The Environmental Services Association (ESA) is the trade association representing the organisations leading the United Kingdom’s drive towards a more circular economy.

We are the collective voice of the UK’s leading recycling and waste treatment service providers, who provide essential waste services to millions of people across the UK every day. We are committed to delivering a UK circular economy whilst decarbonising all our activities by 2040. Our mission is to influence the development of policy, regulation and industry standards which support our members’ investments in a more circular economy.

Working with our members, drawing upon their depth of expertise and experience, the ESA helps to ensure that policy, regulation and operations represent best practice and deliver the best triple-bottom line outcomes – protecting people and the planet while supporting investment in a vibrant, competitive and sustainable sector.

Our member companies include all of the major contractors and invest billions in British infrastructure, put boots on the ground and serve more than 17 million people every day – playing a pivotal role in the circular economy and protecting the environment.

We are seeking a Senior Independent Director to support our work at this critical juncture. Through this appointment, the ESA is looking to increase its external influence and platform, particularly within policy spaces. This role therefore represents an exciting opportunity to help shape policy on high-profile environmental issues, influencing government, legislators, the regulator and other external stakeholders.

You will be instrumental in achieving our goals and will provide support and counsel to the Executive Director and to the Board as we face various strategic questions in the years to come. You will have a track record of prior experience having delivered meaningful impact on government policy formation, ideally representing an industry sector. You will have a keen interest in policy development and environmental/recycling and waste policy in particular as well as detailed knowledge of the workings of national and local government.

You will be a compelling advocate for the ESA externally with the ability to support the Executive Director in building and maintaining the ESA's high standing and reputation. We are looking for someone who combines exceptional oral communication with excellent strategic and diplomatic skills as a negotiator.   

The ESA is keen to receive applications from a broad range of individuals and to consider various professional backgrounds for the role. We encourage applications from those who may be less familiar with our sector, but who would offer the requisite skills to influence positive change.

For further details, including the job description, person specification, and information on how to apply, please visit https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies quoting reference number 7686. Candidates wishing to apply should submit a CV (including comprehensive details of key achievements and responsibilities) along with a covering letter which fully addresses the competencies outlined in the role description and person specification.

The closing date for applications is 09:00am (GMT) on Monday 17th February 2024.  

The Environmental Services Association will be supported in this appointment by executive search firm Perrett Laver. Any initial enquiries should be directed to Ryann Schutt at ryann.schutt@perrettlaver.com and +44 (0) 20 7340 6224.

Accessibility

For a conversation in confidence, please contact Ryann Schutt at ryann.schutt@perrettlaver.com and +44 (0) 20 7340 6224.

Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Bharti Aggarwal on bharti.aggarwal@perrettlaver.com.

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