Help Shape Policy: Join Our Country Policy Groups!

On

Sometimes less really is more. Hedgerow cutting, for example. For the most part, you just have to leave it be and voilà! A haven for wildlife… But sometimes more definitely is just, well, more. This is one of those times.

When we say we’re doing more than ever before thanks to our Policy Group volunteers, we don’t just mean a little bit. We mean almost double what we did in 2017. That’s right – Double! That means double the chances to shape policy and double the opportunity to protect the incredible biodiversity of our planet by influencing and informing the decision-makers that matter most. The infographics below provide just a snapshot of the ways in which we influenced nature conservation legislation, policy and practice in Ireland and Wales in 2019 and we have carried this momentum into 2020!


But we want more to be even more, which is why we’re recruiting more experts to our Ireland and Wales Policy Groups. This is our opportunity to influence UK and Irish governments and decision-makers with evidence-based advice and recommendations.

Our Ireland Policy Group has 2 spaces and are particularly looking for people from statutory agencies such as, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Our Welsh Group currently has 3 spaces. All applications are welcome and the group is open to all membership grades.

As a Country Policy Group member, we ask that you:

  • Comment on consultation responses that are relevant to your expertise.
  • Keep an eye out for opportunities for policy engagement.
  • Input into the development and production of Country Policy Group projects. These include, but are not limited to, advice notes, briefings, position statements and events.
  • Where possible, help with gathering contacts and setting up meetings to communicate our policy positions and build relationships.

For more information please visit our Influencing Policy web pages. If you’re interested in joining us, please send a brief biography, your policy experience and interests, and which group you would like to be considered for to AmberConnett@cieem.net by the end of the day on Tuesday 30 June 2020.