Chief Executive
Teresa joined the GWCT as Chief Executive in 2002, taking over from Dick Potts. She was awarded a CBE for services to wildlife conservation in 2015, an experience she describes as “incredibly special”. “I felt it was an honour due to the GWCT, an organisation that had done fantastic work for decades.”
“I love working for the GWCT,” says Teresa. “I enjoy working with scientists who make decisions based on facts and evidence, and who have huge expertise. It is a pleasure to lead an organisation that is clearly making a difference.”
Teresa is passionate about helping to bridge the gap between wildlife conservation and land management. “70% of the country is looked after by land managers so to succeed in reversing biodiversity decline, we must get farmers and gamekeepers doing as much for wildlife as possible.” She believes that coming from a farming background into conservation has helped her to bridge the divide. It also led her to join the board of Natural England and to set up Farmer Clusters. “I love to be able to see the fantastic work that land managers do.”
“I come from a generation where there were very few women on the professional side of a business,” says Teresa. “In my earlier career I was the first female farming consultant in my firm, then the first female partner. But I have been very supported in my career and been helped to move up the ladder. And I believe in supporting and helping other women to do the same and to feel confident about their capabilities.
“I think women are well-represented in science now. In the land-based sector there are still relatively few women farm managers and even fewer gamekeepers. The rural sector has a longer path to travel in this respect; it should not be resting on its laurels.”
“Have confidence in yourself,” is Teresa’s advice. “Don’t worry if you make mistakes – you will and you have to learn to deal with them. Imagine yourself in that role that feels just out of reach, and you will find yourself doing it.”