looks like and how you can support people in your organisation to change eco-anxiety into eco-action.
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Practical implementation
Caroline Hickman
Psychotherapist and lecturer at the University of Bath
Claire Osborne
Sustainability Career Coach
Kat Hamilton
Director of Partnerships & Programmes at Force of Nature
10:00 - 10:45
Upgrade to become a Practitioner member
This session will be hugely valuable for anyone thinking of upgrading to our Practitioner level. Using practical examples and case studies where possible, we will work through the criteria and experiences that we are looking for in our Practitioner members. We will review the IEMA competency framework and how our Practitioner members can demonstrate their skill in all 13 key competencies. Additionally, we will take you through the upgrade journey so you will know what to expect as your application progresses, how the assessment process works and what support is available to you.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Associate and practitioner members
Early-mid career/career changers
Key Themes
Advancing your career
Theme Topics
IEMA membership
Helen Woolston
Sustainability Assessor and Trainer, IEMA
11:00 - 11:45
Carbon accounting: practical case studies
Experts in carbon accounting provide insight into their case studies and how they’re using the greenhouse gas protocol standards to track and reduce emissions.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Practical implementation
Sara Halliday
Sustainability and ESG Manager, ASD Limited
Dr Mairi Dorward
Environmental Specialist at Xodus
Natalie Bird
Principal Asset Sustainability Advisor, National Highways
11:00 - 11:45
Embedding sustainability in organisational culture and leadership
In this session we will:
- Highlight the role of green skills and workforce development in fostering a sustainability-oriented culture. Showcase the training programs, mentorship initiatives, and knowledge-sharing platforms that have been implemented to develop and retain sustainability-focused talent.
- Present a case study of a company that has successfully embedded sustainability within its organizational culture and leadership practices. Discuss the governance mechanisms, leadership strategies, and communication channels used to drive sustainability at all levels of the organization.
- Explore the sustainable business models that have been developed as a result of the embedded sustainability culture, such as shared value approaches, stakeholder engagement models, and impact-driven strategies. Discuss the positive outcomes achieved and the lessons learned from the case study.
Audience
Affiliate, full and fellow members
Experts/decision makers/business leaders
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Theme Topics
Governance, leadership and organisational culture
Alison Butler
Sustainability Manager, BBC
11:00 - 11:45
Driving transformation: how sustainability professionals can embed green skills in industries
It's been widely highlighted that a green workforce transformation needs to take place to achieve targets for a sustainable work. In this session we will look at how sustainability professionals can use their skills and expertise to embed green skills in their organisation and across industries.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Theme Topics
Green skills and workforce development
Martin Baxter
Deputy CEO, IEMA
12:00 - 12:45
Lunch networking
Your chance to network online with peers and enthusiasts from around the work. Grab your lunch or a coffee, depending on where in the world you are, and join this session. You will have an opportunity to join different breakout rooms to meet with different networks or discuss different topics.
13:00 - 13:45
From theory to action: making sustainability a reality in healthcare
Discover practical strategies and innovative solutions to implement sustainability practices in healthcare settings. Learn from experts as they share the steps they are taking towards a greener and healthier future.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Practical implementation
Colin Waller
Deputy Environmental Manager, NHS Blood and Transplant
Warren Percival
Director, RSK Group
Melanie Rowland
Deputy Associate Director for Allied Health Professions, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation
Lynn Walker MIEMA, CEnv
Head of Sustainability, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Addie MacGregor
Sustainability Executive, ABHI
13:00 - 13:45
Exploring the economic benefits of a circular economy
Hear from the latest research and developments into circular renewable technology and infrastructure.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Affiliate, full and fellow members
Experts/decision makers/business leaders
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Theme Topics
Sustainable business models
Tom Andrews
Technology Project Lead, NCC
James Barry
Chief Executive, Renewable Parts
Nicki Small
Head of Onshore Environment, SSE
Paul Cantwell
Head of Net Zero Programs, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS)
13:00 - 13:45
Navigating a successful sustainability or green career path
In this session we will:
- Explore the role of IEMA membership or other relevant professional sustainability organizations in supporting the individual's career progression. Discuss the resources, certifications, and networking opportunities provided by these memberships and how they have contributed to the individual's career advancement.
- Showcase the key transferable skills and training programs that the individual has acquired along their career journey, emphasizing how these skills have been applied and valued in different sustainability roles and contexts.
- Present a case study of an individual who has built a successful sustainability or green career. Discuss the specific career path taken, highlighting the roles and responsibilities held within different organisations or sectors.
