Operations Manager

Heather was born in and brought up Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) moving to the UK when she was 12. She played a variety of competitive sport from a young age adding Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburghs Award to the mix. She trained in horticulture and floristry, being part of a Chelsea Gold Medal winning team. On moving into the outdoor education world, she worked as an instructor, lecturer at land-based colleges — becoming a Department Head, and then as a trainer and facilitator for a national charity where she was also safeguarding lead; and then as Head of Learning for one of the big commercial outdoor providers, where she redesigned the training department, implemented a comprehensive staff training programme and developed and implemented an accredited leadership development programme. She has also completed a degree in Equine Science, gained a teaching qualification and undertook Post Graduate study.

She is a Trustee for the Institute for Outdoor Learning, was part of a team that developed the professional accreditation scheme for the outdoor industry and also wrote and was assistant editor for the Industry magazine. Coming from a military family, she also volunteers and fundraises for a couple of military charities. In her spare time, Heather enjoys running ultramarathons, moorland or coastal walking, cooking and supporting friends in their own sporting challenges.

Heather says: “I am delighted to be joining HighGround at such an exciting time. The role brings together everything I have done in my career and my passion for supporting both serving personnel and veterans. I look forward to working with a wonderful team to continue HighGrounds success.”