GSGSSI Personnel
The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is made up of a small band of passionate people from all over the world, all of whom are dedicated to the environmental recovery and resilience of this remote UK Overseas Territory.
If you wish to contact us please use the contact form here.
Colin Armstrong MBE – Deputy Commissioner
Colin has over 20 years’ experience in the UK civil service where he has worked in a range of government departments, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK Space Agency, and Department of Health.
His career has focused on crisis response, science and technology, and national security. He was involved in the UK’s response to several international crises, coordinating the provision of science advice to the UK government in response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the 2016 Nepal earthquake, and the Zika virus response. He was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth in 2017 in recognition of his contributions to emergency response.
Earlier in his career, Colin was Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser at the FCO and was posted to Singapore as the UK’s Regional Director for Science and Technology in Southeast Asia.
Outside of work, Colin is a keen runner and founded Avery Hill parkrun in 2010. Each year he works on the London Marathon, overseeing a team of around 100 volunteers to ensure the safe and smooth start for over 25,000 runners. He is based in the Falkland Islands with his partner, dog and two cats.
Jamie Oliver – Visitor Manager
Jamie is originally from Wales in the UK and spent the first 20 years of his career working in education. He began as a geography teacher and progressed to head of department, then deputy headteacher with a variety of responsibilities. With a lifelong passion for nature and wildlife, Jamie took the decision to change career, joining Cardiff University to study for an MSc in Global Ecology and Conservation. The course included modules on field skills, assessing biodiversity and ecosystems, conservation biology, science communication, and field research – which included placements in Vietnam and Borneo. For his research project Jamie focussed on seabird ecology in the Falkland Islands and assessed the impact of climate variation and fisheries intake on gentoo penguin population dynamics.
Jamie’s responsibilities include:
- Delivery of the Government’s visitor management and permitting processes;
- Integrating visitor management requirements into the full range of Government operations;
- Integrating Government policies on immigration, permitting and protection into the visitor journey;
- Ensuring visitors are informed about, and adhere to SGSSI’s strict biosecurity requirements;
Outside of work, Jamie enjoys spending time outdoors, especially in coastal areas where he can indulge his passion for sea kayaking. He also enjoys cycling and playing squash. Having previously lived and worked in the Falklands, he is delighted to be back!
Simon Browning – Director of Operations
Simon Browning returned to the Government team as Director of Operations in March 2026, bringing a wealth of expertise in operational management, science, fieldwork, and stakeholder engagement.
A marine biologist by training, Simon transitioned to a successful 24-year career as a British Army Officer. During his military service, he specialised in operational support, defence procurement, project management, and global logistics delivery.
Simon possesses excellent knowledge of the region, having previously served for over three years as a Government Officer at King Edward Point in South Georgia. His extensive maritime and environmental experience also includes roles as a Fisheries Protection Officer in both the Falkland Islands and the British Indian Ocean Territory.
Now based in the Falkland Islands with his wife, Sarah, Simon combines first hand local insight with a strict commitment to environmental protection. His robust leadership background will be invaluable as the Government continues to strengthen operations, execute special projects, and shape strategic priorities
Bernice Hewitt – Operations Manager
Bernice is a Falkland Islander who joins GSGSSI having spent numerous years working in operations and logistics within the Falkland Islands fishing and maritime industry. With a background managing a large fleet of vessels working in the South Atlantic, she brings significant experience of complex operations in remote environments.
Her passion and interest in South Georgia was sparked at a young age when she first was captivated by the stories from her godparents who worked there, these early tales ignited a lifelong curiosity and dream to get involved with the vital work of preserving the islands for many years to come.
Jo Campbell – Office Manager
Jo joined the Government in February 2022 having previously worked in administration in the third sector and private sector in Scotland and Australia. With training in a variety of subject areas from Digital Media and Graphics to Environmental Science to Textiles, she enjoys the varied challenges that come with being part of such a diverse team. Jo is responsible for the day-to-day finance and administration for the Government.
She and her husband are enjoying a very full life in the Falkland Islands. As an artist and crafter in her spare time, Jo is excited by all the inspiration she finds in these incredible islands.
Dr Mark Belchier – Director of Fisheries and Environment
Mark joined GSGSSI in July 2018 on secondment from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) where he has worked on South Georgia marine and fisheries science projects since 2000.