Audience
Associate and practitioner members
Early-mid career/career changers
Key Themes
Advancing your career
Theme Topics
Innovation and inspiration
Richard Carter
Chair
14:00 - 14:45
IEMA policy asks
As we approach party conference season, IEMA is putting together a core set of 'policy asks' for UK government and opposition politicians. Join this session to learn more and share your perspective.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Affiliate, full and fellow members
Experts/decision makers/business leaders
Key Themes
Turning policy into action
Theme Topics
Regulation and legislation
Ben Goodwin
Director of Policy and Public Affairs, IEMA
14:00 - 14:45
Carbon accounting IEMA training taster session
Gain leading insights into IEMA’s Carbon accounting course, delivered by an IEMA approved tutor, you’ll be able to gauge if this is the right course for you or your colleagues whilst gaining some value snippets of info in this field.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Theme Topics
Green skills and workforce development
Nigel Leehane
Director, Leehane Environmental Consulting
14:00 - 14:45
IEMAs Diverse Sustainability Initiative (DSI) Introduction & how you can get involved
An introduction into the DSI, the work we are doing to diversify the profession and how you can get involved as an individual or organisation.
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Theme Topics
Governance, leadership and organisational culture
Caris Graham
Diverse Sustainability Initiative Officer
14:00 - 14:45
Gaining transferable skills and training for sustainable career development
In this session we will:
- Discuss the role of IEMA membership or other professional sustainability organisations in supporting the individual's career development. Showcase how the individual has utilised these memberships to access training programs, network with industry professionals, and stay up-to-date with the latest sustainability trends and practices.
- Present a case study of an individual who has developed and leveraged transferable skills and training to advance their career in sustainability. Discuss the specific skills acquired, such as project management, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and communication, and how they have been applied in different sustainability roles and contexts.
- Explore the diverse range of sustainability or green careers that the individual has pursued, highlighting the skills and training that were instrumental in securing these roles. Discuss the sectors or industries in which the individual has made an impact, such as renewable energy, sustainable supply chain management, or climate change adaptation.
Audience
Associate and practitioner members
Early-mid career/career changers
Key Themes
Advancing your career
Theme Topics
Transferable skills and training
Amelia Woodley
ESG Director, Speedy Services
15:00 - 15:45
The tools transforming business and supporting the delivery of the global biodiversity framework
In May, we saw the launch of the Science Based Targets for Nature, the Task Force on Nature Related Financial Disclosure launches in September, and the World Council for Business Development are releasing sector-based roadmaps for nature positive. These and other frameworks provide essential tools to support the journey of businesses to understand their biodiversity and nature impacts and dependencies. In this webinar we will take a high level look at the tools available to professionals responsible for environment and sustainability within their organisation – what they are, what they do, and how they might help. Speakers will be practicing professionals who will share their knowledge.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Affiliate, full and fellow members
Experts/decision makers/business leaders
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Theme Topics
Innovation and inspiration
Ryan Twyford
Consultant at Little Blue Research
Faye Durkin
Head of Ecology and Natural Capital (North) at Greengage
Chris Moss
Senior Green Infrastructure Consultant, Greengage
15:00 - 15:45
From local heroes to global impact: SMEs' role in driving sustainable supply chains
We will explore how small and medium enterprises can create a positive global impact. Discover key strategies and success stories.
Audience
Affiliate, full and fellow members
Experts/decision makers/business leaders
Key Themes
Transforming industry
Theme Topics
Sustainable business models
Martin Baxter
Deputy CEO, IEMA
Paul Banton
Managing Director, Ruddocks
Astrid Wynne
Head of Sustainability, Techbuyer
Fiona Henderson
Managing Director, Affric
15:00 - 15:45
Upgrade to become a Full member
This very popular session is invaluable for anyone thinking of upgrading to our Full member level. We will look at the defining characteristics of a Full member, your concerns about evidencing some of the Full member competencies, and any questions you may have about the application process, particularly the written paper and interview.
Audience
Practitioner members
Doers/delivery
Key Themes
Advancing your career
Theme Topics
IEMA membership
Carol Brass
Full Member Assessor at IEMA
15:00 - 15:45
Leveraging IEMA membership for career growth in sustainability
We will showcase the various career pathways available within the sustainability or green sector that IEMA members have pursued or transitioned into, such as sustainability consultancy, corporate sustainability management, or environmental policy. We will hear the key steps taken, lessons learned, and how IEMA membership has supported them throughout their career journey.
Audience
Associate and practitioner members
Early-mid career/career changers
Key Themes
Advancing your career
Theme Topics
IEMA membership
William Richardson
CEO and Founder, Green Element Group
Poppy Cunningham
Sustainability Advisor, ISG
16:00 - 17:00
What does the future look like at IEMA?
In this closing panel we will discuss key findings from IEMA Connect 2023, and what's on the horizon for IEMA and the organisation's future purpose.
IEMA member will also get a chance to ask questions to IEMA's senior leadership team.
Sarah Mukherjee MBE
CEO of IEMA
Louise Nicholls
Non-Executive Director
Sue Buxey
Director of Operations and Professional Standards, IEMA
Toby Shaw
Executive Director - Commercial Marketing and Strategy
Ben Goodwin
Director of Policy and Public Affairs, IEMA
Brand sponsor
RRC International
Helping you make work safer and more sustainable
Content stream sponsor: Turning policy into action
Astutis
Content stream sponsor: Transforming industry
SLR Consulting
