Dr Rachel Manning is the Head of Youth Networks at Global Action Plan. As Head of Youth Networks, Rachel oversees the UK Schools Sustainability Network (UKSSN). UKSSN brings together regional networks of school students and staff to connect and collaborate on youth action projects.

Rachel holds a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Exeter, where her research explored young people's wellbeing in environmental education, and an MSc in Education for Sustainable Development. Before joining GAP, she held research fellowships at the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth, investigating effective practice in environmental education and civic education for sustainable development in higher education. Rachel founded the National Wellbeing in Outdoor and Environmental Education Network and hosted the first national conference on wellbeing in outdoor and environmental education.