Heather Hancock is Master of a Cambridge College, the senior independent board member at DEFRA and a non-executive director of a FTSE 250 business but growing up in Foulridge and Kelbrook Heather’s early years were marked by a blend of academic curiosity, musical passion, and a love for the outdoors. These experiences, though nostalgic, keep her connected to her northern roots with a profound sense of home in the hills, as she balances working in Cambridge and living near Skipton.
Her journey through Nelson and Colne College was, she says, transformative: “When I first started at what we called “the college of knowledge” I was struck by its vastness and diversity. The college buzzed with energy, offering a sense of freedom and responsibility and endless possibilities that I found new and exhilarating. The students’ union was particularly memorable, organising legendary parties at The Cat’s Whiskers nightclub in Burnley. One standout event was a Christmas party featuring The Human League, just before they hit the big time. The club and gig scene at college far outshone anything I later encountered in Cambridge.”
Academically, Nelson & Colne College played a pivotal role in her success. The rigorous teaching and encouragement to think independently were excellent preparations for university life.
“Miss Hughes, the deputy principal at the time, was instrumental in motivating me to aim high,” she says. “The teaching from all my tutors was really stimulating and the academic environment as a whole was a real source of encouragement to me. It spurred me on to achieve the A Levels needed to secure a place on the course of my dreams and, what’s more, at St John’s College, Cambridge.”
Heather studied Geography in her first year and then Land Economy in her second and third years: “Land Economy is a fascinating degree that combines the technicalities of property – building, design, valuation – with Cambridge-level economics, law, public policy, statistics and much besides.”
After completing her A Levels, she took a gap year deciding she wanted to travel a bit before heading off to uni. She joined an expedition to Iceland and taught hydrology at a field centre in South Devon. Upon returning home, she worked at a local supermarket to fund further travels before embarking on her academic journey at Cambridge.
Her career path took several unexpected turns. Initially, she worked as a land agent, a role that soon proved unfulfilling. She then joined the Government Economic Service as a fast stream economist, where she quickly rose to the position of Private Secretary to the Home Secretary. This role marked the beginning of an accelerated learning phase, culminating in Heather’s appointment as the youngest member of the senior civil service. She contributed to establishing the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport department and set up a major National Lottery funder – the Millennium Commission – before moving back to the Skipton area to run the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Heather subsequently led an urban renaissance programme across Yorkshire and the Humber which won international acclaim for its world-class masterplanning approach embedded in community-led place-making.
In the early 2000s, she made a significant career shift, joining Deloitte as a Partner in their Strategy Consulting business, within a few years becoming Managing Partner for Deloitte in the UK and Switzerland. She also led Deloitte’s global Olympic services, including to the London 2012 games, and served as Global Managing Director for Brand and Communications. After promising her children she’d retire before they finished school, Heather left Deloitte in 2014 and took on various non-executive roles, including chairing the Food Standards Agency. And in 2020, she was honoured to be elected Master of St John’s College, Cambridge.
Her ability to navigate career changes and embrace risk stems from a curiosity about the world and a recognition of her transferable skills. Being honest about her strengths and embracing the role of an ‘outside-in’ thinker offering fresh perspectives and advocating for change has, she says, been crucial. Heather’s motivation comes from identifying a big, transformational idea, and harnessing all the skills and talents needed to see it through.
Outside of work, Heather is passionate about the countryside and rural sustainability. She chairs the Royal Countryside Fund, dedicated to supporting rural communities and family farms, and is the lead independent board member for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
“I’ve been so fortunate in my career to have had many opportunities to make a difference, and especially to do so from national to local government, in the charity sector, in global and listed companies and now in academia. Making something of those opportunities depends on hard work, a natural curiosity that Nelson & Colne helped to foster, and a commitment to high standards and the privilege of working with so many talented and energetic people.
“If I had to give any advice to students today it would be to embrace the journey of self-discovery that begins when you start at Nelson & Colne. Don’t fear risks or setbacks, these are part of the path to success, and you need to embrace and learn from them. The world needs smart, hardworking, honest, and kind individuals from North East Lancashire – so aim high and stay true to your roots.”
