I left University around 2002 with a MSc in Environmental Management. Knowing that I enjoyed working outdoors and had reasonable practical skills to offer, it seemed the logical chose to pursue a career along similar lines.
It very quickly became clear that academic qualifications are good, but unless you’ve got your hands dirty, its difficult to get your foot in the door. So after spotting an advert in the local paper for Voluntary Officers at the York (B)TCV, I found myself stood on the doorstep about to embark on what has turned out to be over 15 years of practical conservation across the North Yorkshire and Humber region.
In 2008 I took on the role of Senior Project Officer in Hull. Building the midweek volunteering team up from virtually nothing, it now coordinates 4 task days every week and employs 3 staff members. The Humber Field Office will always be close to my heart and is something I feel proud to have established. In 2015 I moved a little closer to home and started as the Area Manager ( Now Operations Leader) for North Yorkshire & Humber.
Based in York, but overseeing 3 offices, I’ve tried to take what I learnt from developing the Hull Team and transferred this to York. It’s not ALL about me though, this wouldn’t be possible without hard-working, dedicated and passionate colleagues. Don’t forget the volunteers either!
If I could go back to 2002 and give myself 1 piece of advise as I stood on the doorstep about to immerse myself in the world of TCV. It would be; “Never give up trying to be bigger and better and embrace the huge diversity of practical conservation and all the wonders that nature has to offer us”.
Happy 65th Birthday TCV, I’m glad I’ve been a small part of your rich history.