Sarah Marshall

Sarah completed her MSc in Sustainability and Behaviour Change at CAT in 2021, with her dissertation focused on ‘The Nature of Work, exploring what factors encourage or discourage public sector commissioning staff to consider environmental impact in the work they deliver.’

Although she is now retired from her role as a senior Public Health Commissioner in a local authority, following the completion of her dissertation Sarah gave a presentation on her findings to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (North West England) in a voluntary capacity.

Her findings stimulated a conversation with Health Education England (NW) to provide training for NHS staff and local government officers on sustainability and climate awareness, and Sarah has been involved in planning the training.

“I chose to study at CAT because of the course and location, and the flexibility in the options with the combination of sustainability and behaviour change.

“I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer just before starting my studies and I found the course gave me something meaningful to focus on away from my health experiences, and a real sense of achievement as I had not studied formally since my degree 30 years ago!

“I loved the peer engagement on the course and the immersion of onsite weeks, and the variety of input from experts/lecturers/speakers.”

Alongside having an impact on some key organisations using her previous experience alongside her MSc learning, Sarah has also stood in local council elections in her local areas, allowing her to translate her studies at CAT into “real life” actions to make a tangible difference in her community.