The Government Geography Profession has become a standalone profession within the Government Analysis Function and will be based at the Cabinet Office with the Geospatial Commission.
Initially established two and a half years ago as a sub discipline of the Government Science and Engineering Profession (GSE), the Geographers in Government group now has over 1,200 members across the public sector, and provides a number of initiatives to support its members, promote the importance of geography and inspire the next generation of geographers.
The group will work with the Geospatial Commission to support and continuously develop geospatial skills across the public sector, and will remain inclusive and welcoming and supportive of all who consider themselves geographers in the public sector.
Head of the Government Geography Profession, David Wood said: “I would like to thank all those who have joined the profession and worked with us to help us realise our vison, including all those in GSE who we will continue to work with. But this is just the start, there’s a lot more we want to do as a profession to support our members, set standards, and work with other professions to embed geography at the heart of government decision making. I look forward to leading us into the next stage of our journey.”
Director of the Society, Professor Joe Smith said: “This is a great development for geographers in government and the public sector more widely. The Society will continue to support the group to help further this successful trajectory for the profession in government.”
You can keep up to date with the latest Geographers in Government news by following David Wood @GovHeadGeog on Twitter.