Our People
Our people are central to the success of the Group, and we recognise their central role in supporting the delivery of our sustainability targets and a sustainable future. We have a wealth of expertise in delivering research, education, innovation and estates that have sustainable development embedded in throughout the programmes we deliver.
Our Sustainability Operating Committee consists of representatives across the Group who are able to contribute to the overall delivery of the Sustainable Development Strategy.
We also have a range of working groups where people are involved are delivering on particular aspects, projects or situational topics.
Overall, governance of sustainable development sits with the Coventry University Group Senior Leadership Team and specifically Professor Ian Marshall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Group COO and CEO, CUAS, CUMSL.
See our Governance Structure for further information.
The Sustainability Team support and coordinate activity across the Group as well as leading on the infrastructure, operational and environmental management aspects of sustainable development. Contact envteam.est@coventry.ac.uk to reach the Team.
- Selina Fletcher (Head of Sustainability and Environment)
- Jo Sharman (Sustainability Manager)
- Michael Checkley (Deputy Head of Sustainability - Decarbonisation)
- Energy Manager (Vacant)
- Ellie Rathbone (Energy and Data Administrator)
- Brendan O'Reilly (Sustainable Transport Manager)
- Obiajulu Iweka (Sustainability Reporting Specialist)
- Robert Everitt (Sustainability Assistant)
- Paid Student Ambassador posts equating to 0.5 FTE
Alongside the Sustainability Team several colleagues also have a role in sustainability within their own operational areas:
- David Drysdale (Waste and Recycling Officer) looks after waste management and legal requirements.
- Ais Reynolds (Catering and Retail Manager)
Our Sustainability and Clean Growth Research Theme is led by Professor Carl Perrin Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) (Non-Academic Engagement), supported by Research Colleagues from across research centers.
Within the curriculum Andrew Turner (Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Curriculum) has overall responsibility for the curriculum. Academic staff within colleges also sustainability in their teaching.
Dr Jaliyyah Ahmadu-Bello (Assistant Professor Academic - Sustainability Champion and PRME Lead) leads on sustainable development within the College of Business and Law. Jaliyyah cofounded the Coventry University Education for Sustainable Development Working Group which actively engage in supporting staff to embed sustainability into their teaching. She is member of the University’s Ethical Investment Working Group contributing to the delivery of the University’s Ethical Investment Policy and is the 2021 CEEMAN Responsible Management Educator of the Year.
Dr Matt Blackett is the Curriculum Lead for Energy and Environment with the School of Engineering, Environment and Science with oversight of 10 undergraduate and postgraduate courses in this field of study.
Academic Development Colleagues, including Nikki Cartwright and Peter Harrison support curriculum development activity relating to sustainable development.
Supporting and empowering our teams
A range of internal working groups and networks help to bring people together to share knowledge and gain inspiration, these include the Staff Sustainability Champions Network and the Education for Sustainability Staff Network, find out more in the Governance Structure document.
We also promote external events and training to staff such as those available through our membership of the Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education (EAUC), Principles for Management in Education (PRME) and Responsible Futures and Sustainability West Midlands (SWM).
Internally, sustainability is included in the staff induction information for all staff to gain an appreciation of how sustainability is fundamental to the Group’s overall strategy. Various training activities are also available to staff including Carbon Literacy training, examples are provided in the Sustainability training for staff document.
