Meet the Team
Meet the team:
Steven Body, Healthy Schools Consultant and My Health, My School Survey Operational Lead.
Steven Body is a nationally respected leader in health and wellbeing education, working as a PSHE and Healthy Schools Consultant within Leeds City Council’s Health & Wellbeing Service. With a career spanning public health and education, Steven is dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people through inclusive, whole-school approaches to wellbeing.
He supports schools across Leeds and beyond to create resilient, health-promoting environments, with a strong focus on mental health and PSHE. A passionate advocate for pupil voice, Steven ensures that the lived experiences of young people shape the policies and practices that affect them.
As Operational Lead for the My Health, My School Survey, Steven oversees a pioneering city-wide initiative that captures the voices of children and young people on key aspects of their health and wellbeing. He uses this data to drive school improvement, enhance PSHE delivery, and guide targeted interventions that address both physical and mental health needs.
Steven is also a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer, delivering nationally accredited training to educators, youth workers, and professionals working with young people aged 8–18. Known for his practical and engaging style, his training helps build mentally healthy, supportive environments in schools and communities.
In addition, Steven plays a key role in the Healthy Schools Programme, supporting schools in achieving Healthy Schools status through expert guidance on PSHE, Healthy Eating, Healthy Lifestyles, and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH).
Outside of his professional work, Steven is an accomplished British middle and long distance runner, with elite-level performances across distances from 800m to 10K, including a personal best of 29:48. He is also a passionate and award winning budgerigar breeder and exhibitor, specialising in Dark Factor, Golden Face, and Opaline Cinnamon varieties.
Steven brings the same discipline, focus, and passion from sport and breeding budgerigars into his professional life driving meaningful, sustainable change in education. Widely respected for bridging the gap between policy and practice, he champions equity, collaboration, and evidence-based approaches to shape healthier, more inclusive learning environments across Leeds and beyond.
Steve Ruse, Sustainable School Consultant, Investors in Pupils National Programme Manager and My Health, My School Survey Strategic Lead.
Steve has worked in the Health and Wellbeing Services for over 17 years and heads up our pupil voice and student leadership strand. Steve graduated from Brighton Polytechnic with a 2:1 BA (Hons) degree in Social Administration more years ago than he cares to remember.
Our new Behaviour Change Specialist - coming soon, watch this space!