Meet our team

People are at the heart of what we do and are integral to deliver our mission. Without our incredibly talented and dedicated team of staff and volunteers, past and present, The Green Estate would not be the impactful and successful organisation it is today.

We are one of the largest social enterprises in South Yorkshire. Our skilled and diverse team is made up of 70 staff, over 40 volunteers and a supportive Board of Directors.

Our values are important to us and core to who we are:

We are innovative and impactful
We have integrity
We care for our local roots
We are collaborative for common global good

About us

Leadership Team

Roz Davies, CEO

Roz was appointed CEO of The Green Estate in 2022 and is responsible for the vision, strategy and culture of the organisation. Roz is passionate about using her time, skills and energy to make a positive social, environmental and economic impact in the world. Roz also has an MBA from the University of Sheffield and is a commissioner of the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission. She is also a member of the South Yorkshire Business Advisory Board, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, Sheffield Social Enterprise Place Board and the Sheffield VCSE Leaders Forum.

What’s a typical day at The Green Estate?

Short answer is – there isn’t one! With 100+ staff and volunteers, ten products and services across four sectors, plus an international commercial arm, there is a lot of variety and plenty of work to do! My days tend to be a mix of problem solving, supporting the team to flourish, championing the organisation and building strategic partnerships. I also try to take time to enjoy the amazing landscape and heritage facilities cared for by our talented team.

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Dan Cornwell
Director of Commercial Landscapes

Since 2004, Dan has been at the heart of The Green Estate’s mission to transform urban spaces through sustainable, nature-based solutions. As Director of Commercial Landscapes, Dan combines creativity with technical expertise, leading the development and delivery of innovative products and services that make a lasting impact. With degrees in Landscape Architecture and Design from The University of Sheffield, along with an RHS Advanced Horticulture qualification, Dan brings both deep knowledge and a passion for sustainable design to every project.

What’s a typical day at The Green Estate?

For me, no two days are the same. My role is primarily a blend of client interaction, team meetings and strategic oversight. A typical day might include meeting and advising clients, site visits, collaborating with teams, overseeing and reviewing design plans, research and development, or business planning and administration.

Martin Collins
Director of People and Operations

Martin started working at The Green Estate as Head of People Services in 2023 before being promoted to Director of People and Operations in 2024. He is responsible for HR, volunteer management, estate operations, health and safety, plus staff learning and development. Martin has an MSc in Human Resource Management and has worked in senior HR roles for United Learning, Sheffield Hallam University and Ruskin Mill Trust.

What’s a typical day at The Green Estate?

For me, a key focus is that our teams are empowered and equipped to deliver a high-quality experience for our clients. With the broad range of talented services operating within The Green Estate, it means my days are very varied, but they always involve listening to the direct experiences of my colleagues and problem solving to find a way forward. That can include ensuring we have the right staff in place to deliver training, evidencing our practices and impact to external auditors, or planning our training needs for the road ahead.

Chris Hurst

Director of Finance

Chris is an experienced finance professional who has been involved with The Green Estate since 2014, first as a member of the Board and more recently as Director of Finance. Chris is responsible for the strategic and operational management of The Green Estate’s financial activities. Chris has worked in private practice as an auditor and as a Finance Director at our close partner Manor & Castle Development Trust. Chris says, ‘The Green Estate is full of passionate people, which can’t fail to rub off on you.’

What’s a typical day at The Green Estate?

A typical day in the life for me might involve reporting long term financial strategy to the Board of Directors, planning cash flow, preparing management accounts for Department Heads, or investigating individual transactions on the accounting system. With a small team, it’s often every hand to the pump and you have to be ready to muck in. Whether it’s working closely with the Finance Team on those day-to-day transactions or looking further ahead with the Leadership Team, The Green Estate is such a varied place that no two days are the same.

Sarah Slowther

Director of Development

Sarah is responsible for developing and delivering The Green Estate’s fundraising and investment strategy to become a nationally renowned urban resilience demonstrator by 2030. Sarah is passionate about communities and the environment. She has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 15 years in community and nature-based roles, supporting and developing organisations to grow their income and maximise their impact. Sarah brings this enthusiasm and experience to her work at The Green Estate to grow green and resilient urban places for people and nature to thrive.

What’s a typical day at The Green Estate?

One of the things I like about my role and The Green Estate is the variety. A typical day can include meetings talking about volunteering, funding bids, or organising school visits, weddings and medieval reenactments! I enjoy working with a team which delivers such a wide range of activities and services for our community here in S2 and across Sheffield. A typical day can also involve meeting with partner organisations and funders so we can continue to grow our impact for people, nature and heritage. I try to take some time to enjoy a walk around our site, particularly on the sunnier days.