Who
we are

David is a sustainability researcher, presenter and writer who co-founded and directs Brook Lyndhurst Ltd, an independent social science research consultancy.

With over 30 years' experience working with public and third sector clients on strategy and policy, this trained economist brings valuable expertise in facilitation, leadership and mission-oriented entrepreneurialism to the YES programme board. His strong combination of sustainability knowledge, research background, and experience in founding and leading organisations provides helpful insights for YES's development as an environmental charity.

Vinati works as a Managing Consultant at ICF, leading projects in sustainable finance and climate policy for clients including the European Commission, UK Government, and private sector organisations.

Her diverse career includes human rights due diligence in ethical supply chains at Impactt and climate change advisory work in Australia's oil and gas sector. She brings solid understanding of the UK and EU nature policy landscape and practical experience in voluntary and compliance nature markets. With experience mentoring young people from diverse backgrounds, Vinati is passionate about inclusive environmental change and brings valuable policy expertise and commitment to diversity that supports YES's work on accessible environmental career pathways.

Beth has championed opportunities for young people throughout her career, playing an active role in developing national apprenticeship pathways across farming, forestry and the voluntary sector and leading work on national standards and outdoor learning.

As former CEO of Heart of England Forest, she developed innovative programmes including a paid forestry internship, a Supported Internship for young people with SEND, and the Future Forest Guardians learning programme. As Chair of Blue Cross and Board member at Lantra, Beth brings valuable understanding of land-based industries and skills development. She has served on the YES Programme Board since 2021 and remains committed to the programme's important work in creating opportunities for young people entering environmental careers.

Eleanor is Director of Strategy and Innovation at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, where she oversees research, data, insight, innovation and partnerships.

She has twenty years' experience across cultural, media, and public sectors, including a decade at the BBC in distribution, partnerships, technology and public policy roles, and ten years in the Civil Service advising Ministers and leading policy teams. Starting her career in museums with qualifications in history and museum studies, Eleanor brings valuable experience in strategy, partnerships and public sector organisations to YES's work as a growing environmental charity.

Flavia has dedicated her career to embedding equity and inclusivity within organisational change, with particular expertise in green skills landscapes and tackling barriers to opportunity. Her work includes implementing strategic change, creating opportunities in the green economy, building equity into nature recovery programmes, and delivering careers guidance to young people.

She has strong experience working with organisations on fair access and empowering young people through careers advice. Flavia is committed to YES's plans to transform career opportunities for young people, particularly those historically marginalised from environmental sectors, and brings her experience in driving meaningful organisational change to address climate and biodiversity challenges through inclusive career pathways.

Bee is a Senior Policy Advisor at Defra with extensive experience across government departments in environmental policy areas, having successfully completed the Civil Service Fast Stream with a climate policy focus.

She is passionate about equality of opportunity, stemming from her time as Vice President Education at Lancaster University Students Union, where she championed inclusivity policies including contextual offers and anonymous marking, and her role as Co-Chair of the Social Mobility Network within the Fast Stream, supporting colleagues from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Bee brings valuable understanding of both policy development and practical approaches to addressing inequality, which supports YES's work creating accessible pathways into environmental careers.

Peter is Executive Director at the Eden Project with responsibility for the organisation's charitable mission, including The Big Lunch educational outreach campaign.

His background includes over a decade in advertising with agencies including J. Walter Thompson and BMP DDB, working with diverse clients, plus experience running small businesses. Appointed to the Eden Project Board in 2012, Peter was awarded an LVO by HM The King for his work on the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. His broad experience across commercial and charitable sectors, particularly in public engagement and organisational leadership, brings valuable perspective to YES's board.

Phoebe is Director of Repair Cafe Wales, a national charity promoting the circular economy through community repair networks, which she has grown to become the UK's largest community repair network reaching over 130 communities.

With over six years of board experience and a passion for increasing green skills in younger generations, Phoebe brings valuable understanding of grassroots environmental action and community-led skill development that supports YES's work on creating accessible pathways into environmental careers.

Oci combines her background as a secondary English teacher and sustainability lead with her current role as Climate Action Advisor for Ashden's Let's Go Zero Campaign, where she advises schools and trusts across London on embedding sustainability, including green skills and careers guidance.

Her extensive classroom experience working with young people, combined with her passion for empowering them on climate action, provides valuable understanding of how young people engage with environmental issues and career opportunities. Oci's dual expertise in education and practical sustainability work strongly supports YES's mission of creating accessible pathways into environmental careers.

Fiona was Editor in Chief of The BMJ from 2005-2022 and brings extensive expertise in health and environmental issues through her writing, lecturing and advisory roles with organisations including the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and honorary professor with affiliations to Cambridge University and King's College, she combines strong academic experience with practical editorial expertise.

Her work covers evidence-based medicine, research integrity, and health and environmental connections, bringing valuable editorial knowledge and understanding of environmental health issues that contribute to YES's work in the environmental sector.