Making the most of your ISEP membership

You’ve joined to invest in your professional future. You’ve worked hard, completed the application process, demonstrated your commitment and have become a member of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP).

But with competing priorities and limited time, how do you make sure you’re getting real value from your membership?

The answer isn’t about doing everything but prioritising the right things to support your development, expand your network and strengthen your impact. To achieve these outcomes your actions need to be consistent and intentional.

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Why is it important to be a member of a professional body?

Being part of a professional membership body like ISEP is more than a line on your CV. It’s a signal to employers, clients and peers, that you are serious about your profession and your development.

Your membership helps you to:

  1. Demonstrate your competence and commitment
  2. Align yourself with a trusted, values-driven organisation
  3. Connect with a global community of sustainability professionals
  4. Access high-quality, specialised continued professional development (CPD) and practical resources designed by experts in the field of sustainability 

As the global body for sustainability and environmental professionals ISEP sets the standard for knowledge, skills and practice. Our work is based on decades of impact as IEMA and membership connects you to that legacy while positioning you at the forefront of a rapidly evolving profession.

How are members using their professional membership?

Every individual member uses their membership in different ways. It depends on your career stage, goals and areas of interest. But a common thread is the value it brings to both professional development and day-to-day practice. 

Dr Gayathiri Gowri Shankar, Fellow member of ISEP and Assessor, joined as an Affiliate and progressed to Fellow over 10 years. Reflecting on their journey, they explain: “IEMA [now ISEP] was instrumental in my sustainability career journey right from the day I completed my Masters of Architecture (Sustainability). I am proud to have been part of ISEP since 2008, and of the meaningful network I’ve developed over the years that has enabled learning and the sharing of best practices/knowledge.”

Dr Shankar highlights the importance of ISEP’s resources and events, which enable members to “share our experience and knowledge and at the same time learn from others to implement in our roles/projects.” Publications such as Transform and specialist groups also play a key role, helping them “keep up to date with changes happening in the UK and elsewhere.”

Alexandra Vella, an ISEP Practitioner member, emphasises the breadth of the ISEP community and the practical value of staying connected:

“ISEP has a wide and diverse membership, united in their work with the environment. Frequent news updates are useful in highlighting changes in legislation, and the webinars are not only topical but feature some of the leading talent in the industry.”

Alexandra also highlights the variety of ways members can get involved, from informal networking to influencing change:

“There are so many opportunities to get involved, from local coffee mornings to lobbying government, and it really feels like a community. There is plenty of help and support available to assist in upgrading membership.”

24 simple actions you can take

      Quick engagement actions (0-10 minutes)

  1. Add your membership suffix and VerifyEd badge to your LinkedIn profile
  2. Download and use your ISEP email signature
  3. Tailor your email subscriptions to your interests
  4. Register for Navigate Environment Lite
  5. Sign up for job alerts with ISEP Jobs
  6. Join your local network LinkedIn group

Short learning and awareness actions (around 30 minutes)

  1. Read articles from the latest edition of TRANSFORM magazine
  2. Listen to the Sustainable Matters podcast
  3. Use the ISEP skills gap tool for a personalised CPD report
  4. Explore the latest UK Environmental Policy Digest
  5. Read a recent blog on a topic relevant to your role
  6. Log progress with your CPD

Focused development actions (around 60 minutes)

  1. Attend a webinar or networking event
  2. Watch a keynote or workshop from previous editions of the ISEP Connect conference
  3. Attend the monthly ISEP Connect session for updates and networking
  4. Read the latest State of the Profession report
  5. Discuss your personalised CPD plan from the ISEP skills gap tool with your manager
  6. Explore policy and practice guidance in the video library  

Deeper investment in your future

  1. Save the date for ISEP Connect 2026, happening on 14-15 October (registration opening in June)
  2. Consider upgrading your membership
  3. Volunteer with a global or policy network
  4. Take an ISEP training course
  5. Work towards Chartered status
  6. Join a specialist register aligned to your expertise

Make your membership work for you

Your ISEP membership is a powerful professional tool but it’s value depends on how you use it. Start small, stay consistent and focus on what matters most to your role and your goals. This will ensure that, over time, you develop strong skills, broader networks and greater confidence to deliver sustainability in practice.  


Published by:
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Lisa Pool, MCIM, AISEP

Head of Marketing

Lisa Pool is Head of Marketing at the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals, where she is responsible for marketing strategy, brand, and audience growth. Since joining in 2019, she has contributed to the organisation’s membership growth and the development of a more insight-led, audience-focused approach to marketing. Her work has included leading the organisation’s rebrand from IEMA to ISEP, engaging stakeholders across the profession to help define its future purpose and positioning. Lisa’s role focuses on aligning marketing activity with organisational priorities, and improving how the organisation communicates value to its members and reaches new audiences. She is part of the wider senior leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, performance and cross-organisational initiatives. Before joining ISEP, Lisa held roles in the charity and higher education sectors, including at Diabetes UK and the University of West London Students’ Union, where she worked on engagement, communications and organisational development. Continuing her professional development, Lisa is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and an Associate member of ISEP.