Gareth Williams MSc, CENV, MIEMA

About Gareth

A Chartered Environmentalist and Full Member of IEMA, Gareth joined The HSQE Partnership in 2022 having spent the previous 18 years supporting some of the UK’s most recognisable organisations, developing and implementing robust ESG strategies that added real, measurable value to the communities in which they worked.

Formerly the Head of Sustainability for Avanti West Coast and Virgin Trains, and the Head of Environment for Northern Rail, Gareth’s areas of expertise include the creation and management of sustainability strategies, training programmes and communication campaigns, as well as the development of environmental management systems and data reporting methodologies.

A dyed in the wool rail specialist, his career began with Merseytravel in 2006, before moving to London to take on the role of Assistant Environmental Manager for TfL. During an 8 year stint at Northern Rail, he delivered what’s believed to be the first ISO 50001 certified environmental management system in the country, as well as the first ISO 14001:2015 certified environmental management system in the world.

Whilst at Virgin Trains he created a responsible business strategy and delivered the first calm corner on the rail network, helping Virgin become the first UK rail business to sign up to science-based targets. Never one to rest on his laurels, during his time at Avanti, his award winning team created an industry leading sustainability strategy, project managed the Climate Train wrap for COP 26, and delivered a sustainability leadership training programme, all whilst facilitating numerous sustainability funds to implement projects on accessibility and community enhancements at or around the stations.

Key responsibilities

• Creating, implementing and managing robust sustainability strategies, tailored to the unique requirements of each organisation
• Developing and implementing sustainability training programmes
• Advising on carbon calculation and reduction plans, waste and resource efficiency management, pollution prevention and water efficiency
• Advising on inclusion, diversity, and social value
• Creating, assessing, and auditing environmental management systems to ISO 14001 and 50001
• Developing and implementing sustainability related communications campaigns