Reviewing & Understanding EIAs, 23 May 2025

The Understanding and Reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) course equips decision-makers with the critical knowledge and skills to use EIAs effectively for the benefit of both projects and the communities they affect. It is tailored for local authority decision-makers, including planning officers and councillors overseeing development portfolios, as well as environment and sustainability consultants, planners, and established EIA practitioners. This course is particularly relevant for those involved in evaluating the impacts of projects and making informed, balanced decisions. Taught by Dr. Rufus Howard, a leading EIA professional, the course focuses on building an understanding of how EIAs inform decision-making processes. You will explore how to critically assess the quality of Environmental Statements, evaluate the adequacy of proposed mitigation measures, and identify key areas for further scrutiny. The course bridges technical knowledge with the practicalities of aligning EIA findings with community and stakeholder needs. Learning is delivered through a combination of expert-led lectures, group discussions, and real-world case studies. You will analyse actual EIAs to identify their strengths and weaknesses, gaining practical insights into how to interpret data and navigate complex environmental reports. Interactive workshops ensure that participants leave with actionable skills for applying EIA principles to real-life projects. By the end of the course, you will have a thorough understanding of how to review EIAs and utilise your findings to make well-informed, ethical, and legally sound decisions. The course also emphasises the importance of using EIAs to balance environmental protection with economic and social priorities, ensuring sustainable project outcomes. This highly engaging and practical course enables you to develop behaviours that enhance collaboration, accountability, and transparency in decision making. Armed with these insights and skills, you will be better equipped to use EIAs as a tool for safeguarding communities and the environment while supporting successful project development.