Diana Sandon (formerly Diana Pound) CEnv, FCIEEM, is a solutionist and internationally known expert in participation. She set up Dialogue Matters (DM) in 2000 to enable better quality decisions related to the environment applying evidence-based participation practice. 

Her work includes place-based work, national dialogue on contentious issues, through to international dialogue about water, climate, ocean management and food security. So far Diana has led over 130 dialogue processes, trained 2,500 people, and worked in 28 countries. She’s led commissioned research into participation and empowerment, and advised organisations including: governments in the UK and elsewhere and international bodies such as RAMSAR, OSPAR, UNFCCC and IUCN. 

She’s led DM to win multiple best practice awards including CIEEM’s highly prestigious Tony Bradshaw Award for ‘outstanding best practice’ beating winners in all other categories. In 2019, Diana was given the IUCN, CEC Award for Excellence in Europe. She was also awarded Highly Commended (second) in SocEnv’s prestigious UK Environmental Professional of the Year.