New recruits for #TeamModeshift

As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun, but we wanted to take a moment to introduce you to our three new (new-ish) recruits! Last month, we welcomed exciting additions to our Active Travel Ambassador (ATA) team. Let’s meet the newest members of #TeamModeshift!

Jenny Royall– Active Travel Ambassador Coordinator, West Midlands

First, we’re thrilled to welcome Jenny Royall as the Active Travel Ambassador Coordinator for the West Midlands. Jenny comes with a wealth of experience, having spent 25 years as a secondary school English teacher and Sustainability Lead. Her background in education and sustainability means she’s no stranger to the fantastic work of our ATA team. One of Jenny’s proudest moments was helping to organise her Schools Climate Assembly in October 2023, with keynote speakers Chris Packham and Hamza Yassin.

Jenny is eager to continue her journey of promoting active travel and sustainability, especially through her work with schools in the West Midlands. Her passion for helping young people engage with sustainability makes her a fantastic addition to #TeamModeshift, and we’re excited to see the positive impact she’ll bring to the region.

Neil Hicks – Active Travel Ambassador Coordinator, South East

Next up is Neil Hicks, who joins us as the Active Travel Ambassador Coordinator for the South East. Neil brings an impressive and diverse background to the team, having worked all over the world teaching English.  Whilst living and teaching in Chile, Neil cycled up the Andes more times than he can count! Closer to home, Neil has taught academic English at top UK universities including Loughborough, Reading, Bath, and Edinburgh.

Neil’s love for education and sustainability brought him to #TeamModeshift. He’s excited to help schools and communities embrace active travel, reduce carbon emissions, and make positive changes. Neil is looking forward to collaborating with schools across the South East to implement impactful travel initiatives that inspire students and create healthier, more sustainable environments.

Rachel Jones– Active Travel Ambassador, West & South Yorkshire

Rachel Jones, the new Active Travel Ambassador for West & South Yorkshire. After graduating with a master’s in Sustainable Cities, keen kayaker Rachel was searching for an organisation  committed to sustainable development and actively making positive changes. Look no more – Rachel loves the tangible, immediate and positive changes the ATA project makes to schools, local communities and students’ lives.

She’s particularly excited about the lasting changes the program brings to students’ lives by promoting active travel, healthier lifestyles, and reducing congestion around schools. Rachel’s enthusiasm and dedication make her a perfect fit for #TeamModeshift, and we can’t wait to see what she’ll accomplish in West & South Yorkshire.

A growing team with a shared vision

With Jenny, Neil, and Rachel now part of #TeamModeshift, we’re more committed than ever to promoting active and sustainable travel in schools and communities. Each of these new recruits brings a wealth of experience, passion, and drive to help achieve our shared goals. We believe that communities are healthier, wealthier, and more inviting when people are given the opportunity to walk, wheel, ride, and use public transport for their everyday journeys.

Please join us in welcoming them to the team, and stay tuned for the exciting projects they’ll be working on in the months ahead!