I am delighted to introduce the latest edition of the Impact Assessment Outlook Journal - Volume 25 - focusing on a topic that’s close to my heart and, I believe, crucial to the future of our profession: recruitment and retention in impact assessment.
When I set up my own consultancy in 2017, I never imagined that finding and keeping great people would be one of the biggest challenges. Over the years, I’ve seen how essential it is to create supportive, engaging environments that help individuals thrive, and how tough that can be in a sector as demanding as ours.
This journal brings together a rich mix of voices from across the UK and internationally, colleagues who have generously shared their experiences, strategies and personal reflections. We cover everything from national skills initiatives and competency frameworks, to soft skills, apprenticeships, and professional development. Crucially, we’ve also included deeply personal pieces that explore the realities of balancing impact assessment work with fertility treatment, parenting, and mental health.
You’ll hear from, among others, Jeanette Gill on Ireland’s collaborative approach to EIA skills development; from Jemma Lonsdale on the value of communication and resilience; and from Josh Fothergill on structured pathways to support career growth. We also explore how mentoring, inclusion and purpose-driven work help to sustain long-term satisfaction in the field.
This volume is a snapshot of a profession at a crossroads. As the environmental and planning landscape shifts rapidly around us, we must invest in people - not just for their technical expertise, but for the values, perspectives and human skills they bring to the table.
I hope you find these articles as thought-provoking and inspiring as I have. Thank you to everyone who contributed, you’ve helped shine a light on what’s possible when we prioritise people.
Download your FREE copy here.
