Deborah is Executive Director of Groundwork Greater Manchester, a charity working to create a greener, fairer and stronger future for people, communities and places across the city region. She brings extensive experience of designing and funding programmes that connect people with nature and open up pathways into green jobs—particularly for those facing the greatest disadvantage. A natural connector and strategist, Deborah thrives on turning ambitious ideas into practical action. She represents Greater Manchester’s environmental organisations on the Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group and sits on several strategic partnerships, including the Greater Manchester Five Year Environment Plan Partnership.

Deborah is deeply passionate about the connection between people and nature, and the transformative impact this can have on wellbeing and opportunity. Her love of the outdoors began with childhood walks with her grandad and continues today through hiking—mostly in the Peaks—with her husband and dog. Living on the edge of the Peak District, she feels privileged to give back to a place that means so much to her, while helping others experience, care for and benefit from it too.