CIWM Past President, and current Trustee and Fellow, Dr Adam Read, has been recognised with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024 for services to advancing the waste and resources agenda.
A leading figure in the sector, Dr Read has supported the advancement of the resources and waste management sector and helped it to transition from its traditional roots to assume a vital position at the heart of the emerging circular economy, and a fundamental role in the value chain supporting decarbonisation across multiple sectors and industries.
Dr Adam Read MBE said: “I’m honoured to have my work for CIWM and the sector recognised with an MBE and would like to thank CIWM for nominating me.
“I’m touched by their kind words and enormously grateful for the support they have given me over the years. As someone who is passionate about the work our sector does and who values giving back to support those pursuing a career in waste and resources, I’m very proud to have made an impact.
“CIWM and the sector more widely have been great to me over the last 30 years, from my professional and personal development to my family, the travel opportunities, and the great people I have worked with and for.
“I couldn’t have done any of this alone and I’d like to thank everyone who has joined me on my journey so far.
“But it’s far from over, I have plenty more time and energy to give and am more motivated than ever to see our short-term policy priorities delivered, to equip the workforce of the future with the skills we will need, and to shape the sector’s contribution to net zero as we develop a more circular economy both here in the UK and around the globe.”
Work as CIWM President
In his presidential year, Dr Read focused on championing the skills needed to adequately resource the sector for the future, with his presidential report providing guidance for this rapidly evolving sector as it transitions to more circular solutions.
Since his presidency, Dr Read has continued to advance the skills agenda, volunteering as Chair of the CIWM Skills for the Future Working Group, and as Chair of the waste and resource management task and finish group (part of the UK Government’s Green Jobs Delivery Group).
A member of CIWM for almost 30 years, his extensive voluntary work for the organisation has also included sitting on and chairing regional committees and membership of the Climate Emergency Strategic Expert Group, which recently published a paper highlighting the vital role the sector can play in mitigating climate change.
Dr Read has mentored and supported hundreds of CIWM members and young professionals coming into the industry.
Commenting on the news, CIWM’s CEO, Sarah Poulter, said: “Adam’s recognition is extremely well deserved, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and personally thank him for his service to CIWM and the wider sector.
“Adam is a natural leader, a fact that was reflected in his efforts to ensure that CIWM and the waste and resources agenda was properly represented during COP26.
“His commitment to green skills and diversity, together with his passion for promoting the sector to employees of the future, is unparalleled, and we look forward to continuing to benefit from his experience and enthusiasm for many years to come.’
Career in waste management
Dr Read has taken up numerous guest speaking opportunities at schools and universities, helping young people to understand the need for more effective resource management and promoting the varied career opportunities that exist within the sector.
He spent seven years researching and publishing his PhD on waste management policy failure at Kingston University.
In his career, Dr Read has held several senior roles at global strategic, environmental and engineering consultancies including Ricardo, before joining SUEZ recycling and recovery UK in 2017, where he is Chief Sustainability & External Affairs Officer.
As a member of the company’s senior management team, he has responsibility for central government and stakeholder engagement and liaison, thought leadership, sustainability reporting and performance, and communications.
John Scanlon, chief executive officer for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said: “This recognition of Adam’s contribution to the sector is a testament to his hard work, dedication, enthusiasm and expertise.
“Over three decades, he has amassed a huge amount of knowledge and insight, and he has a talent for conveying this in a way that inspires others wherever he goes – whether he’s addressing an industry conference, spending a day out working with one of our crews, running a workshop with university students or sitting on a government working group, his commitment to continuously improving our sector shines through.
“He’s the driving force behind the green skills agenda for the waste and resources industry, recognising that not only do we need to attract the next generation of talent to come and work in the sector, we also need an education and training framework that equips them with the skills and competences for a circular economy.
“On behalf of us all at SUEZ, I’d like to congratulate Adam and I look forward to working with him over the coming years as policy reforms are implemented and we see progress towards the more resource-efficient economy that Adam has long championed.”
