Roger Opie

Roger is a Deputy Lord Lieutenant in the City and County of Bristol and served as the city’s High Sheriff during 2018-19.   He was awarded the MBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honours list.

He taught for 19 years in Bristol secondary schools including time as a headteacher before becoming Director of Education at the Industrial Society and then Director of the Heads, Teachers and Industry Trust. In these roles he was responsible for delivering government and private sector contracts across the UK and globally on education leadership, employment of young people and corporate social responsibility for businesses.   He is particularly proud of working with Zulu schools and communities in South Africa

Throughout his career his commitment has been to promoting social mobility in young people and engaging business with the education sector.   Roger ran the Ablaze charity in Bristol for seven years.   This initiative saw that business volunteers supported thousands of less advantaged young people in reading, numeracy and as mentors.   It was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary service.

Roger supports several charities and youth groups including Access Sport in the Bristol area and is a Vice President and Press Officer at Clifton Rugby Club.   He is married with two grown up children and grandchildren