Arboricultural Association (AA) member Simon Cox was presented with the Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) registration at AA’s annual Amenity Conference ‘Protect and Survive’. Following the event, we caught up with Simon to gain an insight into his plans and reasons behind his decision to become a CEnv.
The presentation of this CEnv registration is of particular significance because Simon is the first AA member to gain CEnv status in three years. He joins 61 other AA members as a CEnv and over 7,000 across all 24 professional bodies licensed by the Society for the Environment to award the CEnv registration.
Since gaining CEnv registration, Simon has decided to pursue his ambition to run his own arboricultural business. When asked what he does, Simon responded:
“It’s more about what I am going to do. Having spent my career to date employed I decided a change is in order. I am looking to develop a business offering technical or consultancy services specific to arboriculture and urban forestry.”
Simon continued by describing why he decided to apply to become a CEnv;
"I look around at my peers and reflect on what they have achieved, and around 70 of them hold the CEnv registration. I did it to be able to compare myself to others, for my knowledge and professional experience to be scrutinised and for the overall sense of achievement."
Simon admitted that he is in the "initial proud and smug phase", but has already updated his business cards and CV to include his new registration in order to showcase his expertise. He also offered advice to a number of fellow AA members currently completing the application process to become a CEnv; "Be specific, detailed and concise. Plus, get your work copy edited prior to submitting."
Keen to promote the CEnv registration, Simon confirms;
"I have already recommended the CEnv registration to other AA members. CEnv, on top of a Professional or Fellow membership, is another step up the progression path. It’s about being on a level playing field with, or higher than, my peers and competition."
Stewart Wardrop, Chief Executive of the Arboricultural Association and Simon’s former employer, congratulated Simon at the Amenity Conference by stating;
"Simon has clearly and carefully identified the tools required to enable his onward professional development, so it was no surprise when becoming a CEnv became the next career milestone and goal for him. Having this wide breadth of skills, knowledge and experience formally recognised clearly enables an element of differentiation in a very competitive marketplace."
Find out a little more about Simon by reading his CEnv case study »
The Society for the Environment attended the Amenity Conference as an exhibitor to speak with AA members about the benefits of becoming a CEnv. The conference itself included a number of expert CEnv speakers, as well as some fantastic side events for delegates to enjoy and learn from.
To find out more about becoming a CEnv please visit the CEnv page of the Society for the Environment’s website, contact our team or contact your professional body.