Meet the team

Sally has over 25 years’ experience in the development sector and extensive knowledge of the management and delivery of technical assistance projects. Her experience includes long-term postings in Africa and shorter term inputs, particularly in Asia and Eastern Europe, as well as research on the environmental basis for poverty reduction in Central Asia. Her work has focused on education development as well as a range of governance and civil society projects.

Chris is an economist with over 25 years’ experience in the skills and employment sector. He leads on the technical input for our skills programmes and has recently advised on large technical assistance projects in Libya, Macedonia and Bangladesh. Chris has previously worked in consultancy and managed over 150 projects supporting policy development for national governments and their agencies, as well as social partners.”

Kate Dempster is Senior Civil Society and Governance Adviser with over 15 years’ experience of designing and delivering programmes for donors including the European Commission and DfID. She has technical expertise in the areas of youth, community development, local governance and cities, as well as support for enabling civil society environments. She has a professional interest in disability and inclusion, and her portfolio includes international work with MENA and the Russian neighbourhoods.

Gillian leads our work in engaging with and supporting the development of civil society. She also leads on our work in gender equality. Since joining the British Council, she has managed development contracts on behalf of donors including the World Bank, EU and DFID. She has worked in Romania, Turkey and the Middle East, leading British Council governance and civil society programmes and responding to issues including child protection and addressing violence against women and girls.