BRATHAY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Head of Delivery ( Ambleside )
As Head of People Development I lead a talented team of consultants, offering world-class people development and purposeful coaching to a wide range of clients in the public, private and third sectors.
I believe that leadership is important - in every organisation - and its potential to positively affect our society, and the lives, and life chances, of the children and young people we serve is the reason I'm here at Brathay. It makes sense to work for an organisation dedicated to helping people improve those skills and develop their ability to do extraordinary things.
I've worked in learning for most of career, starting work in a FTSE100 distribution business where I eventually rose to be Head of Operational Training for 15, 000 people, before moving on to lead the learning function at the UKs largest independent electrical and mechanical contractor.
Purpose is important to me, so having the opportunity to use my skills and experience working for a social enterprise that impacts the lives of thousands of young people each year felt like the perfect match.
Job Titles:
- Head of Children and Young People ( CYP ) Services
I joined the Brathay Team in January 2024. My role as Head of CYP combines my two greatest passions - the outdoors and making a genuine positive difference to the lives of children, young people and their families.
Working at Brathay as been a dream of mine since I had my own taster of the impact Brathay offers on a work placement here over 20 years ago. That time helped me choose my path to support and work with children and young people - particularly those who needed more support to enable them to access the opportunities to enable them to thrive - and benefitted me personally with increased self confidence and sense of self.
Since then, I have completed my Adventure Recreation degree and worked with children and young people in a wide range of settings, including schools, youth offending, Special Educational Needs and Disability and Early Help in the community, working for Local Authorities. I recognise the importance of truly listening and responding to the voices of children and young people to ensure that we provide the best opportunities for them and their families to thrive for their future.
I am delighted to be part of the Children and Young People's team and lead the passionate and talented team in the next phase of development for Brathay.
I have a great passion for the outdoors and have first hand experience of the benefits it can provide. Outside of work I enjoy Obstacle Racing, Swimming, Cycling, Kayaking and Walking. I volunteer as a Run Leader for a social group of runners in my local area and have 5 years ago set up junior parkrun in St Neots and have volunteered at a Co-Event Director there since. Giving up my Sunday lie-ins is testament to the value I put on providing opportunities for children to be in the outdoors, exercise and most of all enjoy themselves!
Since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2001 I have had a wealth of roles in both the public and private sectors, taking on my first charity Financial Director role in 2009. After 14 years in the education sector, I am excited to now be a part of Brathay's diverse range of activities.
In addition to my day job, I am also on the committee of the local Riding for the Disabled Group, and my local running club.
I am lucky to have witnessed, in abundance, the incredible impact charities have in making a real and lasting difference to people's lives. For 20+ years I have worked in the charitable sector. In my last CEO role I lead a Health and Social Care charity, which delivered across the North of England.