Dr Richard Parsons currently looks after the Social Value and Engagement team with SMEC. His work encompasses practice at the intersection of social impact assessment (SIA) and community engagement. Richard was the first person globally to achieve certification status (CEnvP) in SIA. Motivated by core values of compassion, respect, inclusivity, and impartiality, he has worked on over 100 projects in multiple sectors, including energy, mining, transport, and infrastructure. Much of his work is available in professional and academic publications.
From 2016-22, Richard led the technical development of policy and practice for SIA with New South Wales (NSW) Department of Planning and Environment. His focus is on optimising social and cultural outcomes from projects, designing for distributive equity, and ensuring procedural fairness in SIA and engagement.
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