Staff

Geraint is a hydrogeologist and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) engineer. He started his career as an exploration geologist before moving into the humanitarian sector working for International Rescue Committee, Médecins Sans Frontières and Oxfam. He obtained a 1^st class MSc in hydrogeology from Birmingham University and went on to work for the UK Environment Agency as a hydrogeologist.

In 2012 Geraint founded Groundwater Relief in order to link groundwater expertise from within the private, public and academic sectors to the aid and development sectors. Since 2016 he has been working full time as Groundwater Relief's Chief Executive Officer. Geraint has experience developing and managing small to large scale groundwater supply projects all over Africa and Asia.

Nigel has been working at a senior level in the charity sector for the past 18 years having responsibility for the finances, human resources, business and governance of the organisation. Previous to that he was a business owner which gave him the opportunity to work across Europe.

With a BSc (Hons) in Computer Studies and a MA in Personnel and Development Nigel joined Groundwater Relief in 2023 and is very excited to be part of the Charity’s aim of alleviating poverty by helping others develop and manage groundwater resources. This role allows Nigel to use his skills to help Groundwater Relief achieve its aims and next stage of growth.

Jim has worked for over 20 years as a hydrogeologist for the UK Environment Agency. He started his career volunteering with the humanitarian sector with Save the Children Fund (UK) and Norwegian Refugee Council in Malawi and Mozambique. He obtained an MSc in Groundwater Engineering from Newcastle University and then went on to work for the UK Extractive Industry, hydrogeological consultancy and the Environment Agency.

Based locally to our office, Jim started to volunteer for Groundwater Relief as a Technical Advisor in 2022. He has been supporting our work with strengthening the Water Department in Yemen and advising on projects across the Horn of Africa. Jim is now also spending some time supporting with the Mentoring & Coaching for Groundwater Relief staff.

Michelle is a hydrogeologist, holding an MSc in Hydrogeology from the University of Birmingham and completed her PhD at the University of Pavia. Her doctoral research focused on using remote sensing data to investigate over-exploited, data-scarce aquifer systems. By leveraging advanced techniques like A-DInSAR (Advanced Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar), she investigated ground motion changes in response to aquifer exploitation.

In between her academic journey, Michelle also gained practical experience working in the contaminant groundwater remediation sector in Ireland. Her passion for both field work and data-driven solutions uniquely positions her to contribute to positive impact and drive change in the development sector

Sarah is a hydrogeologist and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) engineer. She started her career in the UK environmental sector predominantly monitoring water, air and land quality before moving into the humanitarian field where she has worked for the last 10 years in the provision of water and sanitation, with organisations including ICRC, Oxfam and Concern Worldwide, across the world.

A desire to better understand groundwater and therefore improve its management, particularly in a humanitarian context, led to her recent completion of an MSc Hydrogeology degree at Birmingham University.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, travelling and learning from different cultures, something which has happily always been an element of her previous overseas roles.

She is excited to join the Groundwater Relief team, where the position allows her to perfectly combine her knowledge of groundwater and WASH/humanitarian experience.

Oliver has a background in mechanical engineering and transitioned to the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector in 2021. Prior to this, he worked in the defence sector, joining the South African Navy Reserves during his undergraduate studies followed by five years designing military boats and submarines.

In September 2024, Oliver earned an MSc in Water, Sanitation, and Health Engineering with Distinction from the University of Leeds. He subsequently joined Groundwater Relief as a Project Coordinator, where he manages the logistical and technical aspects of groundwater projects in the humanitarian and development sectors. His role includes overseeing equipment logistics, supporting Groundwater Relief’s global network of groundwater experts, coordinating project budgets, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality reports and technical recommendations.

Outside of work, Oliver is an avid rock climber and volunteers with Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue, specialising in remote medical assistance and floodwater rescue.

Passionate about tackling complex challenges, Oliver is delighted to apply his engineering expertise and coordination skills to support Groundwater Relief’s mission.