Archives: Team Members

Dawn brings over 15 years of senior HR experience across global, complex organisations, including listed companies, venture-capital-backed enterprises, and local government. She joins Lotus Families at a pivotal time of growth and strategic transformation, offering expertise that directly supports our trauma-informed values of safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

Dawn specialises in:

Executive Leadership Development: With a strong track record in developing leadership pipelines and succession planning, Dawn will play a key role in supporting our CEO and future managers—crucial for long-term sustainability in the voluntary sector.

Culture & Engagement: Her deep understanding of employee engagement, wellbeing, and inclusive culture will help strengthen our trauma-informed approach as we expand peer support and survivor leadership pathways.

Fair Pay & Workforce Strategy: Dawn’s expertise in reward structures and performance frameworks enhances our commitment to fair pay, equity, and clarity, while navigating the unique challenges of charity-sector funding.

Governance & Organisational Design: Her executive-level insight into organisational design and strategic transformation will help strengthen trustee governance, risk management, and forward planning.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: As an EDI award winner, Dawn brings practical experience and a strong commitment to embedding inclusivity across recruitment, training, leadership, and wellbeing.

With her global perspective, analytical mindset, and values-driven leadership style, Dawn is an invaluable addition to our Board of Trustees as we continue to build organisational resilience and deepen our impact for survivors and families affected by abuse.

Ali is a qualified accountant with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and brings extensive experience in charity finance, governance, and strategic oversight. She was Head of Finance and Risk at RISE, a Brighton-based domestic abuse charity, from 2017 to 2024. During her time there, she worked closely with trustees and senior staff to ensure the organisation had a robust and sustainable financial core. Her role involved regular engagement with the board, including reviewing management accounts, preparing budgets, and presenting financial updates at trustee meetings.

Now retired, she is keen to use her knowledge and skills to support another organisation in the Violence Against Women and Girls sector. She has particular strengths in interpreting and communicating financial information to non-finance colleagues, ensuring good governance, and contributing to funding bids. She also brings a sound understanding of financial controls, risk management, and compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements. In addition to her professional expertise, she has completed training in health and safety, safeguarding, equality and diversity, trauma-informed practice, and fundraising.

Kate brings over 20 years of international experience in marketing, communications, and business development, with a particular focus on technology, sustainability, and strategic leadership. She has held senior roles in global organisations where she has led market growth campaigns across sectors such as cyber-security, the Internet of Things, satellite communications, and environmental technology. Her work has spanned government relations, brand development and corporate communications with a strong emphasis on building the narrative of the strategic objectives of the organisation for its customers and stakeholders.

A passionate advocate for equality of opportunity, Kate combines deep commercial expertise with a personal commitment to social impact. Her lived experience brings a valuable perspective to the board, alongside her professional skills. She is also a strong people leader and mentor, and brings valuable insights into stakeholder engagement, digital transformation, and strategic communications, making her a powerful advocate for survivors and for the charity’s mission.

Gail joined the Board in January 2024, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in the charity sector, specialising in supporting women and families. Previously, she served as the CEO of RISE from 2005 to 2017 and held a trustee position at Women’s Aid.

Currently, Gail works part-time as a clinical supervisor for a domestic abuse charity, NHS, and Hospice Care. Additionally, she volunteers her time as an independent strategic advisor for Sussex Police and CAPA.

Becky began her journey as a Trustee apprentice in December 2022, officially joining the board in January 2024. Since 2014, she has been employed by The Pensions Regulator, where she collaborates with pensions trustees on various issues, spanning governance and administration, systems and processes, pension scheme funding, and risk mitigation.

In addition to her primary role, Becky holds additional responsibilities at TPR, serving on the Employee Forum and the PCS Union. Residing in Brighton, she dedicates most of her spare time to her two miniature Dachshunds.