Recognising Commitment: ONR Employee Included in Environmental Industry 'Power List'

Emma Lui, a Policy Advisor in ONR’s Policy and Communications team, was nominated for her committed work on the diversity agenda.

The ‘Power List’ selects the 100 UK environmental professionals who have made the greatest impact in the past two years – as nominated by their colleagues, clients and competitors.

The ENDS Report is a UK environmental journalism organisation, covering domestic and international environmental policy, legislation and business, and delivers news and analysis across the carbon, environmental and sustainability agenda.

Along with her role at ONR, Emma has been a trustee of the UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA) since 2019.

She has special responsibilities on the UKELA Council for Student Support and Competitions, Young UKELA, and Diversity and Inclusion.

The nomination, from Emma’s UKELA colleagues, said: “Emma is working hard to ensure UKELA, and the environmental legal profession in general, acknowledges that it is not very diverse and works hard to remove barriers and unconscious bias from the sector so that it can become more representative of wider society.

“Emma has been a real catalyst in this important agenda, working, of course, with others.”

Emma said: “I was shocked and beyond delighted to be nominated – it was such a lovely surprise to see my name on that list.

“There are so many people I admire for their passion, expertise and work in the environment sector on it.

“I am honoured to be considered in their company.

“I first joined UKELA in 2013 as a student member during my Environmental Law Masters studies.

“I’m aware from experience that systemic and overlooked barriers to diversity and inclusion in the environmental legal sector continue to exist.

“These need to be addressed, otherwise the sector will lose out on talent from under-represented backgrounds through lack of access and support.

“I’m thrilled to have been recognised by the ENDS Power List for my work through UKELA in trying to make real changes for a more diverse and inclusive profession.”