This article, published in the March 2021 edition of In Practice magazine, is a follow up by Marcus on his blog post on the same topic. He notes that CIEEM has been actively involved in the promotion of welfare for its members and has recently updated the Good Working Practices guidance (available in the members’ area of the CIEEM website).

There is, though, an elephant in the room, and it is one that has concerned many in the industry and still seems to be prevalent in a small but significant section of employees. There are consultancies both small and large that are exploiting early career ecologists on both summer contracts and first jobs by prolonged exposure to antisocial and challenging hours, placing profit and function way above well-being, safety, personal development and true sustainability.