Sion Atkins

Desiring to work in environmental consulting, I returned to university to get a masters in hydrogeology and was hired by an environmental consultancy. There I focused on site audits, investigations and reporting against standards, and – drawing on my experience in financial auditing and assurance – assurance engagements for renewable obligation certificates.

Two years into my environmental consulting job, I saw an ERM Certification & Verification Services (CVS) job advertisement. The job description matched the things I enjoyed most at work, but here was an opportunity to be able to do what I love 100 percent of the time. I had the right skill set to meet the company’s needs for corporate assurance, so I applied and was hired two years ago.

At ERM CVS, my assignments vary from project to project, but focus on assurance against internationally recognized standards. Over the past two years, I have conducted assurance of greenhouse gas data using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, corporate sustainability reports against the GRI standards, carbon neutrality claims using PAS 2060, and greenhouse inventories against the ISO 14064 standards.

I have had the opportunity to visit client sites throughout Europe and beyond, including Bulgaria, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. During the course of my work, I find it especially energizing when I meet passionate and enthusiastic client staff who are pushing important sustainability issues within their own organizations.

Doing something I enjoy is a big part of why I changed careers. Working at ERM CVS gives me a strong sense of fulfilment. My colleagues are proud of what we do. The Partners know how to motivate us and give the support that we need to advance professionally. Our CEO’s engagement and openness with staff is fantastic and says a lot about our company’s outlook and culture. You do not see this in many other companies.