About Us

Running Deer is a Devon-based Community Interest Company founded in 2011, led by a diverse team of volunteer and executive directors, including social entrepreneurs and neurodiverse individuals. This is what makes Running Deer so successful.



Our Vision

Running Deer have a unique perspective in our approach to challenges and projects. We are determined to help make a difference to people and communities who are often marginalised in society.


We offer educational and alternative provisions for children and young people, focusing on outdoor learning in traditional and rural skills, bushcraft, survival skills, animal-assisted interventions, land conservation, and training opportunities for adults.



Our Values

  • Be ethical in everything we do.
  • Be user led and transparent at all times.
  • Promote inclusiveness and support social enterprise.
  • Make a positive difference to people’s lives.
  • Provide opportunities with a difference.
  • Advocate for the environment at a local level. 


Board of Directors

Each member of the Board brings a unique set of skills and perspectives to the organisation. Their diverse insights and strategies contribute to stronger decision-making and organisational growth.

Tristan Denman

Volunteer Director


Tristan has been a Volunteer Director with Running Deer since May 2021. Tristan has run his own successful electrical business since 2016. Tristan is also a qualified First Responder.

 

In 2023 Tristan has decided to change career path and is now training to be a paramedic, whilst maintaining his electrical business part time.

Oliver Griffiths

Director of Operations


Oli is Director of Operations and Compliance, and the Facility manager. Oli volunteered at Running Deer between 2011 and 2015, then began working for Running Deer Interventions in 2016.


Oli has helped deliver a variety of environmental, infrastructure, and construction projects for Running Deer, from forestry and orchards to power and telecommunications.

Adam Baxter

Director of Interventions and Family Services


Adam is the head of the Interventions division, and has been with Running Deer since 2018.


Adam is a Child and Family practitioner, Trauma-Informed schools’ practitioner, Team Teach trainer, Drawing and Talking practitioner.

David Cook

Director of Finance


David is a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) (31st December 1999) and became a Fellow in June 2005. David ran his own practice between 2003 and 2013 before relocating to Devon in 2017.


Running Deer was a client of Davids from 2018, until April 2023 when David joined the Board of Directors and brought our accounting in-house.

Nicholas Hurst

Director of Education


Nick has a PGCE in Secondary History and a History and Music Tech degree. He also has a master’s level credits as a Trauma Informed Practitioner and Level 3 Safeguarding.


Nick has 15 years SEND teaching experience and have worked alongside Social Care, Health and Educational professionals.

Christian Hales

Director of Communications


Chris is the Director of Communications and the Data Protection Officer. He has been at Running Deer since 2018 starting as an Administrator.


Christian has been a part of infrastructure and communications projects and is studying  Data Protection and Information Governance.

Joanna Winterburn

Managing Director


Joanna is the founder and Managing Director of Running Deer C.I.C.

 

Joanna has been working in the voluntary and community sector for 35 years helping to develop and deliver community projects across the Southwest.

Share by: