Bury Council officer recognised in national environmental Power List

Sally Shaw, Environmental Protection Officer at Bury Council and Co-Chair of the National Contaminated Land Officers Group (NCLOG), has been recognised in the prestigious ENDS Report Power List 2026 for her outstanding contribution to the contaminated land profession.

Sally, a respected specialist in contaminated land management, was recognised for her leadership, technical expertise and commitment to supporting environmental professionals across the UK.

The ENDS Report Power List highlights the most influential figures working to protect and improve the environment, and Sally's inclusion reflects both her personal achievements and the wider contribution of contaminated land officers working in local authorities nationwide.

Alongside her role at Bury Council, Sally serves as Co-Chair of the National Contaminated Land Officers Group (NCLOG), the national voice for contaminated land officers in local authorities across the UK.

NCLOG works to promote consistent, high-quality regulation and management of land contamination, supports professional development and provides a forum for knowledge sharing across the sector. NCLOG is part of the Institution of Environmental Sciences' Environmental Policy Implementation Community (EPIC).

Sally was praised by colleagues and peers as "a tireless advocate" for excellence in contaminated land work, with expertise spanning regulatory frameworks, risk assessment, remediation and stakeholder engagement. Those nominating her highlighted her commitment to training, mentoring and supporting the development of others in the profession, as well as her instrumental role in establishing NCLOG as a respected authority within the UK contaminated land sector.

At Bury Council, Sally plays a key role in supporting major regeneration and development projects, ensuring that land affected by contamination is properly assessed and managed so that development can proceed safely and sustainably. Her current work includes providing specialist advice on significant schemes such as Pyramid Park, Mondi and Bealeys Industrial Estate. She also supports community growing initiatives through the Right to Grow programme and is working with colleagues to strengthen the council's approach to contaminated land advice at the earliest stages of development projects.

Sally Shaw, Environmental Protection Officer, said:

"I am incredibly honoured to be included in the ENDS Report Power List 2026. While the recognition carries my name, I see it as a reflection of the dedication and expertise of contaminated land officers working in local authorities across the country."

"Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it is essential to protecting public health, supporting regeneration, enabling biodiversity improvements and ensuring land is safe for communities to use and enjoy."

"I was nominated through my involvement with NCLOG, and I hope this recognition helps shine a light on the important work the group does in bringing practitioners together, sharing knowledge and strengthening standards across the sector."

Chris Horth, Unit Manager, Environment and Sally's manager at Bury Council, said:

"Sally's recognition is richly deserved. She combines exceptional technical knowledge with a genuine commitment to supporting colleagues and developing the profession nationally."

"At Bury Council, Sally provides invaluable expertise on some of our most complex development and regeneration projects. Her work helps ensure that growth and investment can be delivered responsibly while protecting residents, communities and the environment."

"We are extremely proud that her contribution has been recognised at a national level."

Councillor Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations, said:

"I am delighted to see Sally recognised in the ENDS Report Power List. This is a significant achievement and highlights the calibre of expertise we have within Bury Council."

"Contaminated land specialists play a vital role in supporting regeneration, environmental protection and public health, yet much of this important work takes place out of the spotlight. Sally's recognition provides an opportunity to celebrate not only her achievements but also the contribution of professionals working in this field across local government."

"On behalf of Bury Council, I congratulate Sally on this well-earned recognition and thank her for the outstanding work she continues to do for our borough and the wider profession."

ENDS

Note to Editors

More information about NCLOG can be found at: https://www.the-ies.org/communities/nclog

The Institution of Environmental Sciences announcement can be found at: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/institution-of-environmental-sciences_power-list-2026-sally-shaw-activity-7467589698882891776-3jE7/