Jake Hawkey
Jake holds a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Environmental Management & Assessment, combining academic expertise with over a decade of hands-on industry experience.
He began his career with Argyll Environmental in 2011 as an environmental consultant, specialising in contaminated land and flood due diligence. This early work gave him invaluable insight into the practical challenges faced by property professionals navigating residential and commercial real estate transactions.
Over the years, Jake has advanced into leadership roles, including serving as Consultancy Manager, where he successfully managed and delivered a wide range of complex contaminated land projects. His commitment to knowledge-sharing extends beyond his consultancy work—he has been a guest lecturer at Brighton University, contributing to the Environmental Auditor Course in partnership with the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP).
Today, Jake is recognised for his ability to combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of client needs, helping to bridge the gap between environmental risk and real estate decision-making.
Practice Area
Panel
- Contributing Author
Experience
- Argyll Environmental Limited (2011 - Present)
Qualifications
- BSc (Hons) Geography (2006 - 2009)
- MSc Environmental Assessment and Management (2010 - 2011)
Education
- University of Brighton (2006 - 2009), (2010 - 2011)
4 Contributions by Jake Hawkey
PRACTICE NOTES
Brownfield land investigations: a lawyer's guide to NQMS, Suitably Qualified Persons and Land Condition Records for planning and transactional due diligence
Meaning of brownfield land
A brownfield site is land that has been built on before and could be reused, enlarged or redeveloped. It usually comprises vacant, derelict or under‑utilised industrial and commercial areas. Redevelopment may encounter theoretical or actual environmental constraints. Most commonly these stem from contamination arising from historic activities, though other constraints can include invasive plant species, flooding and archaeology.
What is the National Quality Mark Scheme?
The National Quality Mark Scheme (NQMS) for Land Contamination Management, introduced in 2017 by the National Brownfield Forum (formerly the Land Forum), provides a clear identifier for documents that have been quality‑checked by a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP). Its purpose is to enhance confidence and improve the quality of submissions under regulatory processes, particularly planning applications, relating to brownfield land. It is recommended to view the map of local authorities that reference the NQMS.
What is a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP)?
A Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) is an experienced professional with expertise in land contamination. Their role is to review documents to ensure they satisfy the scheme’s requirements...
Environment
PRACTICE NOTES
Environmental risk assessment for lawyers: principles, qualitative and quantitative methods, hazard identification, site investigations, risk estimation and evaluation, and the Environment Agency’s LCRM for contaminated land
What is environmental risk assessment?
Environmental risk assessment (ERA) is applied to many environmental concerns, including contaminated land, flood risks, asbestos, radon and subsidence. The specific study undertaken is selected once the hazard has been recognised and the assessment's aims and objectives are set. The scope and detail of an ERA differ according to the various environmental factors considered. Nonetheless, every assessment adheres to a core approach for quantifying risk.
Calculation of risk
Defra guidance on environmental risk assessment and management defines risk as the potential consequence(s) of a hazard together with the likelihood/probability of those outcomes...
Environment
PRACTICE NOTES
Phase 1 environmental audits: transactional, compliance and planning uses; process, standards, costs and timing; managing contaminated land and regulatory risks via warranties, indemnities and insurance
What is a phase 1 audit?
A Phase 1 environmental audit is an impartial appraisal by external environmental consultants of an organisation’s adherence to environmental legislation and its management systems. The purpose is to methodically and precisely examine site activities and the local environmental context to identify breaches and the likelihood of contaminated land liabilities. By flagging environmental risks, their potential impact can be gauged and suitable remediation actions proposed.
When will a phase 1 audit be instructed?
The need for, and extent of, any audit will vary according to several considerations, such as:
the terms governing a transaction
current and historic operations
site characteristics and environmental sensitivity
the client’s risk appetite and available budget
In most cases, a Phase 1 audit is commissioned because of:
potential environmental liabilities highlighted by an initial desktop review (see: Environmental investigations—types of searches and investigations)
a transaction event, including freehold or leasehold transfer, movement of funds, or refinancing
a planning condition imposed ahead of redevelopment or a change of use
the need to evaluate operational compliance
...
Environment
PRACTICE NOTES
Phase 2 intrusive site investigations: legal drivers, objectives, methods and standards for contaminated land risk assessment, planning, permitting and transactions
What is an intrusive site investigation?
An intrusive (phase 2) site investigation involves geotechnical and geo-environmental specialists collecting detailed and reliable information on a site’s physical and chemical ground conditions. These findings are then applied to:
the design of earthworks and foundations, and
determining whether contamination is present
The UK follows a risk-based framework for the identification, assessment and management of contaminated land, based on the idea of a contaminant linkage (once called a pollutant linkage), ie contaminant-pathway-receptor. For further information, see Practice Note: Contaminated land—risk assessment.
Site characterisation is generally carried out in a clear staged manner:
screening phase: an initial investigation consisting of a desk study
phase 1: a site walkover and qualitative risk assessment
phase 2: intrusive site investigations involving the analysis of soil, groundwater and/or gas samples and a quantitative risk assessment
For further information on desktop studies and phase 1 assessments, see Practice Note: Environmental investigations—types of searches and investigations...
Environment
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