The IES accredited MSc in Environmental Consultancy at the University of the West of England (UWE) are looking to expand their Environmental Consultancy Steering Committee. The Committee comprises a range of environmental consultants and aims to inform the development of the programme, ensuring that the skills and knowledge students gain sufficiently equip them for a career in environmental consultancy.

To keep the course up to date with the emerging industry requirements and provide students with the best training before graduation, the Steering Committee meets twice a year in Bristol to discuss the content and structure of the course. In November, the committee meeting is linked with an opportunity to meet new students at a ‘mingle’ over lunch. If an interested member’s organisation is able to host placements, this session is a good opportunity to identify potential candidates as students are required to undertake a placement in the second semester. Many of the students go on to find full-time employment with their host organisation so providing a placement can prove to be an effective ‘extended interview’ for a potential new employee, as well as a chance to make use of a willing and able extra pair of hands. Some IES Committee Members, including Vice President Prof. William Pope, are actively involved as part of the teaching team, providing them with an opportunity to share their expertise with the next generation of environmental consultants.

UWE are seeking new members from the IES to join the Environmental Consultancy Steering Committee and help shape the future generation of environmental consultants, particularly in gaining expertise from the field of contaminated land. To find out more, please contact Dr Jo Barnes, programme leader for the course, at jo.barnes@uwe.ac.uk