Jo Barnett
IOL CEO, Institute for Outdoor Learning
I am committed to outdoor learning. In my career I have progressed through delivery to management, then to leadership and advocacy – deliberately within the context and breadth of outdoor learning,
I love being outdoors, and I know I am a beneficiary of outdoor learning. My interest in adventurous activities began at college with hillwalking and at University in Sheffield I became a bit of an obsessive rock climber, before enjoying open canoeing +/- the family, cycling and horse riding and now I am returning to climbing – and then there’s gardening! To be honest I just enjoy being out of doors, and for me it balances the stresses of everyday life.
I have an academic background in earth sciences and political ecology. My career began with teaching Geography and Integrated Humanities in a Community High School in Derbyshire, then progressing to the role of Advisory Teacher for Nottinghamshire County Council at Hagg Farm Environmental Education Centre on the Snake Pass. From there I was appointed as Centre Director for the Field Studies Council at Grange over Sands in Cumbria, before returning to a Local Authority provision as Head of Centre of High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre, near Windermere.
In 2016, I took the role of Manager for Outdoor Education for Telford & Wrekin Council, with the brief to create a coordinated service model from schools, parks, the Shropshire hills to Arthog Outdoor Education Centre on the coast in mid-Wales. In 2022, I reduced my hours to allow me to accept the post of CEO of the IOL and from the 1st of October 2023 I will be focusing entirely on the IOL role.
I have a many years of peer association voluntary work, which began with the Northern Region of the IOL, right back in the early 2000s, I went on to be the Chair of the Region. I have held several roles with Association of Heads of Outdoor Educations Centres, including national Chair 2007-09. I am a founding Trustee of the Friends of High Borrans, and currently the Membership Secretary for the Outdoor Education Advisors Panel.
A key area of interest and focus for me at the moment is promoting sustainable practice in/through outdoor education and also applicable to other educational settings. I have an MA in Management Learning and Leadership which led to an interest in the ethical management of personal motivation at work.
Over my time, I have learnt that high quality outdoor learning requires teamwork, optimism and persistence. I am thankful to those around me, through my time, who delivered on those qualities. I will do my best in the IOL CEO role by way of return.
