Phil started climbing and caving whilst at school in Sheffield and continued to pursue these activities whilst studying Geology at Bristol University. Following his PCGE he worked as a teacher for several years in both mainstream schools and units for pupils with challenging behaviour. Passionate about the value of outdoor experiences especially for young people, Phil soon moved into outdoor education working initially as an instructor then managing a range of Local Authority outdoor provision for over 20 years. He previously carried out inspections on behalf of the Adventure Activities Licensing Service.
Phil is a provider for Mountain Training awards in climbing and mountain walking, and a British Caving Association (BCA) trainer/assessor for all national caving awards. He has been Chair of BCA Qualifications Management Committee, regional Chair of Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres and is currently Chair of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI). He has had several articles published in national outdoor journals and magazines over the years.
As well as being an Inspector for Adventure RMS, Phil is still a committed climber, mountaineer, and caver. He counts his highlights as climbing El Capitan, Yosemite (twice) and descending Krubera Cave in Abkhazia (2196m deep) over ten days – at the time, the deepest known cave in the world. These days he is just as happy getting out on the crags close to his home in the Peak District.