An experienced trainer and instructor with emphasis on environmental education and enriching experiences in the outdoors. A varied career with over fifteen years in training, consulting, FE/HE education and operations, across a wide spectrum of students of all ages from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and levels of ability. Focused on combining excellent customer care and strategic organisational growth; self-motivated, experienced in flexible working and across teams. Enjoy investing considerable skills and experience into supporting, developing and promoting innovative approaches to learning, connecting people with the land, sea and environment.
I've started Hands On Consulting in 2015 and have worked across a wide range of teams, organisations and industries.
Just some highlights...:
Promoting, planning and leading courses in ‘Leave No Trace’ awareness and indoor/outdoor First Aid at Work ; mentoring new Trainers in best practice in accordance with SQA guidelines; working as an Interpretative Guide for several tour operators across Scotland, England and Ireland. Returning clients include: Nevis Landscape Partnership Ranger Apprenticeship Programme; South Ayrshire and Galloway Biosphere Project; ADVENT: Adventure tourism in vocational education and training ERASMUS Programme.
As a strong advocate for engaging diverse people in learning, I enjoy working with students and staff through interactive and participation-focused delivery.
In my spare time you are most likely to find me with my walking boots out somewhere in the Scottish hills. I love books by Jeanette Winterson, music by Ani DiFranco, paintings by Joan Eardley and sculptures by Barbara Hepworth. I volunteer with the National Trust for Scotland.
Professional Training
2022: First Aid at Work, Mountain Rescue Care and Outdoor First Aid certification (renewed annually)
2016: Education & Training Award, Level 3, ITC First
Completion of training as a qualified First Aid Trainer and Assessor, First Aid Training Cooperative
2015: Leave No Trace Trainer Certificate, Centre for Outdoor Ethics
2013-14: Leadership for Growth Programme, Institute of Directors
2011-12: Wilderness Guide Training Programme, Wild Scotland
2001- to present: CPD courses (various) including advanced outdoor first aid training, risk assessment, HR management, conflict resolution, business development, marketing and presentation skills.
Personal Development
Recent short courses include:
Future Learn eLearning: Scottish Clans, Irish language and traditions, Learn about Weather, Nutrition and Well-being
Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh: Seaweed Foraging and Lichen Identification
Wild Things, Findhorn, Morayshire: Wild Animal Tracking and Winter Tree Identification
Field Study Centre, Kindrogan, Perthshire: Tree Identification and Interpreting the Gaelic Landscape
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