Environment Agency

Commonwealth Professional FellowshipProgramme: Our experienceAnna TombsSenior International Relations Advisor, Environment Agency10 February 2011

OverviewInvolved with the Commonwealth Professional Fellowship Programmesince 2003, with over 60 placements to dateFocus on the environment and governance streamsEmbedded it into our organisation:senior management buy-ininstrumental in developing the direction of our international programmeInclude additional criteria:partnerships with other environment protection agenciesask for Director General nominations for placements that they recogniseas having strategic importanceno repeat placementsstart up a relationship or add value to an existing wider relationship

Benefits of CPFPProviding an improved environment within a global contextEngaging some of our key international partnerships to directlyincrease the evidence and intelligence on priority areas of workShow that we can be the best we can in providing innovative,effective results that achieve environmental outcomes.Raise our reputation with our international partners, includingadding value to existing relationshipsEnhances our understanding of the local issues partners are facingIncreased partnership/ networking opportunities (South-southlearning)Staff development opportunities

Outcomes to dateIncreased enforcement and compliance capacity withintarget Environment Protection Agencies (EPAs )Many of the participants have received promotions as theresult of their time, although still within the sameorganisation, so the learning hasn’t lost its sustainabilityIncreased regional engagement and learning from eachotherStrengthened partnerships

Final message: what works well for usEmbedding it into our business as a priority activityMaintaining the relationship through a mixture of activities andfurthering partnerships (placements are stronger where this isadding value to another activity / using this opportunity to initiatepartnerships)If developing a new activity, first expose the senior managers andthen work you way down into the detail – creates organisationalbuy-inEnsuring whoever is nominated is representative of a strategicpriority for their organisationIf hosting several people look for a link between them, i.e. regionalas that will enhance the sustainability of their learning

Thank youAny questions?anna.tombs@environment-agency.gov.uk