Harry Ferguson
Environment Agency
Give us a brief description of your background
My name is Harry Ferguson and I am a freshwater ecologist at the Environment Agency and an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) with a keen interest in improving and enhancing the natural environment.
As a disabled gay man I am also passionate about improving the working environment for all staff, irrespective of sexuality, gender, race, and other protected characteristics. I play a key role in implementing the Agency’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy; being the project manager for the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index submission which sets the bar for LGBT+ best practice across the organisation.
In my spare time I enjoy Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain.
Who/what inspires you?
I find inspiration in those who fight for what they believe in and go against the status quo; who aren’t afraid of difficult conversations, and are committed to making the working lives of others better!
What does the word leadership make you think of?
Recognising the best in people and driving them towards their true potential.
How do you feel about taking part in the Future Leaders programme?
I’m incredibly excited. Having just completed the first module I’m looking forward to increasing my network outside of the Agency and listening to the perspectives of others. In terms of my own development, I am eager to develop and strengthen skillsets in leadership so that I can apply throughout my career and be the best that I can be.
It’s also incredibly refreshing. After the past year and a half of COVID it is nice to meet some new faces and do something outside of the day to day operational activities of my day job.
What do you think are the keys to a sustainable future?
As with all things, facilitating a major cultural shift requires a huge educational effort. By educating people on how to make smarter, more environmentally friendly changes; sustainability will become part and parcel of our day to day lives subconsciously.
