David’s interest in outdoor adventure began during his school years, messing about in a homemade motorised canoe, supporting climbing sessions for young people, and attending courses at Aberglaslyn Hall, the local authority outdoor centre.
Studying Theology at St Andrews University sparked a passion for mountains and wild places, leading him to complete a PGCE in Outdoor Education and Religious Studies. These formative experiences were also the beginning of a 50‑year fascination with how to balance the inherent risks of adventure activities with their potential to transform and enrich lives.
David’s career has been varied. He has worked as a school teacher, centre instructor, college lecturer, head of centre, local authority adviser, AALA inspector and consultant. He has lived and worked across all three home nations of the UK, managing centres in North Wales, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, and serving as AALA Senior Inspector in both the South East and North West of England.
He has served as Chair of the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres, trustee and Lead Practitioner of the Institute of Outdoor Learning, and member of the Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel — contributing for seven years as one of the authors of National Guidance. He has also written on the importance and management of outdoor adventure education.
David has worked as a mountaineering and climbing instructor in both summer and winter, an international mountain leader, canoe and kayak coach, commercial yacht skipper, dinghy instructor, youth expedition leader and senior first aid trainer.
He holds degrees in Theology, Philosophy and Education Management.
