The day-to-day running of CIEEM is undertaken by the Secretariat. Led by the Chief Executive Officer, our job is to ensure that CIEEM runs efficiently and effectively in support of achieving the Institute’s Vision and Mission. Use the drop downs below to find out a bit more about our team!
Meet the Secretariat
Executive
Chief Executive OfficerSally Hayns CEcol FCIEEM
Sally has been an ecologist for more than 30 years, working primarily in the eNGO and public sectors across a range of challenging and enjoyable roles. She joined the (then) Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management as CEO in 2010 and has been instrumental in driving forward change within the Institute and the profession. Under her stewardship, the Institute gained its Royal Charter in 2013 and has seen steady membership growth. Sally has spearheaded the development and introduction of a Competency Framework for the profession, which now forms the basis for membership and chartered ecologist grades and assessment, reinvigorated our approach to the Institute’s policy and influencing work, launched our annual Awards and consistently promoted the ecology and environmental management profession as a key player in action to address the environmental challenges we face. Sally is also a member of the Government’s Green Jobs Delivery Group. Sally is passionate about the need for change within the profession to become more diverse and inclusive and ‘fit for purpose’, to embrace new technologies and innovations, and for practitioners to be proud of the work they do. Outside of work, Sally is a keen walker and dog owner, an optimistic (some would say misguidedly so) Portsmouth FC supporter and an avid England Test cricket fan.
Membership and Marketing
Stuart Parks
Stuart has been working in membership and marketing roles in the non-profit sector for over 20 years now and enjoys finding new ways to improve the member experience. If you see him at a conference do say hi as he loves to chat with members. Outside of work, Stu’s been trying to maintain that work/life balance with rugby, table tennis, singing and pilates…just not all at the same time…
Membership Operations Manager
Sarah Cox
Sarah joined CIEEM as Membership Officer back in 2014 and has been Membership Operations Manager since 2019. Sarah graduated with a BSc in Biology from the University of Manchester and then completed an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation at the University of Leeds. In her spare time Sarah enjoys venturing out in the great outdoors with her young family and sharing her love of nature with them.
Membership Officer
Saz Hayward
Saz has been working in the Membership and Marketing Team since 2013 having previously worked at a Wildlife Trust and ecological consultancy. She helps process our Associate and Full applications and enjoys working closely with our volunteer assessors. Saz also helps to develop and promote our early career membership grades, sitting on the Student and Careers Working Group and inputting into our Membership Admissions Committee. You might see her talking about Student membership at a careers conference. Saz loves anything to do with the ocean!
Membership Officer
Laura Wilson
Laura joined the Membership and Marketing Team early in 2020 and she is primarily responsible for the processing of applications for the Chartered Ecologist and Chartered Environmentalist routes to chartership. Laura contributes to the Registration Authority, liaises with volunteer assessors, organising the assessments and interviews, and supports applicants throughout their chartership journey. She is happy to answer any questions about the chartership process by email or by telephone.
Assistant Membership Officer
Membership Administrator
Digital Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Sophie Lowe
Sophie joined CIEEM in 2021 to drive the digital marketing strategy and increase brand awareness. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Media, Communication and Social Media and over two years of experience in content and social media marketing. Sophie is currently studying a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Digital Marketing with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). With an interest in the environment and combatting climate change, she is passionate about raising awareness of CIEEM, an organisation committed to protecting nature and biodiversity. When she’s not at work, you can find Sophie with her nose in a good book or exploring the outdoors.
Finance and Office Administration
John Gordon
Volunteer Engagement Officer
Drew Lyness
Drew develops and assists CIEEM’s brilliant volunteer community, so they continue to make positive impacts in all areas of our Institute. Drew is an Ecology BSc(hons) graduate from UEA and has previously worked for the RSPB supporting its volunteers and community groups in Eastern England. He is a highly passionate birder and naturalist, based in Norfolk.
Finance and Administration Officer
Vacant
Office Administrator
Policy and Country Project Officers
Jason Reeves CEnv MCIEEM
Jason strives with his team to build CIEEM’s influence with governments, civil servants, environmental partners and other sectors for the benefit of people and nature. He also works with the In Practice Editor to produce CIEEM’s quarterly magazine. He sits on the advisory board of Teach the Future, and is a trustee of Wildlife and Countryside Link and of UK Youth for Nature. He has a BSc in Biological Sciences and a MSc in Biodiversity Conservation and Management.
