Frances Simpson

I have been part of the RLP team since February 2024 when I joined the organisation as Interim Programme Manager and I left in December to retire after 35 years working in the third sector. It was a real privilege to be part of this amazing team for this short time – and so I am delighted now to join the Board to support the organisation in a different role.

My background is working for local and national charities, mainly concerned with mental health and wellbeing, including being CEO of a national mental health charity supporting people living with serious mental illness.

However, I have a personal passion for wildlife – and in particular birds – and so when I left the CEO role in 2021, I enjoyed 2 years working with the RSPB developing a nature and wellbeing project, working with health professionals to promote the benefits of connecting to nature for our mental and physical health.

Since retiring in December I have fully indulged that passion, spending time in the garden, and getting involved in environmental and conservation activities that keep me out of doors rather than behind a desk or sitting at the kitchen table!

I am honoured to have been asked to help shape RLP’s future.