Heather Peck
Director of Strategy and Development

I have spent my adult life working in or for agriculture, and I believe passionately in the industry. How can the sector that produces the food essential to life and manages our beloved rural environment be anything other than high priority?

As a farmer's wife and an ex sheep-breeder I am aware that labouring in the fields of Defra and MAFF is not often positively perceived by farmers! But I am proud of some past achievements including rigorous adherence to evidence-based approaches to policies (often in the face of vociferous less-than-evidence-based opposition!), de-regulation, and efficient resolution of animal health emergencies.

I am delighted that working with the Chamberlain team enables my unusual blend of practical and political experience to benefit clients – particularly in the interface between them and government. Much past legislation could have been improved with a timely input of relevant data. Equally, there have been many occasions when public perceptions of agriculture could have been improved with better PR and communications.