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After a thorough recruitment process, Dr. Rachel Manning has been appointed as the Head of Youth Networks at Global Action Plan. She will be taking over from Dr Jess Tipton as the head of the UK Schools Sustainability Network.

Rachel has a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Exeter, where her research focused on young people’s wellbeing during environmental education. She also has an MSc in Education for Sustainable Development and a BA in Education Studies.

Before joining GAP and UKSSN, Rachel worked on research projects exploring effective practice in Education for Sustainable Development and how to support young people’s wellbeing during outdoor learning. She has also worked in various roles across the outdoor education and sustainable behaviour change sectors.

Rachel founded the National Wellbeing in Outdoor and Environmental Education Network. She is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a co-convenor of the BERA Nature, Outdoor Learning and Play Special Interest Group.

Rachel is currently wrapping up a research project, so she will join us officially in mid-September. She will however be attending as many UKSSN meetings as she can between now and then to get up to speed on all the fantastic work that is happening and to meet all the amazing students, staff and friends of the network.