MGC, 1975 Leaver
The aim of INSPIRE is to embed sustainability throughout the university’s culture, campus and curriculum. Jane has won a number of UK wide awards for this work and in 2017 become an associate faculty member in Harvard University.
From 2007- 2011, Jane was Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing in Wales where she proposed legislation to make sustainable development its central organising principle – the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act came into law in April 2015. She created a Welsh Climate Change Commission and Future Generations Commissioner, the 800 mile Wales coast path, legislated on waste which has seen Wales become the lead recycling country in Britain - and third in the world for municipal recycling - and introduced the Welsh charge on carrier bags which led the way across the UK.
From 2000 – 2007, Jane was Minister of Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills in Wales. She introduced curriculum changes to create a Foundation Phase (3-7) the Welsh Baccalaureate and integrated Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship into the Welsh curriculum. She also pioneered free primary school breakfasts, the Education Maintenance Allowance and additional grants to Welsh university students from low-income backgrounds.
Jane is a patron of the Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and Tools for Self Reliance Wales (TFSR Cymru). She holds honorary fellowships from IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment), WWF, CIW (Chartered Institute of Waste), CIWEM (Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management). She contributes regularly to international expert events eg Harvard University, Salzburg Global, SOIF (School of International Futures), Sustainable Brands and the Caux Dialogue on Land and Security. She is a RSA Fellow and chairs the RSA in Wales.
What does success look like?
First they ignore you, then they say you’re mad, then dangerous, then there’s a pause and then you can’t find anyone who disagrees with you. That’s how progress happens. (Tony Benn)
What is your best piece of advice?
Be persistent. Don’t give up. Achieving is 10% talent, 10% hard work, 80% luck so be ready for each opportunity as it comes and take it. Carpe diem.