After seven years at the University, Heather is set to retire at the end of the month.

Since taking on the role of Staff Wellbeing Manager in 2019, Heather has transformed the profile of staff wellbeing across the University. She has been instrumental in supporting departments, teams and individual members of staff through a wide range of wellbeing training and initiatives. This includes projects with departments, faculties and the School of Management on their Departmental Wellbeing Action plans.

Among her achievements, Heather established our network of Staff Wellbeing Champions. The network has gone from strength to strength and last year won the 'Overall Team' and the Community and Inclusion (Team) awards at the Staff Recognition Awards. She also supported the development of a range of peer wellbeing networks – Menopause support, No Kidding, Men’s Network and the Loss and Grief Network (which she co-chairs).

Heather took the lead on the staff facing elements of the work which helped secure our University Mental Health Charter Award last year, work which is ongoing. She also worked with academic colleagues both at Bath and across the wider GW4 alliance to develop approaches to support the wellbeing of researchers.

This year Heather was honoured with an invitation to attend the Education and Skills Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, which took place on May 14. Hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the event celebrated and recognised those working in education and knowledge/skills development.

These are just some of her many contributions. Her work will continue to benefit our University staff community for years to come.

Heather was our first Staff Health and Wellbeing Manager, and we couldn't have found someone with more enthusiasm and experience to fill this gap. Indeed, Heather didn't just fill the gap, she has shaped the role, giving us new ideas and making an impact well beyond that we could expect one person to achieve. One of her greatest legacies will be the Staff Wellbeing Champions network, harnessing the commitment from people right across the University to ensure that wellbeing, in all its forms remains at the heart of our community. We will all miss Heather, as will those she has supported and helped over the years, and we wish her well(being) in her retirement. Richard Brooks, Director of Human Resources

Working with Heather to establish the Staff Loss & Grief Networks stands out as one of the most important things I have done during my academic career. The only reason this Network exists is due to Heather's dedication and support. And it is through her tireless dedication and support that so many colleagues across all levels of the University now understand they are not along when grieving. John Troyer, Senior Lecturer and co-chair of the Loss & Grief Network

Heather has been the driving force behind staff wellbeing, ensuring it is at the top of the University’s agenda whilst promoting this essential support for us all. Heather has supported the implementation of several staff support groups - all incredibly important topics for our staff community. The benefit from these networks stretches far and wide and is clear to see. I know all the Staff Wellbeing Champions will agree that it has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside Heather in our voluntary roles as a Staff Wellbeing Champions and she will be hugely missed. Alison Borgelin, Staff Wellbeing Champion

Heather’s last day on campus will be 28 August.