Employed by Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Richard leads on the UK-wide MINDFUL EMPLOYER initiative which provides information and support for employers in recruiting and retaining staff who experience mental ill health (www.mindfulemployer.net). He is also Employment Specialist Team Lead for Job Retention at Workways in Exeter which provides information, advice and practical support for people with mental health problems in finding and maintaining employment (www.workways.org.uk).

Richard has worked in the field of employment since 1979, specialising in helping people with disabilities. Richard has specialised in mental health since 2002 although his interest in that particular area dates back many years. He graduated with an MSc Vocational Rehabilitation through Sheffield Hallam University in 2012.