I provide leadership and advocacy to influence the design use of the built and natural environment so that people can be more physically active. This includes developing strategic partnerships across the region to embed the principles of active design in organisational policies, strategies and programmes. I also seek to encourage active travel options including walking, wheeling, and cycling to reduce carbon emissions and improve physical and mental wellbeing. I support the Rise Strategy to reduce inequalities and address imbalances in access to places and spaces and to tackle other environmental inequalities.
I’m proud of how consideration of the built and natural environment has evolved over the last few years and been raised in profile. It’s now recognised as an important factor in encouraging physical activity through the places and spaces that we live, work, and socialise by giving people the opportunity to move more and lead healthier lives. My role was brand new to the organisation when I started and now there are three people working in the team with a wide and varied agenda.
Before joining Rise in 2020 I worked for over 20 years in local government as a Senior Planning Officer covering small scale house extensions up to large scale residential, industrial, and retail development, and complex and often controversial proposals.
I have a keen interest in travel, architecture and football.