Heather Jane Hancock[1] LVO DL (born 27 August 1965) is a former civil servant who has held numerous positions related to North Yorkshire.

[2] Hancock was born Heather Jane Wilkinson[3][4] on 27 August 1965 in Colne, Lancashire, England.

She studied land economy at St John's College, Cambridge,[5][6] gaining a first class degree.

[23][2] In May 2019, Hancock testified before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee about the FSA's preparations for Brexit.

[24] She gave evidence on food safety after Brexit to the House of Lords EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee in March 2019 and in July 2018.

[28][29] It was announced that Hancock would leave her post at the Food Standards Agency after taking office as Master.

[31][32] On 21 July 2023, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced the appointment of Hancock as the lead non-executive board member of the departmental Board, which provides strategic, corporate leadership to the department and has particular responsibility for monitoring performance and delivery.

[33] Hancock was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in the 2013 New Year Honours, in recognition of her work with The Prince's Trust.

[15] She is married to Mark Hancock, who is chairman of Rural Solutions, a planning consultancy, and director of Talisman Capital, a property company.