Pam Nolan
I am an environmental manager and leader working in the public sector. I am currently the Head of Biodiversity for the Environment Agency in England, providing strategic leadership and oversight on a range of applied conservation, ecology and environmental management policy and themes.
I became a member of the Freshwater Biological Association early in my career, when I was a practising freshwater ecologist working for the National Rivers Authority (NRA) in England and Wales. My career has encompassed strategic and operational technical and leadership roles within applied ecology and environmental management disciplines in the public sector. I have led teams of technical specialists and leaders within aquatic conservation, ecology, geomorphology, water and environmental management disciplines in the Environment Agency and in the NRA. I champion the need more integrated and sustainable environmental management practices and policies, particularly in relation to delivering multiple benefits for people and nature. I am a Chartered Ecologist and Environmentalist and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). I currently sit on the Governing Board of CIEEM.
Securing recognition for the professionalism I see within the ecological sector has long been one of my drivers and goals. I have championed the value of training and professional development throughout my career, which was recognised in CIEEM awarding me a Fellowship in 2012. I have had a significant influence and impact within my own organisation to improve ecological skills and competencies, including training strategies and frameworks to improve professional development for freshwater ecologists, geomorphologists and biodiversity staff in the Environment Agency. I have overseen collaborative projects between the Environment Agency and the FBA over my career, including the award-winning modular course and training programme to develop and enhance ecological skills and expertise in identifying freshwater macro-invertebrate species.
I’m an accredited coach within my organisation, a voluntary role in which I help others to achieve their goals and aspirations. I’m also a mentor internally and externally, including for the “30% Club” (www.30percentclub.org), a global campaign led by Chairs and CEOs taking action to increase gender diversity at board and executive-committee levels.