Thomas

Q: When did you start your first role in the Environment Agency?

A: I joined in September 2023.

Q: What inspired you to join the Environment Agency?

A: I worked for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust as a volunteer. They regularly partner with EA so I was made aware of this and thought it would be interesting to work on similar projects from a different angle.

Q: How does your role reflect your personal values or goals?

A: I enjoy research and being supported by empirical evidence. Opinions and experience are key, but decisions, and their reasoning, must be properly logged. As a new father, receiving unsolicited advice is par for the course! Acknowledging that what worked for you may not work for others is crucial. I believe this translates to flood modelling where advice and suggestions are provided with proper research and understanding that what worked for one area may not apply to another.

Q: What was your first impression of the EA, and how did you adapt to the culture?

A: It is the largest organisation I have worked for; things move slowly. Work is planned and proactive rather than sudden and reactive. The best part is how much the EA truly care about Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW, they love an acronym here too). I feel safe and cared about more than by workload output.

Q: What skills have you developed that you’re most proud of or found most valuable?

A: I can thoroughly interrogate work. I can confidently question industry experts whilst supporting myself with relevant guidance and legislation. Projects limited by time and budget require limitations on actions that can be completed. I work with the project teams to decide which actions should be taken to provide the most useful product.

Q: What’s the best thing about working for the EA?

A: The EA truly care about you holistically, not just professionally. Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) and work-life balance are top priorities.