Claire joined BBC Children in Need in 2018.

Claire began her career in retail completing the Sainsbury’s management training programme and spending seven years in various store management roles, before moving on to M&S. She spent seven years at M&S, firstly as a manager in store and latterly as a member of the Press Office, looking after corporate PR and major events as well as being part of the delivery team for M&S’ sustainability programme, Plan A.  

 In 2009, Claire became Head of Community Fundraising at blood cancer charity, Bloodwise, eventually heading up the campaigns, events and major supporters team. In 2012, she joined the NSPCC, initially leading the events team, before taking on a senior leadership role as Head of Partnerships, managing the teams responsible for creating and delivering major partnerships with commercial organisations, major supporters and celebrities, before being promoted to Deputy Director of Fundraising in early 2018. 

Tess Herbert is a senior charity leader with more than 20 years’ experience in brand, communications, fundraising and engagement. Currently Interim Chief Campaigns & Engagement Officer at BBC Children in Need, she leads teams spanning fundraising, partnerships and audience engagement. Previously at the NSPCC, Tess has led award-winning campaigns and is passionate about using powerful brands, brilliant creative and strong partnerships to drive meaningful social impact.

Jo is an Insight and Planning Director with extensive experience in the FMCG and retail sectors, gained across both in-house and agency roles. She is BBC Children in Need’s first Director of Insight and has been with the charity since 2017. Jo leads the charity’s Insight team to undertake our own research as well as monitoring and analysing consumer and sector trends, with the aim of ensuring our grant-making and audience engagement strategies are effective and have the greatest impact on young lives. 

Prior to joining BBC Children in Need, Jo worked for Kellogg’s from 2002 to 2017, joining as Senior Insight Manager, before being promoted to Head of Insight & Planning (UK) and then becoming Insight & Planning Director leading the European team. Jo also spent time at advertising agency McCann-Erickson Manchester Ltd (2000-2002) where she was responsible for developing communications strategies for key clients and new business prospects. Prior to this, Jo worked at Sony Computer Entertainment (1996-2000) where she was responsible for all research undertaken within the Psygnosis software business, and for Nestle UK (1992-1996), delivering marketing-related research and analysis to their confectionery business. 

Nicky joined the charity in 2015 as Financial Controller.

Prior to joining BBC Children in Need, between 2011-2015 Nicky was Finance Director at Diversity Travel, an organisation that provides business travel services to the charity, not for profit, humanitarian and missionary sectors and was responsible for all operational, strategic and statutory finances. Nicky qualified as an accountant in 1999 whilst working in the commercial sector at Stirling Group, a global garment developer and manufacturer, joining initially as Management Accountant before being promoted to Group Financial Controller. During the 13 years at Stirling Group she managed the finances through the evolution of the organisation from owned UK manufacturing to outsourced overseas operations and supported the successful refinancing of the business from public shareholding to private equity.

Liz Woodham is a Senior charity leader with 20+ years’ experience delivering income growth, strategic partnerships and multi-channel campaigns. Experienced in leading fundraising, marketing and trading functions, securing multi-million-pound revenue streams and building high-performing teams to achieve sustainable growth and impact. Liz is currently interim co Chief Officer for Campaigns and Engagement.