Andrew Ross

Dynamic creative, communications & conservation professional, with a track record in developing effective audience-centric communication strategies for conservation and ethical beekeeping initiatives. Creative thinker with keen eye for detail and natural ability to capture compelling visual narratives. Skilled in composition and lighting techniques, coupled with strong interpersonal skills that facilitate smooth collaboration with clients and teams. Poised to bring fresh perspectives and impactful imagery to the National Trust. Expertise in content creation for various platforms, utilising audience insights to drive engagement and improve visitor experiences. Technical proficiency in WordPress and Adobe Creative Cloud, alongside practical conservation experience from volunteering with leading organisations and research institutes. Committed to integrating strategic communications with conservation efforts to tell impactful stories that highlight the beauty and significance of nature.

• Redesigned and significantly improved Chesterfield & District Beekeepers' Association's beginners' beekeeping course by systematically reviewing participant feedback, simplifying technical content, improving visual presentation and refining the course structure. The revised course received consistently positive feedback and created a more accessible, engaging and confidence-building learning experience for new beekeepers.
• Introduced digital registration and evaluation systems using Fillout/Zite, streamlining administration while generating valuable audience insight to continually improve future communications and educational delivery.
• Contributed to BIBBA's communications strategy through website audits, WordPress content reviews, member onboarding improvements, evergreen email campaigns using Mailchimp and SheepCRM, and implemented improvements to accessibility and navigation to retain member engagement.
• Developed proposals for an educational and wellbeing beekeeping initiative at Hardwick Hall to support conservation engagement, volunteering, biodiversity awareness and visitor learning.
• Drafted organisational governance documents including the association's constitution, Code of Conduct, safeguarding procedures and media consent documentation, strengthening governance and protecting organisational reputation.

• Bee Improvement & Bee Breeders Association (BIBBA), Marketing, Communications & Website Team Member (Volunteer), Contribute to planning and delivering integrated communications and marketing activity supporting organisational objectives. Develop audience-focused content across websites, email campaigns, newsletters and social media. Review WordPress content, navigation and user journeys, improving accessibility and user experience. Support member engagement through Mailchimp and SheepCRM, contributing to evergreen email campaigns and onboarding journeys. Review website content and digital resources to improve discoverability and educational value., Identify stories and communication opportunities that promote sustainable beekeeping, conservation and education., Collaborate with trustees and volunteers across the UK to ensure communications remain accurate, engaging and aligned with organisational priorities.
• National Trust, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology: Conservation & Heritage Volunteer, Volunteer with the National Trust supporting practical conservation, visitor engagement and biodiversity initiatives, including developing proposals for an educational and wellbeing beekeeping project at Hardwick Hall. Support Derbyshire Wildlife Trust conservation activities, practical habitat management and public engagement., Participate in the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS) and National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS), contributing to biological recording and habitat monitoring. Translate technical conservation work into engaging and accessible communications for volunteers and members of the public.

• Manage six apiaries comprising up to thirty honey bee colonies.
• Volunteer with the National Trust, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
• Undertake UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS) and National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS) surveys.
• Deliver educational talks and practical demonstrations promoting pollinator conservation and biodiversity.
• BBKA Basic Assessment (Distinction), Module 1 passed, Modules 2 and 3 in progress.