East Midlands Committee

Esther has worked for a variety of charity and private sector organisations helping to manage people and fundraise, as well as give marketing and business advice. Having represented high profile national charities for many years, she is now a consultant working with smaller charities and social enterprises. She enjoys sharing her skills and knowledge, so organisations perform better with all stakeholders and thrive in the charity environment.  Esther joined the East Midlands Group to meet and work with fellow professionals, and has delivered conferences, workshops and training courses on behalf of the Chartered Institute.

Darren is currently the Senior Individual Giving Manager for national charity, the Youth Hostels Association, based in Matlock. Prior to this he has held roles in regional and national charities including Parkinson’s UK and MHA. Darren focuses on building and strengthening relationships between organisations and their supporters. Darren is the Secretary of the Institute of Fundraising East Midlands.

Ben is the Charity Manager for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, bringing over 12 years of experience in the third sector at both regional and national levels. He has worked across all areas of fundraising, developing a broad and strategic understanding of supporter engagement. Over the past four years, he has focused on building and strengthening the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, championing a collaborative approach and placing supporters at the heart of the charity’s mission. Ben is passionate about creating meaningful impact and driving positive change for hospital communities across Lincolnshire and championing careers in charities.

Jen is a member of the CIOF East Midlands Committee. Following a 10 year career in fundraising Jen joined Charity Horizons in August 2023 as a Senior Recruitment Consultant. Jen’s previous roles include Corporate Partnership Executive at NSPCC, Community Fundraiser at Marie Curie, Senior Fundraiser at Candlelighters and Regional Fundraiser at Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity. Jen says “I have always been passionate about the charity sector. It is a privilege to work with a variety of incredible causes and inspirational people.”

Hannah is the Development Manager for Junction Arts, bringing a broad and adaptable skill set, balancing strategic planning with hands-on delivery across all income streams. Her role involves managing the full fundraising process, from prospecting and bid writing to reporting and relationship management, whilst adapting to the charity's evolving needs, helping to ensure its creative programmes remain accessible to communities across Derbyshire.  With a background in charity development and community-focused arts organisations, Hannah is passionate about championing creativity as a catalyst for social change. Hannah is focused on supporting collaboration, shared learning and advocacy within the fundraising community.

Steph is the Regional Fundraiser for The Give A Duck Foundation, a national children’s cancer charity. Prior to this, she spent eight years as Supporter Engagement Officer at RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, where she covered all areas of fundraising, from donor stewardship to event management. In her current role, Steph focuses on building strong, lasting relationships with businesses and donors while raising awareness of the charity’s vital work supporting children with cancer and their families.