Finding Her Tribe: How the Gail Bromley Award Has Supported Samantha Dobbie’s Career.

“It’s made me realise that I am on the right career path — I’ve found my tribe!”

The Gail Bromley Award was established in memory of Gail Bromley MBE, a passionate advocate for environmental education and a strong supporter and mentor to those beginning their careers in the sector.

The Award aims to give early career environmental educators access to the professional networks, training and support that can help them develop their practice and progress their careers.

Our current Award recipient, Samantha Dobbie, has been reflecting on her experience of the Award and the difference it has made to her over the course of the year.

Finding connection in a small team

Samantha works as part of a small team, meaning that opportunities to step back from day-to-day work and connect with other environmental education practitioners aren’t always easy to find.

For her, being part of a wider professional network has been one of the most valuable aspects of the Award.

“Over the course of this year I have been part of a wider network of people doing
incredible work in environmental education. This has been especially impactful as I’m part of a very small team, which means I don’t often get the chance to reflect and have honest conversations with fellow environmental education practitioners.”

This is one of the reasons the Gail Bromley Award is particularly valuable for individuals working within smaller organisations and gardens. Having access to a wider community of people doing similar work can provide opportunities to share ideas, ask questions, reflect on practice and simply know that you’re not working in isolation.

More than one type of development opportunity

The Award provides access to BGEN’s training programme, conference and professional network, as well as mentorship and support.

Samantha particularly appreciated the variety of opportunities available to her:

“The wide variety of development opportunities has been particularly appreciated – from 1-1 mentoring, informal small group sessions to larger, community training, with lots of opportunities to network and share ideas.”

For Samantha, this combination has made the experience feel much more than a single training opportunity.

“It’s been very holistic and effective.”

Taking learning into practice

Professional development is most valuable when it can be applied directly to your work.

During her time as a Gail Bromley Award recipient, Samantha has been able to take ideas and knowledge from her development opportunities and incorporate them into her own educational practice.

For example, she has used the EAST framework when developing new educational programmes.

This practical application of learning is an important part of the Award, providing opportunities not only to learn, but to take that learning back into your organisation and use it.

A supportive professional community

Samantha has also been struck by the culture of the BGEN network.

“I’ve also been really impressed by the collaborative, transparent and warm nature of the support received.”

For someone at an early stage in their career, having access to people who are willing to share experiences, ideas and encouragement can make a significant difference.

And perhaps this is best summed up by Samantha’s reflection on what the Award has helped her realise:

“It’s made me realise that I am on the right career path (I’ve found my tribe!)”

Building confidence for the future

Environmental education is a rewarding sector, but it isn’t without its challenges. Organisational restructures, funding pressures and uncertainty can affect many people working across the sector.

Samantha says that her experience of the Award has helped her approach those challenges with renewed determination.

“It’s also provided the determination to overcome recent setbacks e.g. organisational restructures and funding constraints, which I know many of us are currently facing.”

Looking ahead, Samantha says she expects to finish the Award feeling more determined to continue developing her practice.

“I know I’ll be ending this year feeling more determined to grow my practice, and I’m looking forward to joining the network as a fully fledged member to continue to benefit from this support (and hopefully pass that onto others!) for years to come.”

Could the Gail Bromley Award support your career?

Samantha’s experience demonstrates what the Gail Bromley Award can offer beyond individual training opportunities: connection, confidence, practical learning, mentorship and a supportive professional community.

The Award is particularly intended to support early career professionals working within smaller organisations, gardens and community-based projects, where access to professional networks and development opportunities can make a significant difference.

You do not need to be a BGEN member to apply.

If you’re an early career professional working in outdoor or environmental education and feel that the Award could support your career development, we would encourage you to apply.

Applications for the 2026 Gail Bromley Award close on 30th October 2026.

Find out more about the Gail Bromley Award and apply →

The Gail Bromley Award was established to honour the contribution of the late Gail Bromley MBE to environmental education and her commitment to supporting early career professionals within the sector.