Sarah Holmes, Legal Director, has received two national qualifications in recognition of her expertise in the waste, environment and sustainability sectors, becoming a Chartered Waste Manager as well as a Chartered Environmentalist.

Sarah, who has 27 years of practical experience in the sectors, is one of just a few solicitors to receive both qualifications, which are awarded by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and the Society for the Environment following a comprehensive application and interview process. The Chartered status recognises skill, experience and work at the highest possible standards for the waste and environmental sectors. 

Sarah commented: "I have been working in waste management and environmental issues for more than 25 years, providing clients with key legal expertise as well as driving the sustainability best practice here at Bond Dickinson and more widely. I am delighted to have become both a Chartered Waste Manager and a Chartered Environmentalist, demonstrating my passion for sustainability, including promotion of the circular economy.

"I am grateful for the support Bond Dickinson has provided me in putting my applications forward and this very positive result highlights the firm's commitment to continually challenge ourselves to raise our standards when it comes to sustainability and the quality of the services we provide."

“With her wealth of experience and professionalism, we are delighted that Sarah has progressed to Chartered status and we look forward to working with her, both in an individual capacity and through CIWM’s South West Centre,” says CIWM’s deputy chief executive Chris Murphy.

Bond Dickinson was also recently awarded the ISO14001 accreditation, the global gold standard accolade for environmental management and is working in close collaboration with the Legal Sustainability Alliance to reduce CO2 emissions and adopt environmentally sustainable practices. It is currently the only law firm to be an ambassador for the Right Waste, Right Place campaign, a national initiative aimed at raising awareness of the Duty of Care for waste amongst UK businesses.