Volunteer Expert Panel Member

Surrey County Council; England; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking council in shaping Surrey's climate action plan! This is a unique volunteer opportunity to contribute your expertise to a new 5-year Climate Change Delivery Plan. Collaborate with top-tier experts, provide insights on sustainable solutions, and help drive impactful change for a greener future. Your contributions will play a crucial role in achieving Surrey's net-zero target by 2050. If you are passionate about environmental sustainability and eager to make a difference, this is your chance to leave a lasting legacy.

Qualifications

• Passion for environmental sustainability and expertise in climate-related fields.
• Ability to provide expert insights and recommendations for climate strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert insights on proposed climate strategies.
• Assess the effectiveness of key actions and policies.
• Influence high-level decision-making on climate policy.

Skills

Green Finance

Behaviour Change

Sustainable Buildings

Sustainable Transport

Climate Adaptation

Placemaking

Businesses and Climate Change

Climate Science

Job description

• Directorate: Environment, Property & Growth
• Location: Surrey

Description

Join Our Expert Panel: Contribute to Shaping the Future of Climate Action in Surrey!

We are looking for 10 volunteers with a wide mix of skills and experience to collectively provide the Council with expert advice to inform Surrey's next 5-year climate change plan between May and November this year.

This is an unremunerated post. The group will meet at least three times over a six-month period, with your expertise and contributions expected to total approximately 12 hours per month. The first meeting will be held in Reigate on Tuesday 3rd June (2-3:30pm). Members of the Panel will provide expert insights and influential advice to help us steer the new plan.

If this volunteer opportunity resonates with you, please read the information below and complete the required application questions.

About the Climate Change Delivery Plan

We are excited to announce that Surrey County Council is creating a new 5-year Climate Change Delivery Plan, which will run from 2026 to 2031. This new plan is focused on implementing cost-effective actions and ensuring that all residents are empowered to lead more sustainable lives.

Our current climate change delivery plan runs from 2021 to 2025, and now it's time to build upon that foundation. Achieving Surrey's 2050 net-zero target requires a collective effort — over 95% of reductions depend on action from residents, businesses, and public sector bodies. We are working hard to ensure that Surrey is a leader in the transition to low-carbon energy, travel, and infrastructure.

Now, we need YOU to be a part of it!

We're forming a Climate Change Expert Panel that will provide expert insights and advice to help us finalise the new plan. Are you passionate about environmental sustainability and skilled in areas like the ones below? If so, we would love you to apply:

• Green Finance
• Behaviour Change
• Sustainable Buildings
• Sustainable Transport
• Climate Adaptation
• Placemaking
• Businesses and Climate Change
• Climate Science

About the Expert Panel

The Expert Panel is a Task and Finish Group that will run between May and November. It is a sub-group of the Greener Futures Board (which it will report into), chaired by Cabinet Member Marisa Heath and Nathalie Hinds from the University of Surrey's Sustainability Institute.

The Expert Panel will have a dedicated Secretariat run by the Council. If set up, it will also work with a citizens panel.

The Expert Panel will be convened by the Surrey Climate Commission (with support from SCC's Greener Futures Team) and will have a minimum of 3 meetings. Over 6-months (May-November), the Panel will meet to review evidence and actions at key points in the development of the plan. We expect approximately 12 hours dedicated time per month for your expertise and contribution

What you will do:

• Provide expert insights on proposed climate strategies.
• Assess the effectiveness and feasibility of key actions and policies.
• Offer recommendations for improvement to ensure the plan's success.
• Help drive real, measurable change for a sustainable future.
• Influence high-level decision-making on climate policy.
• Collaborate with a network of top-tier experts.
• Be at the forefront of innovative climate solutions.
• Contribute to a lasting legacy of positive environmental change.

Apply Today

This is your chance to make a meaningful impact on the most pressing issue of our time. Together, we can build a better tomorrow.

Let's work together to shape the future of Surrey's climate action plan and achieve a sustainable future for all.

To apply you will need to upload your CV and answer the following questions. (no more than 250 words per response):

• Why are you interested in becoming a member of the climate change expert panel?
• What expertise can you contribute to shaping Surrey's 5-year Climate Change Plan?
• In your opinion, what are the most critical actions that Surrey County Council should prioritise in its next 5-year climate plans, and why?
• Working in a multidisciplinary team is essential for creating impactful climate solutions. Do you have an example of how you have collaborated to ensure that diverse perspectives are taken into account?

The job advert closes at 23:59 on the 29th May 2025.