Vicki Hughes appointed CIWM Fellow

New CIWM Fellow committed to gender equality and diversity in the UK waste and recycling sector. 

Vicki Hughes, Group Business Development Director at Enva, has attained Fellowship of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) for her outstanding contribution the UK waste and recycling sector. 

Vicki was recognised for her contribution as a CIWM Trustee and her work as a Technical Lead for the Wood Recycling Association.  

A pioneer of wood recycling in the UK, Vicki is passionate about attracting young talent into the sector and increasing awareness of the numerous, diverse and exciting career opportunities that it offers. Within this lies a particular commitment to addressing the gender imbalance in senior roles and a willingness to lead the way for young women, helping them plot a pathway through what remains a male-dominated industry.  

On a practical level this will involve Vicki mentoring young people via the CIWM Mentoring scheme and continuing to participate in events and programmes designed to increase inclusion and breakdown barriers to employment.  

Commenting on her Fellowship Vicki said: “I hope to utilise my Fellowship and experience of the sector to open more doors for young people and particularly women wanting to build careers in the environmental and sustainability sector. A vital part of this is better engagement with schools, colleges and universities but equally we need role models and proof that it is possible to succeed in this industry irrespective of gender or background. A lack of confidence can be far more of a hindrance to success than ability or qualifications. Becoming a Fellow of CIWM was a goal I set for myself and hopefully seeing me achieve this will give confidence to others and inspire them to set and achieve goals of their own.”

“Being awarded Fellowship of CIWM serves as formal recognition of an individual’s outstanding achievements in the field of resources and waste management,” said Sarah Poulter, CEO of CIWM. “CIWM Fellows are peer-assessed, so it truly is an accolade to be acknowledged in this way by leading professionals within our sector.”