Memorandum 19
Submission from the Institute of Ecology
and Environmental Management (IEEM)
FUNDING FOR
EQUIVALENT OR
LOWER QUALIFICATIONS
(ELQS)
I am writing to express concern about the proposal
to phase out support given to institutions for students taking
second qualifications of an equivalent or lower level (ELQs) to
their first qualifications. IEEM believes that this would have
a particular impact on students wishing to enter the environmental
profession. These courses attract a significant number of mature
students who are looking to change direction in their careers.
Such students are often able to make a valuable contribution through
the combination of their past experiences combined with the knowledge
and skills acquired through an environmental degree.
Any reduction in the number of students wishing
to take environmental degrees is of particular concern at present
due to the prominence of environmental concerns. In addition,
the growth of environmental legislation is increasing the need
for qualified environmental professionals to advise industry and
governments.
Despite this growth in the sector, recruitment
to environmental courses is currently not strong. This has lead
to serious concerns within the industry about a shortage of appropriately
qualified graduates wishing to enter the environmental sector.
It seems likely that the removal of funding for applicants with
ELQs will make it impossible for some potential students to developing
a career in the environmental field because of the financial commitment
of taking a full-cost degree. This will further exacerbate the
skills shortage as well as denying these people the opportunity
to continue lifelong learning.
IEEM has only just been made aware of the Government's
decision to phase out support given to institutions for students
taking second qualifications of an equivalent or lower level (ELQs)
to their first qualifications and this letter should be regarded
as an initial response. Further information on the career paths
of IEEM members and the significant diversity of backgrounds in
this profession can be supplied if required
January 2008
IEEM BACKGROUND
IEEM is the professional Institute supporting
professionals in the fields of ecology and environmental management.
The Institute was established in 1991 and currently has over 3,200
members drawn from local authorities, government agencies, industry,
environmental consultancy, teaching/research, and voluntary environmental
organisations.
The objectives of the Institute are:
— to advance the science, practice
and understanding of ecology and environmental management for
the public benefit in the United Kingdom and internationally;
— to further the conservation and enhancement
of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological processes and life
support systems essential to a fully functional biosphere;
— to further environmentally sustainable
management and development;
— to promote and encourage education,
training, study and research in the science and practice of ecology,
environmental management and sustainable development; and
— to establish, uphold and advance
the standards of education, qualification, competence and conduct
of those who practise ecology and environmental management as
a profession and for the benefit of the public.
IEEM is a member of SocEnv (The Society for
the Environment), EFAEP (The European Federation of Associations
of Environmental Professionals) and IUCN (The World Conservation
Union). IEEM has also signed up to the Countdown 2010 agreement
to halt the loss of biodiversity.
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