Mark establish the Government’s applied fisheries research laboratory at King Edward Point (KEP), as well as developing and managing the KEP research programme.
Mark holds a PhD in marine fisheries ecology and has extensive fisheries research experience. He has been the lead scientist on nine research surveys of fish resources at South Georgia.
Mark has represented the UK as part of the UK Delegation to CCAMLR and has chaired many international conservation and fisheries treaty meetings.
Mark’s key responsibilities include:
- Sustainable management of the terrestrial and marine environments of SGSSI including one of the world’s largest Marine Protected Areas.
- Development and management (including licencing) of its associated fisheries to the highest international standards of sustainability.
- Development and delivery of the Government’s science and research strategies.
Mark divides his time between Cambridgeshire and Stanley and loves rugby, cycling, walking Keats the dog and playing guitar badly.
John Clorley – Director of Strategy and Policy
John joined the Government in March 2021 on secondment from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs in the UK. Whilst with DEFRA he was responsible for the environmental aspects of negotiations for the new UN Treaty for Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, environmental regulations for Deep Sea Mining and the marine targets for the Post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. He was vice-chair of the OSPAR Commission for the protection of the Northeast Atlantic, having previously been chair of the Biodiversity Committee.
John’s key responsibilities include:
- Developing implementation plans for the Government’s 5-year values framework “Protect, Sustain, Inspire”;
- Planning and target-setting for Government activity;
- Generation, management and review of the Government’s internal and external policies;
- Researching, drafting, and implementing new legislation and the modification and repeal of historic legislation;
- Developing and overseeing external and internal consultation exercises;
John has previously worked on reforming fisheries management in MPAs, Parliamentary legislation and de-regulation, non-native species and Government statistics. His first “real” job was as a supermarket manager, a very long time ago.
Sue Gregory – Senior Marine and Fisheries Manager
Sue first visited South Georgia in 2009 as a fisheries ecologist with the British Antarctic Survey at King Edward Point, and she remained with BAS for the next 8 years including overwintering at King Edward Point and spending considerable time on commercial fishing vessels as a scientific observer and conducting research surveys. She joined GSGSSI in 2017.
Sue is responsible for the day-to-day operation of South Georgia’s fisheries and Marine Protected Area, working with the Director of Fisheries and Environment to manage the fisheries sustainably and to the highest international standards in compliance with the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
Sue’s key responsibilities include:
- Day-to-day management of South Georgia’s fisheries, including the fishery observer programme and catch verification contract
- Marine Stewardship Council certification and surveillance audits
- Coordination of GSGSSI engagement with Darwin Plus grant proposals and support of scientific research and monitoring to deliver fisheries and MPA objective
- Policy lead for Human Lives at Sea to raise welfare standards for seafarers
- Providing training on fisheries management, licensing and CCAMLR requirements to Government staff and external partners
- Baking cakes for the team, although she struggles to keep up with demand.
Jennifer Black – Head of Environment
Jen joined the Government in 2012 as the Environment Officer.
Jen has been involved in a huge range of projects about or actually on South Georgia including non-native species management, wildlife surveys and policy development. Jen was instrumental to the success of the reindeer eradication programme and supporting the subsequent rodent eradication.
In her current as Environment Manager, Jen has responsibility for:
- Managing compliance with environmental legislation and co-ordinating the Regulated Activity Permit System
- Delivery of the newly designated “Terrestrial Protected Area” including development of the management plan and legislation
- Supporting the science programmes that secure external funding
- the much-envied role of co-ordinating the design and approval of all the Territory’s stamps and coins.
Jen is now mainly based in the UK where she enjoys all things outdoors. She travels south as often as she can.
Paul Shafi – Website Development and Technical Support
Paul has been developing commercial software since back in his school days. A Glasgow University graduate, he has worked in various software development roles picking up a BAFTA nomination along the journey.
His South Georgia involvement started when he joined the Centre for Remote Environment at Dundee University over 25 years ago. He now works directly for GSGSSI.
Responsible for:
- Website development and maintenance
- Technical support
-
.gs domains
All the Government Officers have similar responsibilities and they include:
- Leading the administration of many Government functions on South Georgia including: Customs, Immigration, Harbour Control, Registrar and Police duties;
- Acting as the single point of contact for on-Island interaction with the Government for all visitors, operators and personnel;
- Providing the initial response to emergency or critical incidents within the Territory;
- Ensuring all persons on the Territory adhere to prescribed laws, policies, regulations and management plans;
- Delivering the Government’s values as outlined in Protect, Sustain, Inspire.
