Dr Heather Barrett-Mold has worked in Further and Higher Education for a number of years, and was Principal and Chief Executive of Pershore Group of Colleges; a land-based college. Heather is primarily an ecologist and was a member of the Government Advisory Panel on Sustainable Development Education also known as the Holland Committee for its lifetime of 5 years. Her research has mostly been concerned with the management of chalk grassland. Heather is now working as a consultant for a variety of organisations; is Immediate Past President of the Institute of Horticulture and is a Secretary of State Board member for the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Heather contributes to the Commission for Sustainable London 2012 as an expert member.

Heather has been a member of the IES since 1978 and became a Council member in 2004 since which time her responsibilities have included the education portfolio, Honorary Treasurer, Vice Chair and Chair. She feels that being a member of Council has brought her into contact with many environmental scientists from a variety of specialisms and, as well as being fascinating, has given her a more informed view of the big picture.

Heather retired from Council in 2015 and was made a Vice President in the same year.