Q&A Spotlight - Andy Ricketts

Introduction and Background

I work for WSP Environment & Energy as an Associate level consultant and have been with WSP since 2002 after graduating with an MA from Manchester University.  WSP Environment & Energy provide environmental, sustainability and energy consultancy to a range of local and international, public and private sector clients.  I specialise in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which is a technical assessment of the effects of new developments on the existing environment, and is often required as part of a suite of deliverables for planning applications.
 

Who / what is your inspiration?

I am not inspired by any one individual but am most inspired by people who enjoy what they do, have passion and are driven.  We all spend much of our lives working and I often get despondent with people who are persistently negative!  I’m a big fan of Birmingham since moving here in 2005 and think the city and wider area has so much going for it, particularly in terms of industrial history, architecture, the Arts, the expanding food scene and the people.  I’m also delighted to see the Big City Plan taking shape which will really increase Birmingham’s international status.  It’s also great to see major projects and significant new pieces of architecture under construction e.g. The Cube, New Street Station and The Library of Birmingham.
 

What prompted you to get involved in volunteering?

I became a member of Birmingham Future in October 2008 and joined the Diversity Committee in March 2009.  Birmingham Future has a well-established mentoring scheme in partnership with Birmingham City University and after a ‘Speed Networking’ event in October 2008, I signed up to the 2008/9 programme.  What particularly interested me in the mentoring scheme was the chance to pass on advice and wisdom (!) whilst in return giving me an understanding of the focus of planning and regeneration courses in Birmingham and technical developments in the field.  This has also led to opportunities for good quality, enthusiastic graduates at WSP.
 

Which / what type of organisation are you involved in?

Throughout the mentoring programme, I provided help and advice to my mentee, Dave. His assignments included a wide range of planning and design related topics.  On his EIA assignment, I was able to technically review the document and recommend articles and case studies.  Another involved designing and costing a new scheme for which I was able to provide access to a professional database. I also supported Dave in the increasingly difficult task of finding work experience.  I was very pleased that we were able to offer Dave a placement in WSP’s Environmental Planning team.  We continued in our mentee/mentor role into 2010 and we worked together on ensuring his dissertation project (relating to the Jewellery Quarter and its bid for World Heritage status) was focused and manageable. As a result of his placement, Dave can demonstrate practical experience and commercial skills, and I feel he is now in a great position that when he finishes his degree this summer (and possibly further studies) he will be one step ahead of the many emerging graduates.

What's the best thing about volunteering?

You get to meet a lot of great people at Birmingham Future and build a good understanding of the network of professionals across the city.  I’ve really enjoyed working as part of the Diversity Committee which has included assisting with a range of events from a speaker and dinner at the Hotel du Vin to a debate on integration in Birmingham (the Young Professional’s view).  The Diversity Committee, along with a number of other committees at Birmingham Future, is also continuing to provide support to Moseley School and now exploring opportunities with other schools.

Who have you met while volunteering?

I’ve met a range of people through working with Birmingham Future including the well-respected historian Carl Chinn and Sky news presenter Marverine Cole.  As well as a good network of people across a range of companies within the West Midlands, I have also retained a great relationship with my mentee from the 2008/9 Birmingham Future mentoring programme.
 

What project are you working on at the moment / would like to highlight? 

Birmingham Future is continuing to develop its relationship with Moseley School and facilitating the school in supporting and inspiring pupils to obtain careers in businesses within Birmingham's broad professional services sector, which includes legal, financial, property & construction, creative and recruitment.  The first ‘enrichment day’ took place on the 25th January 2010 with further support currently being planned.  The workshops run by members of Birmingham Future relate to those themes which give pupils an insight into professional careers and the soft skills needed to flourish in professional environments.  Workshops already completed included those led by an intellectual property lawyer, professional fundraiser and a surveyor.  We are now looking at providing support to another school within the local area.

Why should others get involved?

If you’re interested in meeting great people, expanding your knowledge across a range of sectors and industries or would like to ‘give something back’, Birmingham Future is an established, well-connected and respected organisation.  Above all though, it is good fun and the events or meetings often end up with a good chat over a pint!  We’re always looking for volunteers so if you’re interested contact the Birmingham Future office on 0121 632 2200 or email info@birminghamfuture.co.uk.

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