The Civil Service Climate and Environment Network (CSCEN) welcomed more than 1,000 civil and public servants in person in London, online, and at satellite viewing parties across the UK to its 2025 conference. The event, on 18 March 2025, was a testament to the dedication and passion of civil servants working towards a sustainable future.
A collaborative effort
Organising this conference was no small feat. I was fortunate to lead a team of 10 volunteers from across government, all of whom played a crucial role in making the event a success. Their hard work and commitment were truly inspiring, and it was a pleasure to see how effectively we could collaborate across different sectors to achieve a common goal.
On the day we were joined by a further 30 volunteers. The volunteers demonstrated exceptional teamwork and dedication, ensuring that every aspect of the conference ran smoothly. From co-ordinating logistics to managing communications, their efforts were invaluable.
A day of insight and inspiration
The conference featured a range of sessions and discussions on key topics such as climate change, the use of AI, and nature financing.
One of my personal highlights was the panel discussion I hosted with Rachel Kyte and Ruth Davis OBE, UK Special Representatives for Climate and Nature respectively.
They shared their insights on the international challenges facing both climate and nature, sparking thought-provoking conversations and inspiring many of us to continue our efforts in this critical area. Rachel and Ruth's perspectives on global environmental issues provided a deeper understanding of the complexities involved and the need for collaborative solutions. Their discussions emphasised the importance of the work the UK is doing internationally and left me with a few key takeaways:
- engage with scientific literature, don’t just read the headlines, dig deeper and follow your interests
- focus on action, acknowledge the problem but concentrate on what can be done, how we can adapt and build resilience
- open our eyes, remember what’s possible and strive towards it
Building connections across government
One of the most rewarding aspects of organising this conference was the opportunity to build connections across government. It was incredible to see the volume of work being done in the climate and environment space and to meet so many dedicated individuals who are making a difference.
These connections are invaluable, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my colleagues to drive positive change. The conference served as a platform for networking and exchanging ideas, fostering a sense of community among civil servants committed to sustainability. The enthusiasm and commitment of everyone involved was wonderful to see.
Personal reflections
Reflecting on the conference, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. It was heartening to witness the collective efforts of civil servants working towards a common goal of environmental sustainability.
The conference highlighted the diverse initiatives and projects underway across government, showcasing the innovative approaches being taken to address climate and environmental challenges. Seeing the volume of work going on in this space across government was eye-opening.
It reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and the importance of building cross-government connections. The conference provided a unique opportunity to learn from each other, share best practices, and explore new ideas.
Looking ahead
The success of this conference has only strengthened my resolve to continue making a difference through our work at the Government Actuary’s Department. Through working with my colleagues to deliver impactful advice and analysis to help the public sector navigate climate risks I am excited to see what we can achieve together in the future.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the Civil Service Climate and Environment Conference 2025. Your participation and support are what made this event a success, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such passionate and dedicated individuals.
Disclaimer
The views expressed are the author’s own and the opinions in this blog post are not intended to provide specific advice. For our full disclaimer, please see the About this blog page.