Helen Wollaston

Helen has a long career championing equality, diversity and inclusion in the public and third sectors. This includes eight years as Chief Executive of WISE, a community interest company championing gender balance in science, technology and engineering across the UK; Director of Campaigns at the Equal Opportunities Commission and Regional Manager for the National Lottery Charities Board in Yorkshire and the Humber. In 2007, she set up Equal to the Occasion, a consultancy supporting public sector and voluntary organisations with equality, diversity and social change.

She is currently acting Chair of Zero Waste Scotland, an agency funded by the Scottish Government to promote environmental sustainability and the circular economy. Previous board experience includes Deputy Chair and Senior Independent Director at South West Yorkshire NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health and community health services. She has also been a trustee and Chair of YWCA England and Wales, now the Young Women’s Trust, and deputy chair of YWCA of Great Britain.

Helen lives on a smallholding in the Galloway Forest in South West Scotland, which she shares with her partner and three cats As well as growing fruit and vegetables, Helen enjoys hillwalking and sailing.