Meet the Team

David Kitson - CertEd

TRAINING MANAGER

For 30 years I was as an operational Firefighter and latterly a Training Officer in the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service which included practical experience of casualty handling and Advanced First Aid.

After retiring from the fire service, I taught in an educational capacity for thirteen years, training young people in Public Service. This included outdoor first aid, bushcraft, land navigation, team building & leadership as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

My passion for the great outdoors started when I was a boy and I am proud to hold the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Bronze, Silver & Gold

Gary Laird - CertEd, PGCE

TRAINER & SAFETY CONSULTANT

For 35 years I was as an operational Firefighter in the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.

I read Law LB (Hons) at University, and also worked for Calderdale Council for 15 years.

I specialise in IOSH Managing Safety, CIEH. Health and Safety (3 levels),

International SOS - Overseas Workplace Safety Management, Education Sector Competence, Business Continuity and Emergency Planning, Remote Area Risks International Off-Site Safety Management, & Outdoor Education (where I am and adviser on the panel). I am also a Nuco Mental First Aid Instructor.

In my spare time I am a Chair of Governors

Gillian Kitson

PA TO TRAINING MANAGER

I have been a Personal Assistant & Executive PA in both private & public sectors for over 20 years, providing administrative support for very demanding companies & individuals, who always expected a very high standard.

A qualified graphic designer, I started my career in printing, working my way up to Studio Manager which I thoroughly enjoyed. I took a career break when I had my daughter, and once she started school I wanted to get back to work however, my career path never did get me back into graphics, but I have found that my flair for design has never left me and it is surprising how much I still use these skills and find them useful.

I love nothing more than getting my walking gear on and going for a long walk!