We’re delighted to have the opportunity to run an Early Careers × CIEEM Leadership Q&A, bringing together CIEEM’s senior management and our early career members for an open, honest and inspiring conversation.
This interactive panel event will feature Sally Hayns (Chief Executive Officer), Brian Heppenstall (Education and Careers Manager), and Mark Nason (Head of Professional Practice), who will be sharing their insights and experiences from across the profession — and answering the questions that matter most to those at the beginning of their careers.
It’s a rare opportunity for early career ecologists to speak directly with CIEEM’s leadership team, gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of the Institute’s direction, and explore the realities of building a career in this ever-evolving field.
Discussion topics will be shaped by your questions, and to help our panellists prepare thoughtful and relevant responses, we’re gathering some questions in advance, as well as a live Q&A on the day.
Whether you’re seeking practical advice, professional perspective or a bit of inspiration, your question could help spark valuable discussion for everyone attending.
Join us to hear directly from the people shaping our profession!
Mark Nason - Mark completed his Ecology degree at Bangor University in the 90s and has worked in environmental research and education since then, starting with a PhD and research posts creating habitats at post-industrial sites. He is a qualified teacher and has written and introduced new environmental courses, including professional training, under- and post-graduate degrees, and apprenticeships. In his current role, Mark helps to promote the highest standards of practice for the benefit of nature and society, and does his very best to ensure that ecology and environmental management is a rewarding and inclusive sector to work in.
Sally Hayns - Sally has been an ecologist for over 30 years, working across the eNGO and public sectors in a range of rewarding and challenging roles. Since joining the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (now CIEEM) as CEO in 2010, she has driven major progress for both the Institute and the profession. Under her leadership, CIEEM gained its Royal Charter, expanded membership, and introduced the Competency Framework forming the basis of professional grades. She also revitalised policy work, launched the annual Awards, and champions diversity, innovation and professional pride. Sally sits on the Government’s Green Jobs Delivery Group.
Brian Heppenstall - Brian joined CIEEM in 2024 after a career in the environmental sector spanning back to 1998, most recently having worked as an ecology course manager at a land-based college. Much of his career was spent managing SSSI’s and local nature reserves and working frontline with communities to increase and encourage engagement. He has a passion for supporting the current and emerging workforce in the sector and joins CIEEM in the role of Education and Careers Manager.
