A team manager at South Staffordshire Council has been named among ‘35 under 35’ rising stars in the waste industry.
The national title was granted to Rachel Melvin, waste management and customer support team manager, by Let’s Recycle at the Resource and Waste Management Expo event last week.
In her nomination for the award, nominees called Rachel a ‘credit to’ and ‘valuable member of’ South Staffordshire Council, noting Rachel’s depth of knowledge and experience, and her ability to provide an alternative lens; and her willingness to innovate and explore new ways of working.
Colleagues also described her as being caring, committed and flexible.
Her achievements include the DCN Staff Development Programme; chairing Staffordshire Waste Partnership, advocating careers in local government; supporting women in leadership initiatives; contributing to shaping a national Public Confidence in Recycling Charter; delivery of a range of communications/education campaigns; as well as improving waste service performance.
Rachel said she was ‘proud and grateful' to receive the award and thanked colleagues old and new for their support.
“Waste management is my passion and I am privileged to be able to do what I love at South Staffordshire Council,” said Rachel.
“Thank you to everyone who has made my career special so far, and I look forward to continuing to deliver best practice in waste management services for our customers.”
Rachel began her career at Staffordshire County Council as an assistant climate change officer, before progressing to the role of sustainability and waste strategy manager.
She joined South Staffordshire Council in 2021 as waste and recycling team manager.