SAPOE Committee
James Allan
James is the CEO of SAPOE. He began his professional life at Outward Bound Loch Eil and built an extensive career in youth work and community learning over the following years. James has worked for both local government and the third sector at senior levels and has been a director on the board of MLTS. Most recently James was Director / CEO at RYA Scotland where he led the organisation through significant changes over nearly 8 years in post. James is currently a volunteer member of the RNLI UK Council.
A self-confessed outdoors addict James’ first love is windsurfing but he is just as easily found sailing, hill walking, skiing or mountain biking.
Tim Pickering
Tim is the Chair of SAPOE. Tim works for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) as the Outdoor Learning Manager, he job shares with Isi Oakley. They are responsible for the development of the support and delivery Outdoor Learning in Education Department and across the wider council.
Liz Brookes
Liz is Vice Chair of SAPOE. She works for East Lothian Council as the Principal Teacher for the Outdoor Learning Service. She is responsible for managing and developing the Outdoor Learning Service. The service uses the outdoor environment and adventurous activities as a vehicle for delivering the Curriculum for Excellence across all schools in East Lothian. Liz is also responsible for the safety management of off site visits including adventure activities across the authority and overseas, and the management of Innerwick residential centre.
Neil Wightwick
Neil is Vice Chair of SAPOE. He works for Glasgow City Council as the Head of Outdoor Education, Education services. He is responsible for leading and managing the Outdoor Education Service which includes, Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre, a City Centre Hub at Pinkston Basin, a Peripatetic team of instructors working with young people who are care experienced and the city’s DofE programme.
Alan Smith
Alan is Treasurer on the SAPOE committee, and Outdoor Education and Awards Officer for East Dunbartonshire Council. He is responsible for managing the Educational Excursions within the authority, operational support to early years, schools and CLD, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, development of awards and courses to schools, as well as the management of the delivery of various outdoor programmes within the authority.
Andrew Bradshaw
Andrew is the Principal Officer in the Sports and Outdoor Learning Unit, Schools and Lifelong Learning, Communities and Families and works for City of Edinburgh Council. He is responsible for leadership and management of Edinburgh’s Outdoor Learning service, including residential provision and wider achievement. Andrew is the Secretary for SAPOE.
Des Bagshaw
Des Bagshaw is the coordinating officer for the Going Out There document and website. Des is Head of Outdoor Education at St Aloysius’ College, Glasgow and he is one of the two SAPOE representatives for SCIS. Des has a lifelong passion for the outdoors and adventure.
Bill Stephen
Bill is a Principal Teacher with the Inclusion and Wellbeing Service at Midlothian Council. As well as developing and delivering Outdoor Learning programmes for the Inclusion & Wellbeing Service Bill also provides advice and CLPL for schools on educational visits and looks after the Midlothian offsite educational visits management system. Bill is the Training Officer for SAPOE.
