AoC Sustainability and Green Skills Conference 2026

Sustainable Energy First is the UK’s largest privately owned specialist in energy procurement, carbon reduction and sustainability consulting. We help create sustainable energy opportunities for some of the UK’s most prominent businesses by reducing their environmental impact, managing energy use and achieving net-zero goals through tailored strategies, pioneering technology and expert support. We work to ensure your energy contract is the perfect fit for your organisation, your sustainability goals, growth plans, risk management and budget.

https://www.sefirst.com/

Jane Dickson is Partnerships Manager for the Climate Ambassadors programme, an initiative funded by DfE as part of their Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy, supporting education settings to develop and deliver impactful climate action plans. She is part of the project management team, works on partnership development and with the oversight board as well as with the nine regional delivery hubs. Jane has worked in various roles in the climate, education and creative sectors and is an experienced manager and producer working in strategic partnership, community of practice and network development and delivery roles.

Chris has over 30 years’ experience of sustainability delivery, health & Safety and, well-being within the private and public sectors. He joined Bridgend College around 18 years ago where he is Head of Sustainability, leading on a values-driven approach for sustainability across the organisation, aligning with the college strategic plan, curriculum strategies and the global imperatives.

He holds a Master degree and completed the post-graduate Certificate in leadership and Management.

Chris was a member of the Future Generations Bill Reference and Advisory Group and was formerly a Director for Cynnal Cymru and trustee for the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges.

Advanced Quality Practitioner, Initial Teacher Training and Sustainable Education Lead Heart of Worcestershire College With 20 years of experience in the FE and Skills sector, including in prison education and general FE Colleges, teaching from Pre-Entry to level 5, and from age 14 to 84, I work both in Initial Teacher Training, and in developing professional practice for colleagues. I’m passionate about creating inclusive, collaborative spaces where professional learning is driven by values as well as evidence. I recently completed an MA in Education for a Sustainable Environment, and am pursuing sustainable practices in our college and in our curriculum.