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The theme for the IAIA 24 conference, “Impact Assessment for a Just Transformation,” highlights the critical role that impact assessment professionals play in driving sustainable and equitable change. Leadership training is of paramount importance for impact assessment professionals, as it equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively navigate the complexities of the field and maximize their influence on IA projects.
The training course on leadership aligns closely with the conference theme, as it recognizes the need for enhanced leadership skills within the IA community. The course acknowledges that impact assessment professionals are not only responsible for managing the technical aspects of an IA process but also for engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders and collaborating with project teams to deliver sustainability outcomes.
As environmental, social, and compliance issues increasingly pose risks to project costs and schedules, IA leaders have a unique opportunity to integrate environmental considerations into project planning and design decisions. To do so effectively, IA team leaders require skills and knowledge beyond what is traditionally taught in professional and academic institutes.
The leadership training course fills this gap by examining the specific leadership roles that IA professionals perform and providing practical tools for effective communication, negotiation, and influencing. It delves into the dynamics of project teams and explores opportunities to apply learned skills in real-world scenarios. Moreover, the course emphasizes personal reflection and self-development, aiming to uncover and enhance the existing leadership skills of IA professionals while fostering the mindset of an IA leader.
By investing in leadership training, impact assessment professionals can elevate their ability to lead IA processes, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and drive positive change in pursuit of a just transformation.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Prerequisites: General experience in managing or coordinating IA professional teams through to Impact Statement submission/review. An interest in self-development, particularly leadership & management level skills to enhance personal and project team performance. Increase ability to influence IA professional outcomes within projects and improve the effectiveness of IA practice in general.
Language: English
Duration: 2 days (22-23 April)
Min/Max: 10-30
Price: US $480
Instructors:
Ross Marshall, Founder and Director, Leading Green (UK)
Palash Sanyal, Advisor, Coach and Trainer (Canada)
Ross Marshall
Dr. Ross Marshall has since 1989 been conducting ESIA, building up ESIA teams and providing executive oversight to major infrastructure projects in the UK Power & Energy, Waste & Water, Utility and Climate Change Adaptation sectors. Between 2004-17 he was Deputy Director of the UK Environment Agency with responsibility for ESIA & SEA, before leaving to create Leading Green, a training and advisory consultancy uniquely specializing in ESIA, EMS and Sustainability leadership development and team performance, working closely with industry and governmental organization internationally. Ross is a Past-President of IAIA, sits on the Training & Professional Development Committee, and is an active IAIA coach & mentor for IAIA’s PDP Course: “Foundations of Impact Assessment.” He is also a former IEMA director (UK) and ESIA professional competency examiner and loves bad jokes.
Palash Sanyal
Palash Sanyal is an Executive and Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach, working with leaders in multiple industries building teams, exploring edge, and resolving conflict in multiple countries. Palash serves on the Boards of the International Association of Public Participation Canada (IAP2), Sandbox Mutual Insurance, WaterAid Canada and Royal College International, and government committees in Canada. He is the founder of Cedar Aspen Coaching Initiative, that helps companies with impact assessment and developing sustainability strategy.
Palash holds three master’s degrees in environmental engineering, development economics, and water security. With over a decade of experience in ESIA, water risk and management, Palash is committed to creating space to listen and learn together while addressing global water security − one of the world’s most pressing challenges. Previously he led strategic partnership and project management for the top water and food research institutes in Canada, and also worked with IFAD, TED Talks and Ricardo UK.