In this episode of EnvCast, we discuss the Environment Top 5 things to consider about influencing others as an environmental professional. We cover influence from a behaviour change perspective and from within policy.
Our guests discuss both areas in terms of current trends, policy changes (EPR, fast fashion, climate ambassador programme, bag levy and more.
Chapters:
Subtopic 1: Influencing others through behaviour change – 3:11
Subtopic 2: Influencing policy makers and why it's important – 12:07
Subtopic 3: Achieving behaviour change in practice (examples) – 22:02
Subtopic 4: Effectively influencing policy makers in practice (examples) – 31:49
Subtopic 5: Top takeaways and advice for influencing others – 43:11
Speaker bios:
Laura Mayhew-Manchón CEnv is Head of Sustainability at Nottingham Trent University. As a member of the Estates Senior Management Team, she takes a lead role in the delivery of NTU’s Embracing Sustainability strategy and Net Zero Carbon (NZC) targets, by providing direction and accountability in these areas. She leads the University's Sustainability Team formed of 11 multidisciplinary specialists, who together drive performance on institutional sustainability objectives, and educate and empower the entire NTU community to place sustainability at the heart of everything NTU does across its 6 campuses and +40,000 staff and students.
Before joining NTU, Laura carried out a number of environmental specialist roles across facilities management, construction, higher education, local government, and healthcare, resulting in over 20 years of experience accrued within private, public, and not-for-profit organisations across the UK and Europe. Laura is a Chartered Environmentalist, a Full Member of ISEP, and an EMS Lead Auditor.
Dr Sheryl Lee CEnv, Senior Analyst - Waste and Recycling, WRAP is a Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Resource and Waste Manager with over 25 years experience across academia, government, industry, and the third sector. At WRAP, she leads on waste data modelling and policy analysis, helping shape national strategies for recycling and resource efficiency.
Her work supports UK Governments and industry stakeholders with evidence-based insights, whether it’s forecasting infrastructure needs,
mapping plastic waste flows, or evaluating the impact of Simpler Recycling regulations. Sheryl has co-authored reports like the Glass Roadmap 2024 and led transnational research on circular economy initiatives.
She holds a PhD in Local Authority recycling and has worked across enforcement, consultancy, and academic research. Her career demonstrates a consistent focus on applying robust data analysis and evidence based approaches to support strategic decision-making in the waste and resources sector.
Professional registration:
Registered status as a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) or Registered Environmental Technician (REnvTech) are available. To find out more about our registrations visit: https://socenv.org.uk/professional-re...
environment, behaviour change, policy, environmental, sustainability, conservation, eco-friendly, green living, ocean conservation, forest conservation, sustainable development, natural resources, green technology, carbon, biodiversity, environmental policy, chartered environmentalist, professional development, educational, environment education, green jobs, green business, green skills.

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