Environmental Clerk of Works (EnvCoW) Foundation Course

The Environmental Clerk of Works role is fundamental to the construction industry, providing advice and guidance on best practice in a variety of environmental issues on site. Our Environmental Clerk of Works (EnvCoW) Foundation course is designed for professionals looking for a broad basis of knowledge to support this role.

 

The course is aligned to Master’s level (SCQF Level 11) and has been developed in collaboration with industry bodies including SEPA and local planning authorities.

 

Accreditation

It is approved by the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) and we work closely with them to ensure the course is of a high quality and remains relevant to industry professionals.

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Audience

This course is for those providing any onsite environmental auditing and compliance services.  Alternatively, while you may not currently be working as an EnvCoW, we would expect delegates to have relevant practical or academic experience in a related field.

 

Prerequisites

Delegates should have a basic understanding of environmental constraints associated with the construction industry.  Course delegates may already be working as an EnvCoW or similar, or hold a relevant first degree and have industry experience.

 

Course content

Designed to be as interactive as possible, with live online sessions forming the basis of the course.  As well as enabling delegates to build upon practical on-site skills and their technical knowledge, the course enables delegates to develop their personal skills including effective communication.

 

A full outline of topics covered is highlighted below:

• What is an EnvCoW?
• Auditing
• Best Practice On Site
• Construction Processes and Contracts
• Ecology
• Emerging Risks
• Materials Management
• Mental health and Wellbeing
• Planning
• Waste Management
• Water Management

 

The course content will be accessible online for a limited time after the course has been delivered, allowing delegates to revisit the learning materials in order to consolidate their learning.

 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, delegates will be able to:

• Confidently apply critical understanding of the development of environmental protection and sustainability
• Confidently interpret legislative documentation
• Evaluate the effectiveness of control measures in relation to environmental impacts
• Identify issues in a range of project settings
• Communicate effectively in a variety of professional settings and environments
• Work independently to create programmes of management for environmental issues

 

Industry collaboration - Naturally Compliant

UWS believes that meaningful, practice-informed learning should be at the heart of everything we do. 

This course is delivered in collaboration with Naturally Compliant, who provide environmental consultancy resource to the construction sector. Working closely with Director Simon Knott, our EnvCoW course participants will benefit from his wealth of on-site experience and industry expertise as he guides learners through the latest legislation for environmental compliance.

 

 

Delivery

The course combines self-paced study via access to our Virtual Learning Environment and live online sessions.  These live online sessions typically take place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for the duration of the course from 10am to 12pm UK time.  Typically, the course comprises approximately 20 hours of contact time plus self-study.

A full timetable is available on request by contacting cpd@uws.ac.uk. 

  

Assessment

Delegates are assigned a case study at the start of the course and will use this to generate and submit a portfolio of short pieces of work over the duration of the course.  Delegates will also be asked to make a short presentation summarising their case study and findings, at the end of the course.

 

Course fee discount

A 20% discount is currently available to UWS alumni and staff, and members of the following Chambers of Commerce: Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, and Renfrewshire.  Please refer to the Funding support page for further details.

 

Industry Roundtable

We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming industry roundtable focused on the role of the Environmental Clerk of Works (EnvCoW), where we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities in this crucial field. 

Date: 25 June 2025

Location: UWS Paisley campus

Register here: https://bit.ly/41qDViP

This event will bring together industry experts to discuss:

• The growing demand for EnvCoWs and key skills required
• Strategies to bridge the skills gap in the sector
• Best practices for ensuring environmental compliance

Whether you’re an aspiring EnvCoW, a professional in the field, or part of an organisation looking to enhance environmental oversight, this event is a great opportunity to learn and network.  We’d love to see you there!  Secure your spot by registering today.