REnvP and REnvTech Q&A: Land Condition Early Careers Network
As part of a new initiative by the Land Condition Early Careers Network (ECN) Steering Group, a different topic will be explored each quarter in a Q&A. The topic will be announced in the ECN newsletter and LinkedIn group, and all members are welcome to suggest questions, which will be answered in the next quarter, acting as as an additional resource for early career professionals.
Our first focus area was obtaining Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) and Registered Environmental Technician (REnvTech). We put this quarter's questions to Steering Group member Annie Harding, who is a Senior Geonenviromental Consultant and has worked in the land contamination and remediation sector for 7 years, and recently achieved REnvP.
Can you tell us about your motivations for achieving REnvP/REnvTech status?
I chose to get the REnvP qualification as a way to showcase my environmental knowledge and commitment to environmental practise to my peers, wider network and clients. It was also a stepping stone to help prepare for Chartership in the future and showed my ambition to becoming chartered once I had the necessary experiences. It helped me to start thinking about my career through the lens of sustainability which as a land condition professional isn't always as obvious as other environmental professions.
If you had one piece of advice for those considering working towards REnvP/REnvTech, what would it be?
My advice to anyone applying would be: don't be afraid of the interview option! Although I originally opted for the report option, I did also have an interview to clarify some of my answers and I found this to be helpful as it's much easier to expand on answers and discuss experiences in more detail. In hindsight I think preparing for the interview would have been easier than writing the report. It was also a great experience to discuss aspects of my career with people other than my usual work colleagues.
How long was the application process?
I choose to complete the report route. I found this route allowed me to prepare around my other work commitments and gain feedback from my peers prior to submitting, although there is a challenging word count to keep to. It took me a few months to prepare my report answers before I was ready to submit and then it took a few months to receive my feedback.
In what ways do you feel that having REnvP/REnvTech status has strengthened your professional experience?
The biggest benefit for me has been the personal confidence it has given me from reflecting on my knowledge and skillsets. The skills and competencies needed for the REnvP qualification are similar to those required for the Chartership application and the feedback I received from my REnvP application is currently helping me as I prepare for the Chartership application in the near future.
It has also helped with my career progression to becoming a senior consultant, and helped to demonstrate my commitment to my continued development as a consultant and becoming chartered in the future.
Interested in REnvP or REnvTech?
- Read our resource on professional development for land condition professionals
- Find out more about both registrations, as well as routes to Chartership, on the IES website
- Consider signing up to receive mentoring from an experienced land condition professional
- Reach out to the friendly IES admin team with any questions on info@the-ies.org or +44 (0)20 3862 7484.
- Catch up on our recent career events: National Careers Week - Land, and our panel discussion on registration options
Get involved in the Land Condition ECN
The Land Condition Community connects members to share expertise, shape resources, and drive standards across the sector. Its dedicated Early Careers Network supports those starting out by offering tailored mentoring, learning opportunities, and the chance to connect with likeminded peers.
If you’re an IES member but not yet part of the Land Condition Community, ensure it is selected in the ‘Manage My Communities’ section of your Member Portal. If you're aged 31 or under, you will be automatically enrolled in the ECN. If you are over 31 but within the first 10 years of your land condition career, get in touch with communities@the-ies.org to be added to the relevant mailing lists.
If you’re not yet a member, consider joining us to receive full access to Community outputs. You can also:
- Attend webinars and catch up on previous events.
- Host your own webinar. This could be a case study or a Day in the Life in your role.
- Come along to Community meetings: keep an eye on our events page and emails for the next date.
- Share ideas or feedback with the ECN coordinator, Amy Bond, on communities@the-ies.org.
Banner image credit: Curioso.Photography via Adobe Stock
