Norfolk Environmental Skills Gap Analysis
Building the Skills Needed for a Sustainable Rural Future
Service Areas: Training, Facilitation & Leadership | Strategic Rural Advisory
At a Glance
Sector: Environmental Management & Workforce Development
Client Type: Environmental and Land-Based Sectors
Services Delivered: Research, Facilitation and Strategic Advisory
Key Outcome: Evidence to support future environmental workforce development
The Challenge
The transition to a more sustainable and environmentally focused economy is increasing demand for specialist knowledge and practical skills across land management, conservation and environmental sectors.
At the same time, many organisations face recruitment challenges and skills shortages that could limit their ability to deliver future environmental ambitions.
The challenge was to identify current and future workforce needs and create an evidence base to inform training, policy and investment decisions.
Our Approach
ARC supported the development of a comprehensive assessment of environmental skills needs across Norfolk.
Key activities included:
✅ Research and evidence gathering
✅ Stakeholder consultation
✅ Sector engagement and facilitation
✅ Skills needs analysis
✅ Development of recommendations and priorities
Results & Impact
✅ Current and future skills needs identified
✅ Evidence base for future workforce planning created
✅ Greater awareness of sector challenges
✅ Improved understanding of training requirements
✅ Better informed policy and investment decisions
✅ Stronger foundations for future environmental delivery
Why It Matters
Achieving environmental goals requires more than policy and funding. It depends on people with the skills, confidence and expertise to deliver change. This project provides an important foundation for developing the workforce needed to support Norfolk’s environmental and rural economy ambitions.