Heather Etheridge

Heather Etheridge is a respected strategic leader with over two decades of experience across the health, wellbeing, and community sectors in Greater Manchester. She is currently Chief Executive of Manchester Youth Zone, part of the OnSide Network, where she leads an organisation dedicated to supporting and inspiring young people to reach their full potential.

Alongside this role, Heather serves as Chair of the Greater Manchester Healthwatch Network, championing the voice of local people and communities in shaping the health and care services they rely on. She is also a Non-Executive Director at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, bringing a strong commitment to quality, accountability, and the lived experiences of communities into board-level decision making.

Prior to her current positions, Heather spent nearly five years at The Big Life Group, providing strategic leadership across health and wellbeing services and serving as the strategic safeguarding lead for all children’s services. Her expertise in governance, service design, and quality assurance has consistently driven inclusive, high-quality care across the region.

Born and raised in Greater Manchester, Heather is deeply committed to social justice, equity, and the belief that every individual deserves access to safe, effective, and person-centred services. Across all of her roles, she brings a powerful blend of regional experience, cross-sector insight, and an unwavering passion for ensuring that communities are not just heard but are equal partners in shaping the systems that serve them.