Sumita brings a wealth of experience to the role, spanning both the private sector, where she worked as a lawyer, and the voluntary and community sector, where she was the founding Chair of the Commission for Race Equality.

Currently serving as a Board Director in the NHS, Sumita focuses on the critical intersection of health and environmental sustainability. She also leads as the EU/UK Coordinator for Save Soil, a global movement dedicated to raising awareness and driving policy change on soil health. Their impactful contributions on the global stage, particularly at COPs, have emphasised the essential role of nature-based solutions in tackling environmental challenges.

Sumita shared her enthusiasm for the new role: “It is an enormous privilege to work with our incredible partners and to take on this role as Chair of the West of England Nature Partnership. I am committed to leveraging my global experience, my cross-sector knowledge and my extensive networks to support this pioneering partnership in driving meaningful progress for nature recovery across the West of England. Let’s make it happen!”

We look forward to Sumita’s leadership in championing nature recovery through the West of England Nature Partnership.

Image caption:

Sumita Hutchison with the Board at the WENP Conference 2024.

Back row, left to right: Stuart Gardner, Bath and North East Somerset Council; Simon Stonehouse, Natural England; Shelly Easton, Avon Wildlife Trust; Heather Barker, Environment Agency; Hattie Severinsen, NFU; Brian Glasson, South Gloucestershire Council, Matthew Lipton, South Gloucestershire Council; Mark Minkley, Bath and North East Somerset Council; John Flannigan, North Somerset Council.

Front row left to right: Caitlin Coombs, Forestry Commission; Sophie Spencer, West of England Combined Authority; Sumita Hutchison, WENP Chair; Marion Steiner, GP and Chair of WENP Nature and Health Strategy Group; Zoe Davies, WENP Manager; Helen Wood, WENP Nature and Health Coordinator; Savita Willmott, Natural History Consortium; Richard Ennion, Bristol City Council; Rosie Walker, Woodland Trust; Natasha Clarke, Bristol Water.