This is the first in a series of new evening webinars exploring how professionals involved in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) have adapted their ways of working to the 'new normal' arising from the pandemic. In particular we will be highlighting examples of best practice of conducting EIAs during COVID-19 and exploring how innovative technology has been used to meet the challenges presented by the pandemic.

This webinar sets out the response of the UK Government’s Executive Agency responsible for planning processes for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) in England to COVID-19 and how it ‘pivoted’ the technology of public participation to ensure that the public and wider stakeholders could continue to contribute to decision making despite restrictions imposed by the public health emergency. It proffers an example of an adaptive, reflective and co-production participatory process.

Our speaker

Martin Broderick is a Visiting Professor at Oxford Brookes University, Impact Assessment Unit. Martin is currently an Examining Inspector at the National Infrastructure Directorate of the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) (speaking in a personal capacity) which requires strategic decision making in relation to nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). He has worked extensively with industrial partners on infrastructure and its environmental & social performance. He has successfully managed a range of stakeholders with conflicting demands and priorities. He is a recognised thought leader and innovator with a proven record of working with diverse stakeholders to protect core values and ensure strategic growth in organisations.

Our webinars are free for all to attend. With the speakers' permission each episode will be recorded and added to our YouTube channel for you to view after the event. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel to view these episodes and make sure you do not miss any new episodes. If you have an idea for a future webinar in this area, please do get in touch.