Suzanne Grogan

I have a wide range of experience in the voluntary and public sectors, and have spent the last nine years as a consultant specialising in policy and research relating to disadvantaged groups and social exclusion.

I have also worked on the evaluation of Heritage Lottery Fund projects, and with rural communities to develop Parish Plans. I have contributed to the development of a number of public sector strategies, and have expertise in detailed needs analysis to support applications for funding.

I have a degree in Law and a Postgraduate Diploma in Research & Consultancy.

I have worked as a volunteer with young people with learning disabilities, and for the past four years I have worked as Chair and on the committee of the Taunton Area Lymphoedema Support Group, with responsibility for co-ordinating fundraising and successfully making applications for grants to support the work of the nurses at St Margaret's Somerset Hospice.

Despite being a mum of two teenagers, I maintain a passion for writing, reading and learning new things.

Jo Middleton

My specialism is fundraising and communications, with particular experience of health and social welfare causes.

I have a first class Economics degree and before moving into the voluntary sector I worked in the financial services industry for a multi-national investment group. I love working with numbers - if anyone can take pleasure from a beautifully crafted budget it is me!

I have also spent time working for a local newspaper group and continue to work as a freelance writer. When working with charities, I can use these copywriting skills and my experience with the media to help develop and implement fun and engaging communication strategies.

I place a high value of the contribution of volunteers and do a lot of voluntary work of my own. I have been a trustee for both small local and national charities and this experience means I have a genuine understanding of the highs and lows of charity governance.

I also have extensive marketing experience in both the voluntary and commercial sector, including online marketing through websites, blogs and social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

I am a big advocate of the importance of excellent donor relationships. If I could give one piece of advice to any charity it would be to say thank you to everyone. For everything. Twice.

I am a member of the Institute of Fundraising and sit on the South West Regional Committee.