EAUC welcomes Early Education Minister as 1,000th volunteer Climate Ambassador

9th April 2025

EAUC is proud to welcome the Minister for Early Education, Stephen Morgan MP, as the UK’s 1,000th volunteer Climate Ambassador.

The milestone marks a key achievement in the Climate Ambassadors programme that matches volunteer climate experts with nurseries, schools and colleges to develop climate action plans.

Backed by £2 million of funding from the Department for Education, the programme is led by EAUC and the University of Reading and delivered by a consortium of organisations that also includes STEM Learning, Change Agents UK and a number of EAUC members. 

Ambassadors receive free, flexible training to build their skills and prepare to volunteer their time in education settings.

Morgan, who leads on sustainability at the Department for Education, completed his training on Tuesday 8 April and will soon begin working with a school on its climate action plan. He said:

“The Climate Ambassadors programme is a vital part of our [the Department for Education] strategy to empower schools and educators in tackling the climate crisis, and I’m proud to be joining over 1,000 volunteers to support schools in developing and delivering their climate action plans."
 
Nurseries, schools and colleges are beginning their planning for the next academic year. Now is the perfect time to sign up to become a Climate Ambassador and help your local school plan for a sustainable future.”
 

Welcomed by EAUC

Charlotte Bonner, Chief Executive of EAUC said: “With the continued commitment of leaders like Stephen Morgan MP, the Climate Ambassadors programme is helping to build a sustainable future for the UK’s education system and the wider community.

The Minister’s participation as our 1,000th Climate Ambassador is an important step in raising awareness of sustainability in early years education whilst also reminding us of the importance of volunteering and giving back to your local community. We look forward to continuing to work with the Department for Education to ensure that sustainability is embedded across the entire educational sector.”
 

A growing programme 

As the Climate Ambassadors programme has grown, it has attracted volunteers from across the private, public, charity and post-16 education sectors.

Stephanie Gilliver, Head of Responsible Investing at Virgin Money, signed up to become a Climate Ambassador to have a positive impact on her community.

She said: I work full time, have two children and a house that doesn’t clean itself. Why would I want to add to my spinning plates by volunteering?
 
Anyone that spares their precious free time volunteering will know the answer to that question. It is enriching and rewarding, it teaches you stuff and provides a different perspective, and it has a positive impact in lots of different ways. For me I wanted to help with local impact in responding to the climate emergency.
 

Become a Climate Ambassador

Anyone interested in offering their climate knowledge to a nursery, school or college by becoming a Climate Ambassador is encouraged to reach out to their nearest regional hub.

Employers interested in offering the scheme as part of volunteering schemes are invited to join the next Introduction to Climate Ambassadors for Employers and Organisations on Wednesday 4 June at 12 noon in collaboration with STEM Learning.