Meet the SDCC+ exec to find out more about some of the members, including the benefits of being a member.
Hazel Clatworthy, Sustainability Policy Officer, Monmouthshire County Council
Job Involves
I am the lead for our organisation in embedding the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act into all that we do, both policy and practice.
I also lead our climate change work and co-ordinate our response to the Climate Emergency. As well as implementing sustainable development within the council, I also work closely with community groups in Monmouthshire on a range of different sustainability projects around energy, waste, Fairtrade, transport and so on.
What do you love about your job
I love the variety of working both with colleagues and elected members, but also the fantastic voluntary sector we have in Monmouthshire on such a wide range of different issues, campaigns, policies and projects. It is great to have the legislation of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act to add some “teeth” to the sustainable development work I have been doing there for over 20 years! It is very satisfying to have a job where you feel that you are making a difference, even if it can sometimes be slower than I would like!
When did you join SDCC+
I’ve been part of SDCC+ since it’s inception nearly 20 years ago.
Benefits of being a member of SDCC+
SDCC+ is my “go to” group if I want to find out who has tried something, what has worked and what hasn’t. It is great to have a group of like-minded people with a huge range of public sector experience to share ideas with and pick the brains of! The members are all doing a similar role to me, and all have useful experience to share. Over the years, the profile of SDCC+ has also grown and we are well regarded by the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner, WLGA, Audit Wales and Welsh Government, having played an important role in the development of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.
Why should other organisations join SDCC+
If you want to understand how your organisation can better embed the aims of the Future Generations Act, I can’t recommend SDCC+ highly enough. We include different types of public body who are all at different stages of embedding sustainable development into the way we work, and it is so helpful to discuss ideas with people who have been through a similar process. SDCC+ is a very open, welcoming and informal group, who shape their own agenda based on the needs and interests of its members, but also have the ear of Welsh Government and the Future Generations Commissioner. Membership entitles representatives from your organisation to attend workshops, meetings, training sessions and conferences on many different sustainability themes which will help you to make the wellbeing goals and ways of working a reality in your organisation, as well as giving you a ready made network of people on the end of the phone or an email who want to help.
Helga Dixon, Specialist Advisor: Public Service Boards & Well-being of Future Generations, Natural Resources Wales
Job involves
I work in the policy section of NRW concentrating on the implementation of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act and the Public Services Boards established to deliver the Act. I am part of a Hub which ensures the flow of information on the implementation of the Act within NRW, and which works directly with Welsh Government and the Future Generations Commissioner’s Office to meet our obligations to the Act as best we can.
What do you love about your job
I love the fact that it sits at the intersection between the latest research – environmental, economic and social – and the development and implementation of policies that enable decision-making for a more sustainable Wales.
When did you join SDCC+
NRW has been a member since its inception, but I have been a member since January 2020
Benefits of being a member of SDCC+
For NRW it has provided opportunity to discuss and learn from others trying to implement the new legislation. For me personally it enables me to get to know others within the public sector and build good working relationships.
Why should other organisations join SDCC+
SDCC+ will be at its best when it has as broad a range of public sector bodies as possible who can bring their own experiences, knowledge and challenge around the embedding of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.
Tracy Evans, Senior Sustainable Development Officer, Public Health Wales
Job involves
Leading on the development of sustainable development policy proposals. Undertaking analysis and research and providing specialist public health and SD support based on evidence and expertise. Creating, managing and delivering SD projects within my organisation and with partner organisations
What do you love about your job
The opportunity to really make a difference and encourage behaviour change. I’m able to proactively develop detailed proposals for SD projects and identify opportunities for public health and SD improvement. Working as part of a team to embed the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, which will help us create a more sustainable Wales. The opportunity to collaborate with and influence key stakeholders and partners to develop and test SD thinking and enable SD change. Also, the variety of work streams I can focus on which includes the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, Biodiversity, Decarbonisation, Waste Management and Primary Care, to name a few.
When did you join SDCC+
I initially joined SDCC+ in 2005 in a previous role with Caerphilly County Borough Council. I’ve continued my membership with my current organisation, Public Health Wales
Benefits of being a member of SDCC+
The opportunity to meet other individuals working to embed the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act into their organisation. It provides a fantastic opportunity to share ideas and learn from other’s experiences and to meet representatives from a variety of organisations within Wales. it also enables you to keep up to date on SD action and opportunities within Wales and get involved in regional and national partnership projects.
Why should other organisations join SDCC+
To capture and share knowledge and experience of embedding the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act with a group of like minded people.