Policy Officer
Amber Connett ACIEEM
Amber joined CIEEM as an intern in 2018, following a BSc in Conservation Biology, to support Jason and the team to influence policy and law to protect and enhance nature. Amber now has an MSc in Applied Ecology and leads CIEEM’s Action 2030 project alongside policy activities and providing the Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Nature. Amber is an avid tree lover and spends most of her spare time wandering through woodlands!
Project Officer (Ireland)
(Based in Ireland)
Elizabeth O’Reilly
Liz has been working with CIEEM for almost four years now, three days a week, from her home office in Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland. She graduated from Trinity with a degree in Zoology and attended Queens University Belfast to get MSc in Ecological Management and Conservation Biology. She also works in the agriculture sector, working part-time as a dairy farm hand and producing food in her own cottage garden. In her spare time she volunteers for local environmental groups sitting as Chair of Louth Environmental Network and on the board of the Oriel River Catchment and Coast Association (ORCCA).
Project Officer (Wales)
(Based in Wales)
Mandy has lived in Wales since studying archaeology at Bangor University. She worked for the Countryside Council for Wales/Natural Resource Wales for 20 years, mainly as Production Manager for Natur Cymru magazine but also for two years on marine guidance. After a Covid-restricted stint doing membership recruitment for the Woodland Trust, she joined CIEEM in 2021. She is particularly interested in green buildings and green infrastructure.
Project Officer (Scotland)
(Based in Scotland)
Annie Robinson
Annie joined CIEEM after years of working in research on environmental drivers of change, in particular invasive species, although latterly working as a research fellow on citizen science and pollinators. Passionate about science communication and engagement she supports CIEEM members in Scotland in a variety of different ways and raises the profile of CIEEM in Scotland.
In Practice Editor
(Freelance)
Professional Practice
Craig Willcock
Craig graduated with a BA (Hons) in Business Studies and German and has 15 years’ experience of planning, managing and delivering a wide portfolio of events from community and charity events to coordinating Royal visits, conferences and the Portsmouth segment of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. Having previously worked for an Institute in the healthcare engineering sector, Craig joined the team in February 2021 as the Professional Development Manager. He leads on the organisation of our professional development activities, including our training programme, and managing other professional development activities that are underpinned by our Competency Framework. He sits on the Student and Early Careers Working Group and facilitates the Student and Early Careers Focus Group. He is also setting up a new STEM Ambassador Programme for CIEEM Members to engage with. Outside of work, Craig enjoys reconnecting with nature on country and coastal walks and you will often find him visiting historic buildings and castles across the country. He is a big fan of the Eurovision Song Contest!
Professional Development Coordinator (Training)
Krystie holds a BSc in Wildlife Conservation and Zoo Biology from the University of Salford. After graduating, she went onto work for The Mammal Society as a Training Co-ordinator, which then led her onto becoming a Professional Development Co-ordinator with CIEEM, where she oversees conferences, webinars, CPD and the degree accreditation scheme. Krystie has a passion for marine life and has subsequently become a Marine Mammal Surveyor with ORCA. Krystie enjoys long walks and adventures with her two rescue dogs and daughter, as well as yoga and running.
Professional Development Coordinator (Conferences and Webinars)
Professional Development Administrator
Johanna Cleaves
Johanna holds a BSc in Geography & Environmental Studies and has a wealth of experience in local government and the charity sector, including a significant period as a planning officer. This background has enabled her to develop excellent communication and project management skills to engage with a varied client base, achieve objectives and hit deadlines. Always customer-focussed, Johanna enjoys problem solving, building strong working relationships, and encouraging and supporting others to challenge themselves and achieve success.
Systems Coordinator and Professional Development Administrator
Office Support
Rosie Hayns
Rosie is primarily in charge of waste management, reducing the amount of packaging sent to landfill in ways we haven’t figured out yet. But she also plays a vital role in keeping the team active and outdoors with her lunch time walks and sprint to the finish line to receive a treat from our CEO.
Chief Staff Morale Officer
George Chandler
George fulfils an essential role, boosting morale and easing the stresses of running a busy Institute! Always available for scratches, feet warming, and a snore-induced laugh, he makes the team feel tip-top in no time.