Amanda Gallacher Somerset Projects & Partnership Leader Expand Amanda joined us in February 2023 overseeing the advisory services for Somerset as well as developing new workstreams and key partnerships. Previously, she was the Business Manager in a local large secondary school and before that worked in the Estates department for the University of Bristol, managing print & design and worked within the procurement department. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family, dogs, competing with her horse and is actively involved with village activities. She has a keen interest in the environment and sustainability issues.
Billy Watson Financial Controller Expand Billy joined FWAG in Dec 2019. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1991 she has worked in the charity sector, mainly in environmental charities, but most recently in the hospice sector. Her work largely involves payroll, management accounts, statutory accounts, compliance & tax, ensuring that the charity ticks all the financial compliance boxes in the background & enabling effective decision-making. Despite being office-based, Billy loves to spend her free time outside, enjoying the natural world in a variety of activities, having grown up on Somerset’s Polden Hills.
Carolyn Jennings Office Manager Expand Carolyn has swapped Teachers for Advisers, joining FWAG in November 2016, from an education finance background. She is local to Wellington and enjoys the countryside from a walker’s perspective, having covered many miles on Dartmoor in particular. Keen to learn more about her surroundings she is enthusiastic about FWAG’s work and is being very hands on.
Ellen James Communications Manager Expand Ellen joined FWAG SW in October 2017. Graduating from Cardiff University in 2012 she then moved to Sussex, working within the events sector, organising shopping villages at various sporting events and assisting in the coordination a large annual art fair in London. At FWAG SW, Ellen manages the communications for the charity across the region, focusing on the website, including current news and blogs, as well as managing social media channels, sending e-news and newsletters, all to keep members, supporters and new visitors up to date on FWAG SouthWest’s charitable aims, project work and upcoming events. Ellen also coordinates FWAG SW's County and Regional Conservation Competitions, and the FWAG Association National Silver Lapwing Award. Ellen grew up in Somerset and spends much of her free time walking and trail running, enjoying the countryside close to home.
Helen Davies Human Resources Officer Expand Helen has worked in a variety of HR roles, across the private, public and third sectors. A CIPD qualified professional with over 20 years’ experience, Helen aims to bring a positive, ethical and professional approach to her work and is particularly keen to create a caring and supportive working environment for our employees. Helen is responsible for the provision of HR advice, recruitment, wellbeing, developing policies and procedures and ensuring FWAG SouthWest is meeting its legal and moral obligations to employees. When not at work, Helen loves being in the great outdoors with her family, dog and horses and has a keen interest in farming and sustainability.
Jo McKenzie Administrator & KAS Wiltshire Coordinator Expand Jo joined FWAG SW in January 2019. She provides support to the team in administration, finance and fundraising. Jo also runs the Kingfisher Award Scheme (KAS) in Wiltshire. She has a background in health education and international development projects.
Kate Harris Communications Officer Expand Kate joined FWAG SW in October 2023 having worked in the agricultural sector for over 20 years. Graduating from Harper Adams Agricultural College followed by 18 months in New Zealand working on farms, her focus has been on supporting farmers from local food initiatives through to staff management. Kate works within the wide range of communication channels across FWAG SW including our regular newsletters and e-bulletins, managing social media channels and supporting our calendar of events across the region whilst continuing to grow our membership. Kate grew up on Exmoor and now lives on a beef and sheep farm in North Devon, spending her free time helping on the farm, walking on the moor and playing netball.
Louise Kennedy Education Officer Expand Louise joined FWAG SW in 2012 and over that period has worked on a variety of projects in a range of roles. Projects range from Somerset Woodland Association, Fodder Bank, Parrett and Tone Debris Dam Project, Hills to Levels Project and Communications Officer. Louise coordinates Somerset Kingfisher Award Scheme (KAS) and supports other KAS county branches, as well as offering a range of outreach education work.
Megan Lord Finance and Administration Assistant Expand Megan joined FWAG in July 2023 to assist in the financial and administration part of the business. Megan brings her a lot of transactional finance knowledge and is keen to development more as the role progresses. Megan previously worked in the waste industry as an Accounts Receivable Team Leader for 8 years. Megan moved to Somerset from Devon 9 years ago. In her spare time, she enjoys watching football, cricket and occasionally golf, socialising with her friends and just enjoying life to the full.