With sixteen years’ experience working with people who have experienced sexual trauma, Laura qualified as a social worker in 2018 bringing her knowledge and skills set in both the safeguarding and mental health sectors to the charity.

Laura gained national recognition in 2021 by the British Association of Social Workers for her outstanding practice with families affected by sexual abuse. She advocates her approach at all levels from trainee social workers to systemic implementation within organisations.

As a member of her NHS social work leadership group, and studying for her MSc in Psychology, Laura promotes a psychologically informed approach to policy, procedure, client journey and organisational management processes.

Kirsty is an innovative leader with a passion for process optimisation and operational efficiency. Her background in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement spans multiple sectors, including finance, procurement, and sustainability.

As Head of Operations for a business consultancy, she has developed strong governance and oversight skills that will support Survive’s mission.

Her personal commitment to supporting survivors aligns perfectly with the work Survive does, and Kirsty is dedicated to ensuring the charity can continue delivering its essential services for as long as they are needed.

Lionel is an experienced Programme and project manager with over 15 years’ experience in delivering high profile, multinational transformation and implementation projects in public, private and not for profit sectors.

His professional career has given him valuable experience in stakeholder management and building high performing teams with a culture which match the changing needs of a business.

Evelyn has lived and worked internationally, successfully marketing famous brand names across the USA, Middle East, Canada, and Europe but her heart and home, is in Yorkshire.

Evelyn also wanted to use her skills and experience to help those whose lives have been shattered by sexual violence. So, she jumped at the chance to both become a trustee for Survive and to chair its marketing and fundraising committee.

Over the long- term Evelyn would like to see a world where Survive’s services are no longer needed. Until then, it’s about ensuring Survive flourishes so it can continue to provide its excellent services to those who need it, free of charge.

If you’d like to know more about Survive, volunteering or donating please email Evelyn at findraising@survive-northyorks.org.uk – she’d love to hear from you.

Sally qualified as a counsellor in 1990 and a psychotherapist and group therapist in 2005. She worked in the NHS for 27 years as a counsellor and later a psychotherapist, alongside running a small private practice in York. She has a specialist interest ingroup work – running therapy groups and supervision groups as well as being an individual practitioner. In 2008, she set up York Groupwork Ltd with a colleague – a group therapy training and consultancy company – offering foundation level and diploma level training, workshops, supervision, group therapy and reflective practice groups. She has a longstanding interest in issues affecting women. In the late 70’s/80s she was a support worker in the early days of York Women’s Aid, volunteer for Rape Crisis and was a founder member of the York Women’s Centre Collective. She has a keen understanding of the impact and dynamics of sexual abuse informed by her work with survivors over many years.

David is a Food Technical Professional with over 30 yrs of manufacturing and technical expertise.

He has extensive knowledge of accreditation systems, budgetary management, plus health & food safety.

David is a keen rower of fine, coastal and gig boats.

Lisa joined Survive as a Trustee in May 2025, following a 30 year career in the police service in North Yorkshire and Humberside Police. She has served in a number of roles supporting victims of crime and sexual abuse throughout her service and is passionate about ensuring that the right support is available.

She retired in March 2024 as Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police and brings with her the skills surrounding leadership and governance in public service and knowledge of the criminal justice system and victim services.

Beatriz brings over 20 years of experience in strategic and operational human resources across the healthcare, technology, and service sectors in both the UK and Europe. A passionate advocate for people-first leadership, she has spent the last decade as a senior HR leader and board member, driving culture change, employee wellbeing, and organisational transformation.

Currently serving as Head of HR at medneo UK, Beatriz has a proven track record of designing inclusive people strategies, leading complex change initiatives, and championing health, wellbeing, and belonging in the workplace. Her work has earned national recognition, with multiple awards in Diversity & Inclusion and Employee Engagement.

As a Trustee of Survive, Beatriz contributes her expertise in people, culture, and organisational sustainability. She is committed to strengthening the charity’s internal capabilities and supporting its mission to empower survivors of sexual violence with compassion, integrity, and resilience.