Nicole Sykes appointed as new Director of Policy, Communications and Research

Nicole Sykes will join Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales as Director of Policy, Communications and Research, championing small charities, leading and shaping its influencing work, and overseeing research, evaluation and learning.

For the past four years, Nicole has headed Pro Bono Economics’ policy, communications and influencing work to support charities and people with the lowest wellbeing. Nicole joined PBE in 2020 to help deliver the Law Family Commission on Civil Society and has extensive experience in influencing policy, specialising in working across the public, private, and charity sectors to build partnerships and systemic change.

Nicole previously managed the CBI's Brexit efforts, and she has worked for Microsoft, MPs, and political campaigns. She has served on the boards of a charity and a social venture, as well as an international research initiative led by Queen Mary's University. Nicole is also on the advisory board of the think tank UK in a Changing Europe.

Nicole will help progress the Foundation’s strategy ‘Building a Better Future,’ influencing practice and policy locally, regionally and nationally to tackle the causes and consequences of complex issues and the barriers people face.

• Amplifying the voices of small and local charities among government and decision-makers by sharing insights and highlighting the challenges they face and the critical role they play within communities and society.
• Influence policy and practice around key issues affecting small charities and the people they work with, particularly around improving the availability of accommodation, the operation of the welfare system and the support provided to refugees and asylum seekers.
• Champion the role and value of small and local charities and work to influence others to improve the way services and charities are commissioned.

Commenting on her appointment, Nicole said: “I've had the privilege of spending the past few years learning and experiencing the strengths and challenges of the charity sector, and its enormous potential. This role is an opportunity to put that experience at the service of the sector and the people it helps in a new and bigger way, to make a greater impact through the Foundation's approach of funding, development and influencing. I'm excited to work closely with small charities across England and Wales and discover how the Foundation’s resources can deliver change, bringing people together across the economy to build connections and a culture of compassion across our communities.”

Matt Hyde, who recently joined the Foundation as Chief Executive, congratulated Nicole on the appointment: “I’m delighted Nicole is joining our senior leadership team. With a new government and new administration in Wales, amplifying and championing the voices of small and local charities and those facing complex issues and barriers is crucial. We have an important story to tell, which we need to communicate to the public as well as opinion formers, and Nicole’s experience in the private, public and voluntary sectors, combined with her passion for helping people and communities, will be a huge asset to our team and to driving our ambitions forward.”

Nicole succeeds Duncan Shrubsole who took up the role of chief executive of St Martin in the Fields in June. Nicole will join the Foundation on 2 January 2025.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Stass Daniells, sdaniells@lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk.

About Lloyds Bank Foundation

We're an independent charitable foundation funded by Lloyds Banking Group. We work in partnership with small and local charities, people and communities, changing lives and working towards a more just and compassionate society. The needs and aspirations of people drive our work. We strengthen the small and local charities that support them and the communities they live in and advocate for a better future.

Through unrestricted funding, support to develop and influencing policy and practice, we help small and local charities thrive, communities grow stronger, and people overcome complex issues and barriers so they can transform their lives.