Employment history: 1979 - 2004

I took overall responsibility for the impact, quality and accountability of all Comic Relief’s grant-making across the UK and
internationally, managing an annual spend of nearly £40 million, distributed to some 400 charities. I worked with the Board of
Trustees, 4 large expert committees, specialist sub-committees and a professional and support staff of 20, plus freelance
advisory staff throughout the UK. I led a major strategic review of Comic Relief’s grant-making approach and was responsible
for the biennial review of grant-making priorities. Each required robust analysis of results, extensive consultation in the sector
and assessment of the policy and funding environment to guide us in developing effective funding programmes.

As one of 4 members of the senior executive team, I worked directly with Trustees on all aspects of strategic and operational
planning, within a context of rapid change and 20% annual growth. I took an active role in all Comic Relief’s activities from
delivering large television-based fundraising events, through work with government, the media, education and public
campaigns to management of staff, finances, investments and other resources.

1989 – 1991 Regional Monitoring Manager, the Housing Corporation
I was responsible for regulation of the multi-million pound grant programme for social housing in north-east London and three
Home Counties, overseeing the work, management capacity and financial stability of all providers, ranging from small co-
operatives to major businesses. I led a small team of professional and support staff and sat on the management team of both
the region and the registration and monitoring division. I evaluated some of the first large local authority stock transfer
associations and was active in review of the Corporation’s first written standards for association performance.  

1979 – 1989 Early career
1986 – 1989 Founder Director, Resource Information Service – pioneering the use of IT to improve access to support and
advice services; writing and producing directories, handbooks, research and policy reports
1981 – 1986 Co-ordinator, Piccadilly Advice Centre – providing advice, information and emergency help for homeless people
1979 – 1981 Support Officer, Centrepoint – residential support for young homeless people