Tom Clemence: Technical expertise, a supportive culture, and international collaboration

With over a decade of experience in consultancy, Tom Clemence has worked at some of the UK’s largest and smallest companies. But his role as Principal Ecologist and Team Leader at Royal HaskoningDHV stands out as “one of my favorite jobs I’ve ever had.”

What makes it so special? Read on to find out!

Working on Cutting-Edge Projects

After working at several consultancies in the UK, Tom joined Royal HaskoningDHV in October 2023 as a Principal Ecologist. “I was drawn to the company’s reputation for technical expertise and its involvement in major infrastructure projects,” says Tom. “And I was right. I’ve had the opportunity to work on some of the most interesting projects of my career, including nationally significant renewables projects.”

One of the things that makes these large-scale projects particularly exciting for Tom is the approach to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). “BNG is a hot topic in the UK, driven by new legislation that’s only just coming into force,”. “Because there’s still very little guidance available, we’re working hand-in-hand with the client and local authorities to set best practices.”

Tom’s also pushing boundaries in integrating biodiversity conservation into large-scale infrastructure. “We’re implementing innovative solutions like shortening construction phases to reduce habitat disturbance, creating corridors along the 40km cable route, and enhancing ancient woodlands near the converter station. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding process, knowing that we’re helping to shape sustainable development practices for the future.”

Growing as a Leader

Beyond his technical work, Tom quickly took on a leadership role in the Edinburgh office. His drive and potential were recognised, and he was soon offered the chance to become a Team Leader in the Edinburgh office. “It was a surprise opportunity, but one I’m really grateful for! I’ve been able to combine my passion for ecology with an interest in mentoring and team development.”

Transitioning into leadership wasn’t something he had planned, but Royal HaskoningDHV supported him throughout. “My manager, Ruth, was an incredible mentor. Always available to guide me through new challenges,”. “The company also invested in my development, sending me to the Leading Stronger 2025 training in the Netherlands. It was the first formal leadership course I’d taken, and it was incredibly inspiring to learn from both experienced leaders and peers new to management like myself.”

This structured yet flexible approach to career growth is something Tom deeply values. “Royal HaskoningDHV doesn’t push you into a rigid career path. You get the space to shape your own journey. For me, that meant moving beyond technical expertise to develop as a leader, while still staying involved in the hands-on ecological work I love.”

A Culture of Collaboration and Expertise

A key reason Tom enjoys his work at Royal HaskoningDHV is the supportive and technically driven culture. “One of the best things about working here is the technical expertise,”. “In many consultancies, environmental specialists struggle to have their concerns taken seriously, but here, our expertise is genuinely valued from day one. This not only makes our work more impactful but also prevents costly issues down the line.” Beyond the technical side, Tom appreciates the accessibility and openness of colleagues. “Despite the company’s size, it’s remarkably easy to reach out to senior leadership. Everyone is incredibly supportive, and there’s a strong culture of knowledge-sharing.” The international collaboration aspect is another highlight. “Being able to easily connect with colleagues in the Netherlands and beyond makes the work more dynamic,” he says. “It’s great to be part of a truly global team, tackling some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges.”