Meet the SiLC: Kate Eaton, SiLC Assessor and Land Quality Specialist

As part of our Meet the SiLC series, we’re shining a spotlight on the professionals who help shape and uphold standards across the land condition sector.

This month, we hear from Kate Eaton, who recently joined Sweco’s Land Quality team and has worked in environmental consulting for 35 years. A SiLC since 2005, Kate has played an active role in the scheme for two decades, including serving as a SiLC Assessor and SiLC Champion. In this interview, Kate shares her career journey, insights into the assessment process, advice for aspiring SiLCs, and reflections on how the profession continues to evolve.

Introducing Kate

Hi, I’m Kate Eaton, and I recently joined Sweco’s Land Quality team. I have worked in environmental consulting for 35 years, during which time I have seen significant changes in both the sector and the way we approach land condition and contaminated land.

What first attracted you to a career in land condition and contaminated land management?

I originally worked in mineral exploration, including gold exploration in Western Australia and the slightly less glamorous area of aggregates in the UK. At the beginning of the 1990s, environmental issues were becoming increasingly prominent, and I wanted to be involved in this developing area of work.

What motivated you to become a SiLC?

I strongly believe in professional qualifications, peer assessment and continuing professional development. I became a Chartered Geologist in 1997, and when I heard about SiLC, it felt like a natural progression in my professional development.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Study geology.

Supporting the SiLC Scheme

How long have you been involved with SiLC, and how did you become an Assessor?

I was invited to become an Assessor after achieving SiLC status. I believe I have taken part in at least one examination round each year since 2006. I also spent some time as the SiLC Champion, promoting the scheme through presentations at industry events and articles in professional publications.

I was fortunate to undertake my academic studies when grants and scholarships were available, and I wanted to give something back to the profession and support the next generation.

What do you enjoy most about being a SiLC Assessor?

That’s a tricky question, “enjoy” is quite a strong word when it comes to assessment! The examination process has changed considerably over the past 20 years. The topics covered reflect changes in the industry, and some areas may be as unfamiliar to the examiners as they are to the candidates. As a result, there is often plenty of background reading, which certainly keeps me on my toes.

I am always pleased when candidates pass, as I know how much effort they have put into preparing.

The Assessment Process

Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience as a SiLC Assessor, Kate shares her thoughts on what makes a strong application and how candidates can best prepare for assessment.

What qualities stand out in a strong SiLC application?

A strong application is clear, honest and well structured. It demonstrates breadth of experience while also making clear where the candidate’s specialist knowledge lies. Good applicants show sound technical judgement, understand the limits of their own expertise and can explain how they work effectively with other specialists.

It is also important to demonstrate how knowledge has been applied in practice, not just to describe projects, but to explain the decisions made, the challenges encountered and the outcomes achieved.

What are the most common mistakes or weaknesses you see in applications?

One common issue is making statements that suggest experience outside the candidate’s actual specialist area, particularly in the Individual Written Statement.

Candidates are not expected to be specialists in every aspect of land condition, and they may be questioned at interview on any statements they make. My advice is: stay in your lane, be clear about your own expertise and explain how you interact with other specialists when a project requires wider input.

What advice would you give to someone preparing their first SiLC submission?

Start early. Although one month may initially seem like a long time, read through all the information as soon as possible. This will help you understand the requirements and appreciate the amount of preparation involved.

Break the work into manageable stages and allow time to review and refine your submission.

How can candidates best demonstrate their competence and experience?

Use specific project examples. At interview, examples that relate directly to the examination or the questions asked can help demonstrate your technical capability, professional judgement and ability to apply your knowledge in practice.

Try to explain not only what you did, but why you did it, what challenges you encountered and what you learned.

What makes a professional report or project example particularly effective?

Examples that involve difficult issues or challenging circumstances can be particularly effective. They demonstrate resilience, sound judgement and the ability to manage uncertainty.

A strong example should clearly explain the context, your role, the approach you took, the outcome and any lessons learned.

Kate’s Top Tips for Aspiring SiLCs

What are your top three tips for prospective SiLCs?

1.Talk to a registered SiLC. If there is no SiLC in your organisation, contact the SiLC Secretariat to ask whether someone can provide advice. We are generally a friendly bunch and most people are happy to help.

2.Attend the Introduction Day. It provides useful guidance on the process, as well as practical advice on what to do and what to avoid.

3.Read the examination papers as early as possible. Start researching and preparing straight away, rather than waiting until the assessment period is well underway.

What do candidates often underestimate when preparing for assessment?

Candidates often underestimate the amount of time needed to prepare clear, concise and well-supported answers. It is not just about having the right experience; it is about being able to explain that experience clearly and demonstrate your professional judgement.

How early should someone start preparing evidence for their application?

As soon as possible. Keep a record of relevant projects, decisions, challenges and outcomes throughout your career. This makes it much easier to identify strong examples when you begin preparing your application.

What would you recommend applicants do if they’re unsure whether they’re ready to apply?

Speak to a registered SiLC. Review the requirements carefully and consider whether you can demonstrate both the necessary breadth of knowledge and sufficient experience in your specialist area.

If you are not quite ready, that is not a problem. Use the requirements to identify any gaps and create a development plan.

Looking to the Future

How has the land condition profession evolved since you first became involved?

This question is showing my age! When I started, the Kelly’s criteria were still being used in reports, look them up! The sector was still in its infancy, which meant there were opportunities to become involved in many different areas.

A great deal has changed since then, and, overall, the changes have been positive. The profession is now more structured, better regulated and more integrated with wider environmental, planning and sustainability considerations.

What skills will be increasingly important for future SiLCs?

The ability to integrate sustainability into every stage of assessment and project delivery will be increasingly important. Future SiLCs will also need to combine strong technical knowledge with communication skills, collaboration and the ability to work across disciplines.

What excites you most about the future of the profession?

Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly continue to change the way we work. However, sound technical and scientific understanding will remain essential.

The professionals who can combine new technology with experience, critical thinking and professional judgement will be well placed to add real value.

Quick Fire Questions

Best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
Make sure you know more than your client.

One word that describes a successful SiLC?
Integrity.

Site work, desk work or mentoring?
It depends on whether the sun is shining!

What’s one thing every aspiring SiLC should remember?
It’s a journey

Final Thoughts

What does being a SiLC and supporting the assessment process mean to you?

It means being part of the land quality community and contributing to the development of the profession. It is also an opportunity to support people who are building their careers and to help maintain high standards across the sector.

Interested in becoming a SiLC? The SiLC Register is recognised as the benchmark of professional competence in land condition practice. If you’re considering applying, explore the guidance available on the SiLC website, attend an Introduction Day and connect with existing SiLCs who can share their experience and advice.