Richard grew up in Yorkshire before moving to Ambleside for a 3-year Outdoor Studies BSc. He has worked across the outdoor sector in the UK and Internationally providing opportunities for people to grow and develop. His interest in water started at York Canoe club in the early 90s which led on to him kayaking around Europe and working in Norway as a Rafting guide.
Richard joined Cumbria FRS in 2006. He worked across several different stations before leading the technical rescue department. During this time Richard has been involved in creating the vision of water rescue in Cumbria as well as carrying out a service wide water review in 2024. Richard was involved in responding to the Cockermouth floods in 2009 and Storm Desmond in 2015. 
Richard’s passion for training people continued when he became a water rescue instructor. He has delivered water rescue courses across the UK to commercial and non-commercial organisations for over 17 years. Drawing upon his experiences gained in the recreational and rescue sector.
Currently Richard is seconded to National Resilience as the Flood Capability Officer and works on behalf of DEFRA to assure the national flood asset register. The role involves promoting the CON Ops 2025, supporting National Flood Rescue Tactical Advisors, Liaising with LRFs, carrying out assurance visits and works closely with partners agencies.