We’re excited to introduce Nicky, who joined us as Fundraising Director in September 2025. With more than 30 years’ experience in international fundraising, she brings a wealth of experience and a strong personal connection to St John. Find out more about her in our short Q&A.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role as Fundraising Director at SJI?
Most mornings start with my dog, Memphis, insisting on her walk. Outside work, I’m usually in my art studio, at the gym or doing Pilates, or cooking (my partner Colin appreciates that). I joined SJI four months ago, and I genuinely love my role. The team culture is supportive and full of energy. My focus is on securing £15m in voluntary income over the next four years, building the fundraising infrastructure we need to strengthen how SJI supports, connects, and empowers the global St John family.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you into a career in fundraising before joining SJI?
I’ve spent over 30 years in international fundraising, raising more than £250m for charities. One memorable project was Remember Me at St Paul’s Cathedral, that created national digital and physical spaces to grieve those lost to COVID-19 in the UK. That work was a significant factor in my being awarded an MBE by HM King Charles in 2025. Fundraising has been part of my life from a young age, and my passion for the craft and the mission drives me every day.
What attracted you to St John and to this role?
St John has always held a special place in my heart. One of the most memorable chapters of my career was my time as Director of Development for the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group. I was responsible for establishing a professional fundraising and marketing team across London, Brussels and Jerusalem — an experience that shaped me both personally and professionally. In many ways, returning to St John International feels like coming full circle. It feels like coming home.
Beyond that personal connection, I’ve always been drawn by St John’s history, humanitarian purpose, and global reach. What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to help build something ambitious and lasting — a fundraising function that genuinely strengthens and champions the work of our Priories and Associations worldwide. Contributing to a mission with such depth, legacy, and potential for impact is both meaningful and energising.
What does fundraising at SJI mean to you?
Fundraising at St John International, for me, is about far more than meeting financial targets. It’s about creating the means to strengthen, connect and champion the incredible work happening across the global St John family. St John is a family of diverse Priories and Associations, each with its own strengths, challenges and ambitions. Effective fundraising allows us to listen, understand and respond to those needs in a meaningful way. When we do it well, we help unlock potential across the whole organisation. On a personal level, fundraising at SJI feels like a privilege. It’s an opportunity to bring people together around a mission that genuinely matters and to help ensure that St John can continue its vital work for generations to come.
How do you see fundraising working alongside other teams across St John?
Fundraising at SJI works best when fully integrated with the wider organisation — collaborating with programmes, communications, finance, and governance to reflect the real needs, strengths, and ambitions of the global St John family. A key part of this vision will be the development of a global Community of Best Practice for fundraising. By creating a space where Priories and Establishments can share expertise, tools, and experience, learning from one another to build confidence and self-sufficiency. By working together across teams and borders, fundraising not only raises funds but also strengthens the collective capacity and impact of St John worldwide.
What have been your main priorities and focus areas since joining SJI?
Since joining SJI, my first priority has been to listen and learn, including attending Grand Council to understand the ambitions and opportunities across the global St John family.
I’ve focused on delivering early wins, such as the St James’s Palace event in November 2025, which raised over £260k and refreshed our donor base. Building strong internal and external relationships has also been central, laying the foundations for a strategic, collaborative, and people-focused fundraising approach.
These first months have really been about laying strong foundations: gaining insight, strengthening partnerships, delivering early wins and ensuring we’re building a fundraising approach that is strategic, collaborative and genuinely supportive of the whole organisation.
Looking ahead, what opportunities are you most excited about for fundraising at SJI?
The months ahead feel full of possibility. A major milestone will be delivering the first draft of the Fundraising Strategic Plan 2026–2028 to our Trustee Executive Committee in early March. It’s the moment where all the listening, learning and early groundwork start to take shape in a roadmap for how we reach our £15m goal. I’m also looking forward to our Summer Garden Party on 7 July, both a fundraising and awareness-raising event. It’s a chance to bring supporters into the heart of our mission, reconnect with long-standing friends, and welcome new ones. Another priority is building the Fundraising Committee is another priority — a group of well-connected individuals who can open doors, spot opportunities, and champion our work. Finally, I’m excited to find new supporters and partnerships, broaden our reach, diversify income, and strengthen the global St John family.
How can St John people support and engage with fundraising?
Fundraising works best when it’s woven into the fabric of the whole organisation, and there are so many meaningful ways St John people can play a part — wherever they are in the world.
The most valuable thing anyone can do is share their insights and stories. Understanding the challenges, successes, and human impact of our programmes strengthens donor conversations. Fundraising is about connecting people to purpose, and no one tells the St John story better than those delivering the work. Another way to engage is through relationships. Opening doors, making introductions, or highlighting opportunities can make a real difference because fundraising grows through trust, and trust grows through people.
Colleagues play a key role in building a global culture of fundraising collaboration. Sharing successes, joining discussions, and exchanging ideas strengthen the organisation and help Establishments become more confident and self-sufficient. And finally, engagement can be as simple as staying connected — keeping an eye on upcoming events, supporting awareness‑raising moments, or championing our work within your own teams. When fundraising is seen as a shared endeavour rather than a separate function, it becomes more effective, more enjoyable and far more impactful.
And finally, what’s one thing you think people at St John would be surprised to know about you?
After 35 years as a vegetarian, I finally gave in to my curiosity and tried scallops… and that was the end of my resolve. Life’s too short not to be a bit adventurous.
We’re looking forward to seeing the impact of Nicky’s work and how fundraising can continue to support St John vital mission.
