About Us

Aaron has over 26 years’ experience as a seasoned and successful fundraiser and charity leader. Aaron has gained experience of most types of fundraising, specialising in Trusts and Foundations and the Lottery; as well as corporate fundraising, sponsorship, community fundraising, government (central and local – contracts and grants), major donors, individual giving, online fundraising and match giving campaigns e.g. the Big Give.

In addition to fundraising, Aaron has spent the last 17 years in senior leadership roles as CEO, Chair of Trustees and Trustee, for small and local charities (some start-ups and some well-established). Aaron recently joined Craigmyle in autumn 2023. His experience includes strategic development, project management, partnerships, trustee governance and leadership development, as well as feasibility studies, case development, bid writing, training and seminars.

Joel’s began his advancement career in the higher education sector at the University of Stirling. He later moved to Newcastle University where he led the alumni team and helped to plan and deliver the University’s fundraising programme from annual fund through to major capital campaign work. In the mid-2000s, a career change led to Joel running a leading UK illustrated and heritage books publishing company for almost a decade. Following its acquisition, Joel moved into consultancy work in 2015 and renewed his interest in capital campaign fundraising alongside his ongoing publishing work. Since joining Craigmyle, Joel has worked with a mix of clients on projects that range from campaign feasibility studies to bid writing to full campaign management. He has a particular interest in heritage-related fundraising projects.

Gijs joined Craigmyle following a 30-year career as a leader in the Performing Arts sector. Most latterly as Chief Executive of The English Concert he achieved considerable commercial and fundraising success whilst implementing a rigorous programme of strategic change. His particular skill for balancing creativity with complex practicalities earned him the Orchestra Manager of the Year Award from the Association of British Orchestras in 2014.

Since joining Craigmyle in 2020, he has headed up major capital campaigns, helping clients mainly with National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council and major trust bids. Trained as a lawyer, Gijs became a Craigmyle Director in 2022. He specialises in heritage case development, fundraising strategy, audience development, feasibility, community engagement and coaching, training and mentoring leadership teams.

Claire is an experienced fundraiser with a track record of securing funding for a wide range of projects across the heritage, environmental and higher education sectors. As well as fundraising, she has particular expertise in developing and delivering successful National Lottery Heritage Fund projects, with her skillset including audience development, activity planning and evaluation. She is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (MCIOF), a qualified Project Manager (APM PMQ), and holds postgraduate qualifications in marketing and leadership.

Following 17 years in fundraising Greg brings extensive experience managing projects and fundraising for multi-million-pound capital appeals and annual funds. He has a significant background in working with major donors, raising multiple six-figure sums. He also has a wealth of experience in large events, trusts and foundations and individual and community giving. He has coached and run fundraising skills training for key stakeholders, from students to board members.

Greg’s degree in Education and English at Cambridge University gave him a passion for storytelling. He uses this experience to help charities identify and tell their stories through their case for support and communications in a compelling way.

Alison's career began with English National Opera in 1987, and developed to encompass a range of arts management and fundraising roles with significant venues, festivals and performers. Since 2005, she has specialised in fundraising for heritage projects, heading up capital campaigns and working on revenue development. She has been a Craigmyle consultant since 2008. In addition to active fundraising, she supplies Craigmyle’s bespoke assessment and research service on potential funders to Craigmyle colleagues and to individual clients.

Kelly has over 25 years’ experience in the UK charity sector and international education. Her work spans major donor and event fundraising, trusts and foundations, and bilateral and multilateral institutional funding, alongside strategic partnerships and income diversification. She specialises in donor stewardship and strategic relationship development, with a strong track record securing major philanthropic, public, and multilateral funding. Areas of expertise include international development, education, mental health and financial inclusion. She works with charities to strengthen fundraising capacity and capability, and to build a more strategic and sustainable fundraising culture.

Earlier in her career, she held senior roles in sales, marketing and business development in international education publishing, including Oxford University Press and National Geographic Learning. She holds a postgraduate qualification in Education and International Development from the UCL Institute of Education and is currently completing an MSc in Charity Marketing and Fundraising at Bayes Business School. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (MCIOF).

With over 25 years in fundraising, Siân has supported organisations across the medical, international development, education, arts, heritage, and faith sectors.

Prior to joining Craigmyle, she led a £6.9 million campaign as Appeal Director at Guildford Cathedral, securing major funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and private donors. A member of the Institute of Fundraising and formerly a CFRE, she specialises in trusts and major gifts, with expertise spanning statutory bids, legacy giving, crowdfunding, integrated communications, and membership programmes.

Siân joined Craigmyle in 2017 and became a Director in 2019, providing consultancy including feasibility studies, campaign development/management, case development, bid writing, training, and strategic planning.