Will - Climate Change Officer
How long have you worked for ÓûÂþɬ Council?
Nearly a year
How did you get into your job/career area?
I have long had an interest in renewable energy, environmental issues, and nature and biodiversity. I ran a renewable energy business for many years specialising in renewable heat and building energy efficiency. In more recent times Climate Change has become an important subject area that will impact everybody and my interests and skills encouraged me to take an OU course on sustainability for organisations. Consequently I became deeply engaged in the subject and the urgent need for humanity to respond to the crisis.
What does your job involve?
It involves work on climate change mitigation—actions that reduce our carbon emissions; adaptation—improving the resilience of our infrastructure and services; and sustainability—considering environmental, social, and economic factors in all our decisions and activities.
I help Argyll & Bute fulfil its statutory duties under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. This includes developing and implementing climate policies, managing environmental data collection and reporting, and ensuring we contribute meaningfully to Scotland's ambitious Net Zero by 2045 target.
My job requires me to analyse the present whilst planning for a world 50 and 100 years in the future. It's both fascinating and sobering, but I'm in a position where I can contribute to shaping a positive future climate outlook. We're working steadily towards our climate targets, focusing on practical, impactful actions that make a difference to our local communities and beyond.
Favourite thing about your job?
There are several aspects of my role that I find particularly rewarding. Foremost is the opportunity to work positively in a field I'm deeply passionate about. Climate change is a critical issue, and being able to contribute meaningfully to addressing it is incredibly fulfilling.
I'm grateful for the trust and freedom my leadership provides. They allow me to shape this role into something truly significant and impactful. This autonomy enables me to apply my learned skills in both practical and creative ways, which I find immensely satisfying.
The encouragement to be my authentic self is something I value greatly. It's refreshing to work in an organisation that is forward-looking and enabling. The support I receive allows me to bring my whole self to work, which I believe enhances my effectiveness in this role.
Lastly, I'm fortunate to work alongside some stellar colleagues. Their expertise, dedication, and collaborative spirit make our collective efforts towards climate action all the more impactful. It's inspiring to be part of a team that shares a common goal of creating a more sustainable future for Argyll & Bute and beyond.
Best thing about working in ÓûÂþɬ?
Working in ÓûÂþɬ offers a remarkable blend of professional fulfilment and lifestyle benefits. The stunning natural environment provides daily inspiration, with beautiful scenery visible from your workplace or home office. This setting creates a perfect backdrop for both creative thinking and post-work relaxation.
The Council genuinely values work-life balance, offering generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and remote working options. This flexibility, combined with the absence of rush-hour traffic, allows for a more measured pace of life that many colleagues find refreshing.
For those with families, like me, ÓûÂþɬ provides an environment where children can grow up connected to nature, without the pressures found in more urban settings.
