Katherine Nolan – SPARK Somerset, VCSE sector (Participant)

Katherine has worked in the VCFSE (voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise) sector for more than 20 years, specialising in strategic development, fundraising, communications and partnerships.

As the Chief Executive of Spark Somerset, (the infrastructure charity supporting non-profit organisations across the county), she is a passionate advocate for the sector. 

She leads a team who support and champion Somerset’s voluntary and community organisations to help change lives and build healthy, resilient communities. They do this through the provision of information, training, and forums, and by sharing expertise, building partnerships, inspiring social action and advocating on the sector’s behalf.

Prior to her role at Spark Somerset, she worked in a range of not-for-profit organisations, including learning disability, looked after children, psychotherapy support for survivors of sexual abuse, before becoming Head of Communications for a national education charity.

Over the years, she has also held various volunteering roles, including being a trustee of three charities as well as Chair of her local Pre-School.