Dr Harper joined Sightsavers in 2005 as chief executive, having made the decision to move from the gas industry into the not for-profit sector. Over the last two decades the organisation has grown significantly in both income and impact and in 2015 Dr Harper was awarded a CBE for her services to visually impaired people abroad. Dr Harper also received an Honorary Doctorate in Science from the University of Bristol. She also has a PhD in energy studies from the University of Cambridge and was awarded an OBE for services to the gas industry in 2000.