Call for volunteers to help bridge environmental skills gap

28 October 2024

A call is being made for volunteers to help bridge the environmental skills gap and shape future opportunities with the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme's Centre for Living with Climate Change (CLiCC).

CLiCC is one of a number of demonstrator projects, managed by Shropshire Council, developed to inform the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS), which aims to tackle flooding, support thriving communities and create resilient environments through sustainable and holistic water management.

Led by the University of Chester CLiCC aims to create a talent pipeline by collaborating with partners, including the River Severn Partnership, Powys County Council, Shropshire Council, the Environment Agency, schools, colleges, and universities.

This collaboration will help build skills and create opportunities for people to learn about climate change impacts and how to adapt to them.

CLiCC is now calling for volunteers to join an action research board which will design the research to create skills and innovation in Shropshire and Powys to deliver real change in the face of climate change and to have the Marches area recognised for its green innovation, and economic opportunities.

Project manager Melissa Spiers, from the University of Chester, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for people to be part of a committed team working toward real climate resilience for the Marches area, highlighting its unique landscape and resources.

"We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone aged 18+ who might be considering environmental careers, FE colleges in the local area delivering environmental management courses, water forum or local flood defence representatives and anybody from a marginalised group that is interested in water management and the effects of flooding locally.

"We are looking for individuals to contribute one to two hours a month throughout this two-and-a-half- year project, with a minimum requirement of one year's commitment. Most board discussions will be online, with in-person and digital support services available. If a member is unemployed we can reimburse them for their involvement in the project."

Pete Lambert, SVWMS Demonstrator Project manager, added: "One of the main goals of CLiCC is to address the local skills gap in the water management sector. By providing training and development opportunities, the centre hopes to prevent the migration of skilled workers away from the area and enhance our region's reputation as being an innovator in the green economy."

Anyone interested in applying for a position on the action research board can fill in an application form before the closing date which is Friday 8 November.

For more information about the SVWMS and to register to stay updated on latest developments visit the website.

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NOTES

The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme is a partnership formed of the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council and is committed to exploring opportunities to make the Severn a more vibrant and resilient river catchment, where local economies prosper, and communities and natural assets thrive.

It is working with local communities and regional and national interested stakeholders and organisations to implement a mix of interventions that will:

• Reduce flood risk
• Deliver long-term water management
• Provide economic gain
• Offer environmental protection
• Enable social value and place-making