Tracy Cooper – Government Officer
Tracy spent her career working in the tourism and environmental protection sectors before joining GSGSSI in 2024. She previously worked as an environmental scientist specialising in environmental legislation and regulation before embarking on a career in tourism. In her previous job, Tracy worked for an ocean-based ecotourism company in New Zealand where her primary role was educating tourists about the marine environment, including marine mammals and pelagic seabirds including many species of albatross.
Tracy is passionate about using science to inform management and environmental protection, and focuses her spare time with NGOs as a marine mammal researcher. Working collaboratively with a team of international researchers, she has co-authored multiple publications on leopard seals and orca.
She has always been fascinated by the polar regions and has previously travelled to Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Falkland Islands. Wherever she goes, Tracy tries to combine her love for travel, wildlife, and the outdoors and is excited to be part of a team contributing to the ongoing protection and conservation of South Georgia and its wildlife.
Nadine Orme – Government Officer
Nadine joined GSGSSI in 2024 following a background in education and a successful career in policing where for over ten years she enjoyed the challenges and rewards of a variety of frontline roles. She has always held a keen interest in the environment and conservation; she has spent the last five years volunteering on animal rescue and conservation projects both at home in North Wales and abroad.
Nadine has a strong passion for travel, especially to destinations that are remote or of historical interest. First visiting in 2022 as a tourist, she fell in love with South Georgia and was inspired to return to play her part in protecting what is such a unique and incredible location.
Nadine loves to be outside in nature, particularly enjoying getting out for a good run, but as an avid reader is at her happiest when curled up with a good book.
James Sinclair – Government Officer
James graduated with degrees in Archaeology from the University of Exeter and the University of Cambridge. After volunteering in Nepal with VSO following the 2015 earthquake, he began his career as an archaeologist. He worked on research excavations across Scotland and Romania before going on to run commercial sites for the Museum of London Archaeology Service across the UK.
In 2022, James joined GSGSSI as a Government Officer, working over the austral summer seasons in South Georgia. Between rotations, he has worked internationally as a forensic archaeologist in Ukraine for the International Commission on Missing Persons and locally in Shetland, as a self-employed archaeologist. During this time, he also worked for University of Highlands and Islands. This varied position included seagrass restoration, pelagic species population monitoring, and supporting fisheries research as a field assistant and lab technician.
Beyond his career, James has a lifelong fascination with the polar regions and spends much of his free time exploring South Georgia’s rugged mountains and coastline.
Deborah Moore – Transition Manager
Deborah joined GSGSSI in 2026 having previously worked in the independent school sector in UK and in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She is an experienced programme and change leader with international experience working in Oman, Indonesia, Switzerland, Ghana and Brazil. She is delighted to have the opportunity to live and work in South Georgia and looking forward to learning more about the wildlife and environment.
Deborah is an accredited coach and works with organisations offering coaching services to support charities and social impact organisations. She particularly enjoys working with teenagers and young adults.
Sarah Devlin – Post Officer
Sarah Devlin is a disaster response researcher from Northern Ireland whose research interests include disaster mitigation through conservation. Having worked in hospitality for 14 years alongside her academic career, Sarah was thrilled at the opportunity to join the South Georgia government in a role that allowed her to combine her interests in sustainable tourism and conservation as one of the South Georgia post officers for the 2024-2025 season. Sarah is also a cellist playing in traditional music sessions across Belfast and as second chair of the Irish Video Game Orchestra. On South Georgia, in her downtime Sarah enjoys hiking and participating in the thriving social scene including the weekly craft club.
Niamh Devlin – Post Officer
Niamh graduated with a degree in Classical Studies from the University of Exeter. She began a career in the heritage sector volunteering in a customer facing role at her local museum. Niamh has since worked within Local Government as a Trainee Archivist in the archive service, where she worked with historical records and supported outreach activities and customer services.
She was part of the leadership team for Exeter University’s hiking society, where she led hikes across the Southwest. This love for everything outdoors reflects in Niamh’s hobbies which include hiking, wild camping and wild swimming.
