SOCENV elects Peter Matthews as Chair and appoints new CEO Emma Wilcox

Positive change at the Society for the Environment with a newly elected Chair and the appointment of the Chief Executive, reports the Energy, Environment and Sustainability Group (EESG).

Professor Peter Matthews OBE has once again been appointed Chair of the Society, 10 years after leading its development and achieving a Royal Charter. Professor Matthews, who represents the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management on the SocEnv Council, was elected Chair at the Society’s AGM on 14th July. The Society has also welcomed the appointment of a new Chief Executive Dr Emma Wilcox.

Professor Peter Matthews OBE HonFSE, Chair Society for the Environment, says: “I am absolutely thrilled to return to the Society as Chair. Fate has played a role! I used my experiences in forming the Society to help me with the successful creation of Natural Resources Wales and now, my experience in Wales is going to help me lead the Society into an even brighter future.” As Professor Matthews’ role in Wales draws to a close he said, “My time in Wales has strengthened my already deep commitment to the very positive role that professional bodies contribute to environmental best practice through their diverse membership; and I look forward to working with them all… Diolch yn fawr.”

The Society’s new Chief Executive, Dr Emma Wilcox joins the Society from Energy and Utility Skills, where she was responsible for the strategic direction and delivery of the Energy & Efficiency Industrial Partnership. The Partnership is a collaboration of over 60 employers from across the energy and utility sector who are working together to drive a radical new approach to recruitment, skills and workforce development. Emma directed all aspects of the Partnership; strategy, employer and stakeholder engagement and governance.

Dr Emma Wilcox, CEO Society for the Environment, says: “I am delighted to have been appointed as CEO at SocEnv. With the introduction of the new REnvTech qualification, new Constituent Bodies joining the Society and with Peter back as Chair it is an exciting time. I am looking forward to supporting the organisation and working together with all our partners to further increasing the impact of our Chartered Environmentalist and now Registered Environmental Technician qualifications.”

Find out more about the Energy, Environment and Sustainability Group (EESG).