Oliver Harmar

Oliver brings a background of executive leadership experience as Chief Operating Officer for Natural England and previously national and regional roles at the Environment Agency. He is particularly interested in how organisations can work together to address some of our most significant challenges, including how we drive action on climate, nature and green growth in ways that benefit everyone.

Oliver brings experience of leadership in place - engaging at all levels to build partnerships with organisations, communities, and political leaders to build growth, sustainability, and resilience. This is combined with the experience of leading complex delivery across large public organisations, including leading change, building performance systems and cultures, and effective risk management. In his 13 years at the Environment Agency, he also led teams working with partner organisations in a number of crisis response situations, including major flooding, waste fires and pollution.

Following a first degree and PhD in Geography, Oliver started his career in research and then moved to engineering consultant Halcrow where he led the delivery of national and international projects. Having benefitted from learning throughout his career, he is passionate about the difference education can make to life opportunity and the importance of continued learning for all.