Deputy Director, Climate Change Legislation and Policy Division, DAERA
Since March 2025, John has held the role of Deputy Director in the Climate Change Legislation and Policy Division of DAERA. He has oversight responsibility for the development of the Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme, leading on engagement with the UK Government and other Devolved Administrations on UK wide Net Zero policy, bringing forward Regulations to establish the Northern Ireland Just Transition Commission and setting Carbon Budgets as well as oversight of the NI Executive participation in international COP events.
In his role he also has oversight for the Departments funding towards a range of delivery projects which work towards raising awareness of climate change with schools, community groups and businesses.
Over the past 25 years John has held a variety of other roles in the Civil Service including as Area Manager over NIEA’s Country Parks and Nature Reserves which included all aspects of visitor and site management across over 65 properties across Northern Ireland. He has previously also held roles leading on invasive species policy development and freshwater priority species conservation projects.
Judge in the Nature & Biodiversity Award category of the Responsible Business Awards. Find out more at www.bitcni.org.uk/awards.