Alison is an experienced social investment and impact-focused funding specialist with over 20 years’ experience across government, higher education, and the charitable and social enterprise sectors. She has led multi‑million‑pound, government‑backed investment and grant programmes, supporting hundreds of impactful, financially sustainable projects across the North East and across England.

She brings strong expertise in impact-led investment, programme design, due diligence, and partnership development. Alison played a key role in managing the £10m North East Social Investment Fund, leading complex investment assessments and supporting a diverse portfolio of high‑impact organisations. She has also secured and delivered major funding programmes, including a £1.8m Office for Students capital grant and delivery of elements of the £3bn national Cost of Living programme for DLUHC, reaching millions of households.

Currently in a senior role in higher education, Alison leads on research infrastructure, income growth, and strategic partnerships to strengthen pathways to impact. She is passionate about social investment and collaborative, place‑based approaches as drivers of sustainable regional development, and is pleased to contribute this experience to the Key Fund Investment Panel.