This online webinar, delivered by CIEEMs Early Careers SIG (EC SIG), marks the second event in a four-part webinar series exploring career pathways across different sectors of ecology. The series has been developed to support early career ecologists and those considering a career change into ecology, while remaining open and relevant to individuals at all abilities, backgrounds, and CIEEM membership levels.
This latest webinar focuses on careers within the NGO sector and aims to provide realistic, practical insight into what it takes to enter, navigate, and progress within NGOs. This sector in ecology is renowned for its competitive nature, particularly for those at the start of their careers or transitioning from other sectors. This session is therefore designed to demystify pathways, highlight transferable skills, and offer honest reflections on opportunities and challenges within the sector.
The webinar will be delivered as a panel discussion, bringing together perspectives from different career stages to provide a balanced and inclusive view. The panel will include people working in a range of ecology NGOs: Harriet Trueman from the Sussex Wildlife Trusts, Francesco Marzano from the Blue Marine Foundation, Philip Briggs from the Bat Conservation Trust, and Dr Laura Coles from The Rockpool Project. Together, the panel will reflect a range of experiences, career routes, and insights into NGO life
Panellists will respond to a set of four core questions that will be explored consistently across all four webinars in the EC SIG sector series, enabling attendees to compare experiences across different areas of ecology. These questions are:
• What do you think are the main things early career ecologists should be aware of and prepared for in your field?
• Once you have secured your first role in the field, what should you be aiming to achieve to progress your career?
• What are the most important skills and experience for those looking to move into the sector as a career changer?
• What is the best piece of advice you have received that you have carried with you throughout your career?
Following the panel discussion, there will be a live Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions directly, seek clarification, and explore topics most relevant to their own career aspirations.
This event aims to provide attendees with confidence, clarity, and practical guidance, while fostering open discussion and connection across the CIEEM community.
Harriet Trueman’s current role as the Wilder Ouse Officer for the Sussex Wildlife Trusts means she works within the River Ouse catchment. She works with landowners, land managers and communities to support them in nature restoration via nature-based solutions. She works to share knowledge and deliver landscape scale biodiversity improvements such as hedge planting, pond and scrape creation and meadow creation. Not only this, a big part of what she does is natural flood management
Francesco Marzanohas an MSc in Zoology from the University of Sussex, and he has lead Sussex’s marine invasive species project at ZSL. He joined Blue Marine to co-lead their Sussex Potting Surveys. He now focuses on their sturgeon project and supports the UK projects team, specialising in statistical and spatial analysis.
Laura Colesis Deputy CEO of The Rockpool Project, a UK-based not-for-profit organisation that connects people of all ages and backgrounds to marine wildlife through hands-on coastal exploration. By hosting guided safaris and competitive, educational "BioBlitz" events, the group empowers communities to become marine stewards while gathering valuable citizen science data. They operate across multiple hubs, fostering environmental curiosity and promoting the health of coastal ecosystems
Philip Briggsjoined the Bat Conservation Trust in 2003 and has been involved in the voluntary conservation sector since 1998. He developed an interest in bats in 2001 through volunteering at one of London's best bat sites, the WWT London Wetland Centre, leading wildlife walks and bat walks and surveys. He is the Chair of London Bat Group and also a member of Dorset Bat Group and Surrey Bat Group. He also leads the Richmond Bat Species Action Plan steering group which works to protect and enhance habitat and improve public engagement in this important borough for bats
