12 June 2025

Welcome New Trustees

This year, we welcomed a new Chair of the Board of Trustees and Vice Chair, as well as two new trustees, Beatriz Fuentes-Hernandez and Lisa Winward.

Our trustees play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of our charity, making sure Survive delivers its mission and its charitable objectives. They make a difference by giving their time and sharing their skills, life experience and expertise with the charity.

They oversee the leadership, management, and administration of Survive. They ensure Survive complies with United Kingdom law and manage risks facing the charity. They provide oversight especially on strategic, financial, and compliance matters. They ensure that the charity has a clear strategy and that Survive’s work and goals are in line with the vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the charity’s managers to enable Survive to grow and thrive.

Meet all eight of our Trustees here. 

Laura Sowerby

Chair of the Board of Trustees

With sixteen years’ experience working with survivors, Laura brings her knowledge and skills set in both the safeguarding and mental health sectors to Survive.

Laura gained national recognition in 2021 by the British Association of Social Workers for her outstanding practice with families affected by sexual abuse.

As a member of her NHS social work leadership group, Laura promotes a psychologically informed approach to policy, procedure, client journey, and organisational management processes.

Kirsty Dodd

Vice Chair

Kirsty is an innovative leader with a passion for process optimisation and operational efficiency. Her background in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement spans multiple sectors, including finance, procurement, and sustainability.

As Head of Operations for a business consultancy, she has developed strong governance and oversight skills that will support Survive’s mission.

Her personal commitment to supporting survivors aligns perfectly with the work Survive does, and Kirsty is dedicated to ensuring the charity can continue delivering its essential services for as long as they are needed.

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