RSK mentoring scheme supports colleagues seeking progression

RSK has launched an internal mentoring scheme to support colleagues looking to become a member of, upgrade their existing membership or become a Chartered Environmentalist with the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP).

Taking place over the course of six months, the scheme’s first cohort paired up with their mentors earlier this year. RSK Environment Technical Director Rachael Riley, fellow Technical Director and RSK Head of Profession for the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) David Hoare and Head of Business Development Warren Percival are overseeing the scheme.

David has been a member of the ISEP, formerly known as the IEMA, for nearly 20 years and is currently co-chair of its North West England Global Network Group.

He said: “RSK is a company that prides itself on the support it gives its employees, and this scheme is all part of that incredibly important ethos. I really hope that all the mentors and mentees who have joined the scheme already, and those who join in the future, get everything they can out of it for many years to come.”

Warren has been involved with the institute for several years and helped develop its corporate relationship with RSK as a membership and professional standards body. He said: “I have found the institute a valuable way of demonstrating my own skills and advocacy. It’s played an instrumental part in my career development, helping to demonstrate credibility and public standing.

“As a Fellow of the institute and a Chartered Environmentalist, I feel I must help others in their career progression. This could be for their own personal recognition, for the attainment of a higher salary and promotion, to help match client requirements in tender and wider business development with recognised leaders in their profession or to enhance their own view of the world.

“In addition, it provides mentors with a platform to deploy their skills to a wider audience and provide opportunities to showcase their own level of expertise – giving something back, while supporting a wider group of colleagues in their attainment plans.”

Mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet four or five times over a six-month period, either in person or via Teams. Guidance has also been provided that incorporates information from the institute and the RSK management system, and webinar sessions are being held with the institute and technical leads from RSK.

Assistant Environmental Consultant in the environmental geoscience and hydrology team at RSK Group company WRc Douglas Morrison has been a member of the institute since he was a student. He said this programme provides an ideal opportunity to progress to practitioner membership and that being mentored internally by colleagues at RSK was, for him, the perfect fit.

Douglas added: “Like many people early in their careers, I face ‘imposter syndrome’. We often feel we should know more than we do, especially when we see experienced colleagues who seem to have everything figured out.

“I see this programme as a way to receive one-on-one guidance through the application process from someone who has already been through it. I’m also looking for insight into my work and to identify any gaps in my experience. As my mentor isn’t in my immediate team, they can provide a fresh perspective and help me find new ways to gain professional development from my current projects.

“I’m confident that, with their support, I’ll be able to see how my skills and experience come together, which will significantly increase my confidence in my own ability.”

Environmental Consultant Charlotte King is one of the mentors on the scheme. She works for RSK Environment and was inspired to get involved, having been supported by her colleagues when she applied for her practitioner membership with the professional body.

She said: “It’s fantastic to see the mentorship programme being offered by RSK. The journey towards professional membership can often feel quite lonely and confusing, so having the opportunity for mentorship is invaluable. It can also be quite challenging to find time and determine the next steps, but having regular meetings with your mentor or mentee provides a space to help with this.

“The membership level of the mentees ensures they are matched with a mentor who is aligned with their goals and, in my case, has recently experienced the application process for themselves. As a result, I have been able to share my own experiences and knowledge with my mentee, guiding them through the process the best I can.”

Feedback from the first cohort will be vital, as RSK plans to open the scheme up to new applicants later this year, with more colleagues at all stages in their careers set to benefit from the support of mentors and resources provided by the institute.