2024 Award Winner’s Spotlight: Medium Consultancy of the Year

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JBA Consulting

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JBA Consulting is a multi-disciplinary consultancy with 46 ecologists/environmental managers across the UK and Ireland, working on diverse projects including habitat creation/enhancement design, river restoration, flood risk management scheme appraisal and implementation, designated site assessment, Biodiversity Net Gain assessment, Ecological Impact Assessment, and protected species and habitat surveys. They focus on wetland and riverine environments and the ecology team regularly inputs to multi-disciplinary projects, working with colleagues in engineering, geomorphology, heritage and landscape teams, amongst others, to deliver projects that benefit biodiversity through promotion of natural system functioning and nature-based solutions, whilst also delivering wider benefits such as flood risk reduction, amenity value and landscape improvement. Notable projects include the Bollin Catchment Restoration and NVC survey of coastal vegetated shingle in Wales.

Knowledge-sharing is integral to their ethos, with staff encouraged to teach, deliver training courses, and present at conferences. The ecology team has links with numerous academic institutions which they use to share knowledge by conducting lectures and supporting research projects. Currently JBA ecologists teach an MSc module on the Sustainable Floodplain Management and Restoration course at Lancaster University. They also deliver training courses to a variety of audiences covering a range of ecological topics, including the Water Framework Directive and catchment management and they have previously delivered CIEEM’s course on Invasive Non-native Species.

The team has established internal training sessions and an R&D program (JLabs) to innovate processes and tools. Sustainability is paramount, with an ISO14001-certified Environmental Management System and a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. They promote EV use, paperless offices, and low-carbon commuting through environmental reward schemes.

JBA invests heavily in staff development, providing generous training budgets, structured programmes, and mentoring for career progression. Informal webinars and lunchtime sessions discuss emerging ecological issues and upskill staff. The Graduate Recruitment Scheme offers a structured pathway for graduates, allowing cross-disciplinary work and career specialisation.

In terms of social value, JBA actively supports community-led initiatives and volunteering efforts. In 2023, staff participated in tree planting projects, created STEM videos for school children, loaned equipment to local schools, and volunteered for various ecological surveys and conservation activities. The JBA Trust, an independent charity supported by JBA Consulting, promotes research and skills development in environmental management, with staff delivering career talks and engaging with educational institutions.

Overall, JBA Consulting emphasises sustainability, knowledge-sharing, staff development, and community engagement in their operations, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.