Join the new IEMA Policy and Practice Steering Group on Biodiversity and Natural Capital

Biodiversity and natural capital are critical in supporting the sustainability of business, people and planet. There is a wellspring of interest in this area not only in UK policy and but also in international activities like Science Based Targets for Nature and industry initiatives, for example the UK Biodiversity Business Forum.

The Board at IEMA have identified the need for a dedicated Policy and Practice Network and Steering Group for biodiversity and natural capital to focus on these key areas.

We are looking for IEMA members who would like to become part of the Steering Group for this Network. The Steering group will have oversight of the development and delivery of policy and practice in biodiversity and natural capital, with an aim to drive best practice, innovation and advocacy.

Guided by the principle of transforming the world to sustainability, the Steering Group will champion issues relevant to biodiversity and natural capital professionals, help to set up a strategy for the Network, and create an annual work programme.

This new Steering Group is open to all IEMA members and will include 9 volunteer representatives and a Chair.

This is a unique opportunity to drive forward the agenda in this area. If you are interested in joining the group please respond by 10^th February 2022 in no more than 500 words to [email protected] with answers to the following questions:

• What role do you believe the biodiversity and natural capital steering group can play in supporting professionals in this area?
• What do you believe are the key issues?
• What other relevant skills and knowledge do you have?
• Would you like to be considered to be Chair of the group and why?

A Terms of Reference is available.

IEMA aims to establish a diverse membership for the Steering Group, including demographically and in terms of technical and soft skills. The selection of members will include particular attention to ensuring that it has a diverse make-up.

Lesley Wilson

Policy and Engagement Lead

Lesley is Policy and Engagement Lead at IEMA with a focus on biodiversity and natural capital. Lesley also supports IEMA’s role as Secretariat to the UK Business and Biodiversity Forum, working with businesses to raise the profile of, mainstream, and share good practice in, biodiversity. Lesley joined IEMA in December 2021 after 11 years delivering projects, programmes and solutions for business in the field of environmental sustainability for the British Standards Institution (BSI), including ground breaking standards in biodiversity net gain and natural capital. Lesley has a qualification in business management (MBA) and climate change management, and mentors environmental students at the University of Westminster.