News story

Government Geography Profession announce new leadership team

New leadership team announced as the profession approaches five year anniversary.

compass with arrow pointing to the word leadership

After nearly five years of great work in the Government Geography Profession we are happy to announce our new leadership team who, along with our volunteers and GGP manager, will help us achieve our ambition to create and grow a high profile, proud and effective geography profession that attracts fresh talent and has a secure place at the heart of government decision making.

Head of Government Geography Profession

David Wood (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs)

Deputy Head of Profession

Patrick Rickles (North Sea Transition Authority) - Digital strategy and engagement and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Chris Gale (Office for National Statistics) Professional Guidance and Engagement

Madeleine Hann (Ministry of Defence) - Outreach and Talent Pipelines

Claire Edwards (Natural England) and Carolyn Shears (Ministry of Defence) - jointly lead Skills, Training and Professional Accreditation.

Organisational and Community Head of Profession

Alistair Edwardes – Head of Profession at Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Olive Powell – Head of Profession at Office for National Statistics

Ian Spencer – Head of Profession at Ministry of Defence

Brian Vinall – Head of Profession at Environment Agency

David Roberts – Head of Profession at Welsh Government

Rollo Home – Head of Community at Ordnance Survey

Ian Coady – Head of Community at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Geography Profession Manager

Niamh Jefford (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs)

If you would like to become a member of the Government Geography Profession and are a crown, civil or public servant you can join via our members site.

Published 27 February 2023