Niamh is excited to bring this experience to her role as Post Officer for the upcoming season, which will be her first on South Georgia.
Sean Gay – Post Officer
Sean joined GSGSSI in 2026 after several years working at McMurdo Station, Antarctica in a variety of roles including logistics, flight operations, and vehicle transport. He has over a decade of experience working in a variety of roles in the hospitality industry across the United States, Australia, and Antarctica. Sean has always been interested in traveling to beautiful, unique places, and he’s excited to play a part in the storied history of South Georgia.
Outside of his work and love of travel, Sean has a keen interest in the weather and can often be found tracking weather events around the globe. He’s also a devoted animal lover, especially when it comes to cats, and never misses a chance to make a new furry friend. You can often find Sean catching up with friends and family around the globe when he’s not planning for his next adventure.
Bob Pratt – Marine Engineer and Technical Lead
Bob began his career as a motor mechanic before becoming a marine engineer and sailor in the yachting industry. During which time he travelled extensively throughout the world’s oceans.
After joining BAS in 2005 and wintering at Halley 5 in Antarctica, he then went on to winter at King Edward Point, South Georgia.
Having moved to Aberdeen in 2009 he then spent 7 years working with “Remotely operated vehicles” in the sub-sea sector.
Bob returned to South Georgia 2017 and has spent time there almost every year since. During this period, he has wintered with BAS on three occasions in two different capacities, Mechanical Maintenance Technician and boating officer.
More recently he has been working for GSGSSI as a marine engineer and plant mechanic during the summer months.
Bob enjoys all things outdoors, walking, photography, cycling, boating.
Henry Kerswell – Builder/Carpenter
Henry is a carpenter and general builder from Shropshire, UK, with eight years of experience working in construction, conservation and heritage. His love of working outdoors and in remote environments eventually took him south with the British Antarctic Survey, where he spent a summer season at Rothera and Bird Island.
On his journey back from Bird Island, Henry spent four days at King Edward Point and quickly fell in love with the station and everything it represented — from its strong sense of community and shared purpose to its remarkable setting and history. Having spent much of his career working on heritage buildings in Shropshire, the opportunity to work on a station with such a rich and deeply rooted history was one he couldn’t pass up.
Henry enjoys the challenges that come with remote environments and being part of small, close-knit teams, where everyone has to pitch in and find practical solutions to whatever comes their way. Outside of work, he enjoys getting involved in conservation projects and making the most of the outdoors through climbing and mountain biking. He is always looking for the next adventure or an opportunity to learn something new — most recently taking up an interest such as pottery — and also enjoys writing short stories.
What first brought Henry south was the feeling that it simply clicked. The people, the environment, the sense of purpose and the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than himself made it a place he knew he wanted to return to.
Conor Bolas – General Hand
Conor is from the Isle of Skye in Scotland but usually lives down in London. His background is in environmental chemistry with extensive experience of fieldwork in lots of varied locations. His role prior to GSGSSI was as a senior environmental advisor for a not-for-profit oil spill response advisory organisation, attending shipping accidents around the world as an emergency responder. He has attended many high profile oil spills in both remote locations and big busy cities including Brazil, northern Canada, Sri Lanka, Solomon Islands and Mauritius. He really loves this role as you work in an exciting team of inspirational individuals in interesting and wild places and get to see amazing wildlife. And all for the preservation of the environment – much like working on South Georgia!
Before this, he has worked extensively on St Kilda in Scotland as a field assistant, had several roles in maintenance for hotels, helped family members build or renovate houses and has recently renovated his own fixer-upper house. He is looking forward to putting these skills into practice as a general hand in KEP and Grytviken!
Matt Edwards – General Hand
Matt graduated from the University of Glasgow with a degree in Geography. After working on dairy farms and labouring for a stonemason in his hometown of Dumfries, Scotland – he went abroad to New Zealand where he spent time milking, harvesting silage and labouring for carpenters.
Coming back to the UK he spent time working as a contractor for a mechanical engineering firm before applying and completing a season as a Station General Assistant in Rothera, for the British Antarctic Survey. Having previously led a geographical research expedition to Trinidad, this cemented his enjoyment of remote living and he now finds himself in KEP working on the build team.
His main hobbies include bagging Munros (33% of the way there), bagging football grounds, supporting Hearts, knitting and promoting improv comedy within remote communities.