Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 56
56
Accepted
Ecology qualifications often lack sufficient practical elements for professional practice.
Conclusion
Qualifications in ecology may not always contain sufficient practical elements in the courses that equip future ecologists with the necessary skills for professional practice. The Committee has heard that some students may require additional training to develop the necessary competencies needed for professional roles after gaining formal qualifications such as degrees; this can add to planning delays and capacity issues in the sector. (Conclusion, Paragraph 189)
Government Response Summary
The government does not consider establishing separate ecological resource hubs is necessary, citing existing investments and close work with the sector to monitor capacity.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
104. In light of these substantial investments to strengthen capacity across the system, the Government does not consider that establishing separate ecological resource hubs is currently necessary. We will, however, continue to work closely with the sector to monitor capacity and keep this position under review. Recommendation 34: We recommend that the Government, via Skills England, begins working with ecology qualification providers to standardise and embed essential practical components into ecology course design, by April 2026. This is to ensure that courses are geared towards modern policy demands and individuals are sufficiently equipped with the necessary skills for their professional practice. This should include training on the planning system for ecologists. (Paragraph 190, page 71) Government Response: 105. We continue to work closely with Skills England, local planning authorities, planning schools, professional bodies and sector stakeholders to strengthen the planning workforce, improve recruitment, retention, skills and promote innovation. 106. As set out in our response the recommendation 34, the Government already supports local planning authorities with ecology through recruitment, skills development and specialist training.