Vinciane Rycroft is trained in international environmental law and education for sustainable development, and has worked for non-governmental organisations in this field for twelve years.

She is also passionate about the human mind. A particular interest is whether developing our understanding of empathy and compassion, and how they can be cultivated, can realistically improve the prospect of a more harmonious, sustainable world.

In 2010, she gathered a few like-minded educators to found an international charity called Mind with Heart, offering innovative educational tools for young people and educators to investigate and
experience empathy, altruism and compassion.

She is also the main organiser behind Empathy and Compassion in Society, a public sector conference taking place in London on 23-24 November. The conference will be of particular interest to education, health and social care professionals, and is preceded by a youth gathering.h