Last week we had the pleasure of hosting Derek Munn (RCSLT’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs) for a conversation about RCSLT and sustainability.
It was a truly enlightening hour, in which we learnt not only about Derek and his environmental credentials (he was chair of the WWF-UK) but also what the RCSLT has been doing to work on sustainability. This includes:
- For the first time, sustainability is included in the 2022-2027 statement of organisation excellence.
- They have carried out an internal energy and building audit and have taken actions based on this (for example updating and replacing lighting, changing thermostat settings, ensuring IT suppliers have carbon zero certification).
- Staff travel is being considered
- Plastic wrapping was removed from the Bulletin in 2015 and they are now offering digital membership cards.
- RCSLT have been actively involved in development of the Greener AHP hub
- Conversations have begun re sustainability and the curriculum
Besides hearing from Derek we were also super pleased to have good attendance from new SLTs and SLTAs , and there were fruitful discussions around car usage and home visits and the social (and thus inherently sustainable) value of SLTs in addressing motivation in school settings.
Overall it was an evening that left me personally energised to continue having these conversations in my professional life. A lot has been done already but there is still a huge task ahead and we can look to other professional bodies as well for inspiration (e.g. several who have declared climate emergencies).
The RCSLT are keen to hear from SLTs re ideas for greening SLT practice.
What are your thoughts? Do you have ideas for either this and how we can best be supported as a profession to enable change?
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