Let’s Celebrate Volunteers: Professional Standards Team
Whether its developing new standards, updating guidance, judging Awards or assisting with professional conduct inquiries, we really couldn’t do it without our fantastic team of Professional Standards Volunteers – we know it’s a cliché, but it’s a cliché because its true!
The CIEEM Professional Standards Team Staff at the Secretariat says: “We really do want to express our thanks and gratitude to all the volunteers who, through giving generously of their time and expertise, help us to achieve so much. There are a wide variety of volunteer roles linked to the Professional Standards team, including joining the Professional Standards Committee, the Professional Conduct Pool, taking part in one of our working groups, and judging the annual CIEEM Awards.”
Why do CIEEM members volunteer for the CIEEM Professional Standards Team?
This is what they said…
Will Woodrow MSc MSc(Arch) CEcol MCIEEM – Vice-President, Ireland
“I have volunteered for CIEEM in a number of capacities over the last few years, including more than one term on the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) and as Vice-President (Ireland), which I continue to do. In my roles I have contributed to many committees and worked with the Irish section. I first put myself forward as a volunteer on PSC back in May 2017, and wanted to do that since I have worked in the industry all my life, either for an NGO or as a consultant, and felt it was a way that I could contribute to the profession that had supported me. I found my role within PSC really rewarding from the start, not only in being able to make a voice from Ireland heard, but also because I got involved in conversations and decisions on really interesting subjects that had the potential to make a difference to the profession. In my voluntary work for CIEEM since then, I have always got fulfilment out of getting involved and have found that it is an outlet for the experience that I have built up over the years, sitting alongside, but separate to my work in a great team of ecological consultants.”
Ellie Strike CEnv MCIEEM – Co-Chair of PSC
“I have been an active volunteer for CIEEM for many years. I joined the Professional Standards Committee over 10 years ago. And 6 years ago I took up the role of Joint-Chair. It has been rewarding for me on so many levels. It has enabled me to bring the expertise from my day-job into leading this area of the work for the Institute, whilst simultaneously allowing me to bring my experience from CIEEM back to my employer. It has given me the ability build new skills, broaden my professional network, remain abreast of current affairs in the sector, and even now it still provides new opportunities for growth and development. I am such a strong advocate for volunteering – it is both valuable and enjoyable. Being a member is great for your CV, but by volunteering you open the door to so many more possibilities.”
Professor Des Thompson FRSE FCIEEM – Professional Conduct Pool Member
“I enjoy volunteering for CIEEM through chairing Professional Conduct Panel hearings. I chair several each year, and find the scope and detail fascinating. The integrity of the CIEEM rests on the quality and conduct of our members’ work, and occasionally complaints are made. Rarely are cases straightforward, and I remind people that we should always learn from mistakes and errors. I agree with Bill Gates: “It’s fine to celebrate success but more important to heed the lessons of failure.””
We are currently recruiting for more volunteers to join our Professional Standards Team!
If you would like to find out more about our volunteering opportunities, please have a look on the Volunteer Opportunities Page in the My CIEEM area on our website.