Changing Climate Policy in North & East Yorkshire

Sally Learoyd is a trustee for CPRE North & East Yorkshire (CPRE NEY), bringing with her a wealth of experience from a long career in the commercial sector, including 20 years as an HR director.

After stepping away from employed work in 2018, she trained and qualified as an executive coach and moved into leadership and career coaching on a part-time basis. Then, in 2020 she moved back up North to her roots in Yorkshire. Reflecting on this transition she says, ‘I’m in the fortunate position of having – for the first time in my working life – some time to be able to contribute beyond the here and now of work demands’. This shift has allowed her to channel her work experience and skills into her role as a trustee at CPRE NEY.

After her move back to Yorkshire, Sally has rekindled her love for the countryside, taking up long-distance solo hiking, and recently completing the Coast to Coast path. ‘So much research shows that being connected with green spaces and wild spaces is so good for people’s mental health, and I know personally that it’s my happy place.’ But her connection to the countryside goes beyond personal wellbeing.

Why Trusteeship Matters

Yorkshire is already feeling the effects of climate change, including fires, flooding and unpredictable storms. Given the urgent threat to the countryside, Sally feels compelled to act. ‘I fundamentally believe that the health and sustainability of the countryside that supporters and members love is so intrinsically bound up with climate change that if we don’t deal with the climate change issue, then the countryside we love will come under severe threat’.

Determined to make a meaningful impact, Sally sought a role where she could apply her skills to protect the countryside she loves. ‘I really wanted to find an opening where I could guide and direct my passions and bring some of my experience from the organisational world to good use in the not-for-profit sector.’ At CPRE NEY, she has found just that.

The Experience so far

CPRE NEY is a small group with no paid staff, so trustees wear many hats, from strategic governance to hands-on volunteering. ‘We do some what I’d call “sleeves rolled up” volunteer work, as distinct from the governance and strategic work of trusteeship.’ However, Sally, alongside her Trustee colleagues, also fulfils traditional trusteeship duties, ensuring that the organisation is well-run, that funds are used well and that the strategy is fit for purpose. Her experience in organisational leadership has been invaluable, especially in helping shape strategy and ensuring decisions are grounded in sound principles.

Changing Climate Policy

One of Sally’s key projects has been leading CPRE NEY’s climate change initiative. This has involved coordinating volunteers, conducting research, and engaging with local authorities to assess and help strengthen their planning policies on climate change related issues. For example, location and energy efficiency of new developments, incorporation of renewables, prioritisation of brownfield sites, protection of natural carbon stores including ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land and valued green spaces both large and small.

The team researched ambitions of local authorities on climate policy, not just in Yorkshire, but across the country: ‘It’s been really interesting to consider potential challenges from local authorities about the very real tensions that exist in this area and to understand where other authorities are making it work and how they’ve done it’. Using this research, they were able to make informed recommendations on best practice to their local authorities, to bridge the gap between policy and action.

Connecting the Dots

Sally’s work is focused on helping CPRE NEY to build stronger connections with decision-makers, amplifying their influence on planning and environmental policy. Trusteeship gives Sally the opportunity to campaign for good planning policy that delivers what communities need in a way that considers of the importance of the environment and the countryside. In particular, she feels that CPRE is uniquely positioned to coordinate and harmonise apparently competing priorities like these. ‘The reality is we’re only ever going to solve some of these problems and address the things that we care about if we work together with different parts of local government, national government, other bodies and other not for profits.’

Why become a trustee?

Sally believes that CPRE NEY can achieve more with input from a wider range of people – supporters, members, volunteers and trustees – harnessing a variety of passions, perspectives and capabilities to have lasting impact. She is working closely with CPRE NEY’s Chair to help strengthen and grow its board, so to those who love the countryside and who want to make a difference she says:

Inspired by Sally’s story?

If you’re passionate about the countryside, climate action, and community, and want to use your skills for good — consider becoming a trustee with your local CPRE group. Take a look at our volunteering pages and current opportunities or reach out to your local group directly.

You can find out more about CPRE North & East Yorkshire here. Check out the Instagram page here and Facebook page here.