For our next instalment of our ‘Day in the Life’ series we delve into the Environmental sector where we meet up with Senior Environmental Consultant, Geoff Eyre-Walker. Geoff plays a vital role in advising and aiding organisations to become fully compliant with environmental regulations. Through his rigorous assessments he identifies risks and helps them to develop sustainable practices whilst remaining profitable and efficient.
So, Geoff, can you tell me what you enjoy most about your job?
On a day-to-day basis, I am able to work with very talented and knowledgeable people (colleagues and clients alike). This has supported my own professional development, and having access to such knowledge supports delivery of our objectives. If I do not know something that supports delivery of work, then there is a very good chance I work with someone who does!
Since starting with SQEP, I have been afforded the opportunity to see some really interesting equipment up close, which is definitely a perk of the job, and supports the understanding of the equipment whose environmental footprint is being managed.
Can you tell me what a typical day might look like?
Perhaps this is another perk of the job, there is not really ‘a typical day’ which is similar to the previous days.
What kind of projects/contracts are you currently involved in?
Much of my effort at the moment goes towards providing environmental management support to a major MOD procurement programme. This entails the implementation, and eventually the maintenance, of a defence procurement specific Project Orientated Environmental Management System (POEMS). This includes frequent communication with stakeholders regarding environmental responsibilities and information, with the outcome of the management system being the minimisation of environmental risks and impacts.
Additionally, I provide environmental management support, particularly pertaining to Hazardous Substances and Restricted Materials (HSRM) to an OEM in the delivery of a system to the MOD.
I have also undertaken SQEP Ltd’s carbon emissions benchmarking for the companies first reporting of its carbon emissions. This is something I look forward to developing in future reporting years, and will provide a quantitative benchmark to measure our future carbon emissions against.
Tell me a bit about your previous career/education?
I worked as an Environmental Consultant in conveyancing, primarily undertaking desktop risk assessments as well as Phase 1 Site Investigations, which included site visits. This was after a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and either side of a Master’s in Environmental Policy and Management.
Has there been any opportunities for career progression for you to date?
SQEP Ltd has supported my professional development, which has recently led to my promotion to Senior Environmental Consultant in September 2024. I have been afforded the opportunities to attend training courses and webinars since joining SQEP, however the aforementioned access to knowledgeable and talented colleagues and clients has been the main driver to my own professional development.
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