Meet the team

Alex and joined the National Flood Forum in February 2026. Alex graduated from the University of Exeter in 2018 with a BSc in Geography and is working towards an MSc in Climate Change and Development.

Before joining NFF, Alex was working for an NGO in Uganda focusing on youth empowerment and delivering water, sanitation and hygiene projects with rural communities. Before this, Alex worked for the Environment Agency in Somerset in flood risk management.

Allison has 30+ years  experience working  in finance, real estate and IT.  Allison previously worked as a Banking Lead and Head of Sales Ledger, and she later helped set up a global shared service department in Portugal and then a global IT project.

Arthur joined the National Flood Forum in September 2023 after completing an MSc in International Development at the University of Birmingham. Arthur applies the lessons learned there in his approach to working with flooded communities throughout rural West Midlands.

Ben has 20 years’ experience working in the third sector in communications, marketing and fundraising roles. Before joining the National Flood Forum, Ben worked as Director of Communications and Development at a national charity supporting unpaid carers. Ben has also worked for housing associations in England and Wales, and charities providing housing and treatment services.

Emma joined the National Flood Forum in December 2025. Emma has previously worked in sustainability roles, supporting the development of projects across global supply chains.  Before joining the NFF, Emma completed a diploma in conservation and ecosystem management which involved practical work with local communities.

Freia joined the National Flood Forum in November 2025. Freia has a BSc in Biological Sciences and experience in conservation, environmental research, and community engagement. Freia is passionate about empowering communities to manage environmental risks, particularly those related to flooding and climate change, and her work is focused on supporting communities in Rochdale.

Hayley joined the National Flood Forum in February 2023. Hayley has a degree in Geography and Natural Hazard Management and a background in teaching, equipping her with the knowledge and skills needed to empower communities to take control of flood risk.

Heather has a background in project management, event organisation, and community engagement, including nine years as chair for CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Association) Essex. Heather led fundraising efforts, organised events, and built strong, supportive networks within the community with CLAPA.

Heather’s work is focused on supporting those in London and the Home Counties affected by flooding, listening to experiences, building resilience, and finding practical solutions.

James joined the National Flood Forum in June 2024. He completed his first degree in Development Studies which enabled him to look at how natural resources, economics and social factors impact developing countries.

James later completed a master’s in social work studies at Southampton University and worked both in the UK and abroad in social work roles. James has always been interested in environmental matters and in his role at the National Flood Forum, James uses the skills gained in previous roles to engage, support and empower communities affected by flooding.

Jenni works as a Flood Engagement Officer for Shropshire. Jenni’s background is in geography and environmental science and she has worked in fieldwork education, including teaching about flooding in Shropshire to A-Level and GCSE students.

Jenni has also worked in flood and water consultancy. She has lived in Shropshire for 20 years and has seen the impact flooding has in the area.

Katrina joined the National Flood Forum in May 2025 and is a Surrey resident. Katrina is passionate about supporting communities and finding practical solutions that make a real difference locally.

Before joining the NFF, Katrina spent much of her career working for a regulator within the Home Office, developing  collaboration and problem-solving skills that she now brings to her work with communities in Surrey.

Liz has spent much of her career working in public services and the voluntary sector, supporting people through complex and often challenging situations. 

Liz's background includes strategic development, partnership working and engagement roles, working closely with communities, charities and statutory organisations to improve how systems respond to people’s needs.

Liz is particularly interested in co-production and trauma-informed approaches, and in taking the time to get things right rather than rushing change. Liz is focused on learning from communities across Wales to ensure these perspectives help shape future approaches to flood risk and recovery.

Rebecca joined the National Flood Forum in October 2024. Rebecca completed an BSc in human and physical Geography at the University of Reading, completing a dissertation on the importance of community empowerment through having a connection to nature.

Rebecca is committed to supporting communities affected by flooding and has previously volunteered for the London Wildlife Trust as a conservationist.

Sarah grew up on the River Severn and Vyrnwy floodplain in rural North Shropshire, witnessing the impacts of major flooding events on her community. She graduated from Harper Adams University with a BSc (Hons) in Countryside and Environmental Management.

Sarah previously worked with young adults with additional needs. Away from work, Sarah enjoys distance running events and is a qualified lifeguard and gym instructor, as well as having a qualification in horticulture.

Sophie joined the National Flood Forum in April 2023. She studied International Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response (BSc) at the University of Manchester.

As a born-and-bred Salopian, Sophie has witnessed the increasing impact flooding has had on local communities and is focused on supporting at-risk groups.

Tracey joined the National Flood Forum in 2022 bringing a wealth of experience in engagement, communications and operational experience. Working with a dedicated team we aim to help as many people as possible prepare for flooding and support them should a flood event occur.