Scotland’s Climate Week stories – meet Allison Dickson

Scotland’s Climate Week is an opportunity to celebrate and encourage climate action. A chance to learn more about what we can all do to help.

We all have a part to play – whatever our role. And we’re all in it together.

We are over 180,000 strong, so what we do can make a real difference. Every action counts.

From recycling to active travel, from energy use to our supply chain, from prescribing to our greenspaces and more – there are many ways we can make a change.

Meet Allison

This #ScotClimateWeek, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the work happening across Scotland to make our NHS more sustainable – and the people behind this work.

Allison Dickson, Project Support Officer, NHSScotland Assure

We caught up with Allison Dickson, Project Support Officer within NHSScotland Assure, in the Climate Change, Sustainability and Environment Team.

Can you tell us a bit about your role, and how the work of your team is helping to make NHSScotland more sustainable?

Hi, I’m Allison Dickson, Project Support Officer in the Climate Change, Sustainability and Environment team at NHSScotland Assure.

Our team works with all NHS boards through the Sustainability Action Programme, providing sustainability advice and support to help boards work towards their sustainability goals, from energy use to everyday operations and planning for the future.

In my role, I support our sustainability technical managers with project coordination, making sure things run smoothly and that boards get the help they need.

I also wrote the NHSScotland Sustainability Careers Guide (log into our ‘resources’ section to read the guide), which is all about showing staff how they can get involved, whether it’s through their current role or whether they’re keen to explore new opportunities. It’s a great way to see how small actions can lead to big changes locally.

Tell us more about the Sustainability Careers Guide – who is it for and what will they find in the guide?

The Sustainability Careers Guide is designed for anyone working in NHSScotland who’s interested in contributing to climate action and sustainability – whether they’re just starting out or looking to grow in this area.

It outlines key skills, highlights training and upskilling options and looks at how you can get involved in sustainability networks . The guide also highlights how sustainability is becoming a core part of healthcare, and how every role can make a difference.

It’s a practical tool to help staff see where they fit in and how they can be part of building a greener, more resilient NHS.

What has your career journey been, and how has it led you to your sustainability role?

Before joining NHSScotland, I spent 15 years in financial services working in HR. After taking voluntary redundancy, I stepped into a new challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic as a Team Leader at the National Contact Tracing Centre. It was a fast-paced and demanding role, but I genuinely loved being part of something so impactful.

I looked for my next opportunity and was fortunate to join the Climate Change, Sustainability and Environment team at NHSScotland Assure. I’ll admit – I didn’t know much about sustainability when I started! But I quickly discovered how broad and fascinating the field is, with so many areas I hadn’t considered before.

That’s what makes this role so rewarding – it’s versatile, constantly evolving, and I get to support meaningful change across the health service.

What does taking climate action mean to you?

To me, taking climate action means making intentional, practical changes that reduce our environmental impact – both individually and collectively. It’s about recognising that every decision, whether at work or at home, can contribute to a more sustainable future.

In my role, it means supporting teams and NHS boards to embed sustainability into their work, and helping others see how their roles can drive positive change. It’s not just about meeting targets – it’s about protecting health, communities, and the planet for generations to come.

How can people get involved?

There are lots of ways to get involved in sustainability across NHSScotland.

Start by exploring the NHSScotland Sustainability Careers Guide – it shows how your current role can contribute and what skills you can develop. Log into our ‘resources’ section to read the guide or contact nss.sustainabilityscotland@nhs.scot

You can also join local sustainability groups, take part in training, or support green initiatives in your workplace. Even small actions – like reducing waste or saving energy where we can – can make a big impact.

It’s about being curious, asking questions, and seeing where you can make a difference. 

Photo by Markus Spiske