Meet our team

Clare started as a consultant with the Naval Children’s Charity in 2008 and became Chief Executive in 2018. She has a background in Fundraising, Strategy and Charity expertise. She is Co-Chair of the Educational Trusts Forum, Vice Chair of the SCiP Alliance Management Group, Chair of the SCiP Alliance Funders Forum and on the Steering Group of the SCiP Alliance Voice of the Service Child. She is a Trustee and Treasurer of Children England, a member of the Institute of Fundraising and the Institute of Leadership and Management and a Fellow of Clore. She was the General Manager and founder of Winston’s Wish West Sussex. She has a degree in Engineering and holds City & Guilds in Upholstery and Design and was formerly a member of the Association of Lighting Designers, working in the Theatre industry as a Lighting Designer in the 1980s.

Sara has been working for the Naval Children’s Charity for just over 7 years, initially as a caseworker and now as Head of Welfare, responsible for the team of caseworkers. She previously worked for the Naval Families Federation and RN FPS. She has been a Naval spouse for 25 years and became a Naval mum when her son joined the RN in 2019. Her lived experience from being in a Service family is one of her main strengths and helps every day in her role with the charity, as she understands the challenges that some of our families are dealing with, and giving the empathy to empathise and identify the support that they and their children require.

Jo McEvoy joins us as Head of Finance following a successful track record with over 30 years experience in the charity and not-for profit arena. Jo is FMATT qualified and is experienced in key financial processes, implementing change, monitoring financial performance, minimising financial risk, forecasting, payments, and general accounting duties. Prior to joining the NCC Jo worked for over 17 years as a Business and Finance Manager for a national fishing charity and was a key member of their Senior Management Team leading on all financial matters from payments to year end audits.

Working in education outreach for the past 7 years, Kim is incredibly passionate about promoting fair opportunities for all young people, regardless of their background and circumstances. Bringing her experience of project and events management to NCC, Kim has worked in a variety of roles designing and delivering programmes for young people and their supporters.

After graduating in English Literature, Caroline spent 16 years in London as an Executive Assistant within the media and financial sectors, returning to her hometown of Portsmouth following the birth of her first child.

Prior to joining NCC Caroline was Secretary at the Globe & Laurel Magazine (the Journal of the Royal Marines) for 5 years where she gained great insight into Corps life and working for a Charitable organisation.

Before coming to NCC, Cheryl was a College Lecturer for 10 years following roles in the community as a Parent Liaison Officer and Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator/Library Manager in a primary school. Prior to this she was employed by the NHS as a Personal Assistant to Consultant oncologist and urologists. She has experience in the Naval community.

Paris is passionate about supporting families that are struggling. May that be a one off crisis or challenges that family life brings along. Paris has been with the charity for 5 years and previously worked for The Royal Navy and Royal Marines welfare for 17 years, where she saw first hand the challenges serving families experienced. Paris has also worked in a refuge for young mum’s with babies, managed three homeless hostels for the council and worked in a unit for young people with additional needs. Paris loves to spend time with her daughter who is a primary school teacher, DIY and travelling where she can snorkel and experience nature’s wonders.

Angela initially trained as a Midwife and enjoyed this career for over 10 years before taking time out to have a family of her own with her Royal Navy partner. She then moved on to become a caseworker for Citizens Advice, advocating for vulnerable families in need of support and joint working with Social Services locally. She has experience of supporting families through tough times and understands the complexities of living within the Naval community.

Daniela is a Portsmouth University graduate where she completed a Masters focusing on international crimes and the role of private military companies in armed conflicts. Daniela previously worked as a community keyworker supporting women in contact with the criminal justice system, with a focus on domestic abuse and women’s issues and this has provided her with experience around housing, benefits and mental health. She has joined the NCC recently after deciding that it was time to start a new challenge.

Frankie is a psychology graduate with experience in mental health, learning disabilities and forensic care. Frankie is a naval child herself and also has a serving naval partner.

Allison has been working with young people and families in a community setting since 2001 . She has recently joined our team as Outreach Caseworker based in Helensburgh Scotland were she will be working with other partner agencies supporting submariner families and veterans. Allison herself is a submariner family with her husband serving for over 20years. Prior to this Allison worked for a local Youth Charity managing Young Carers Service . She has vast experience in working within the Third Sector and community based projects supporting children and young people.

Karolina graduated in International Relations with specialisation in global security and children in conflict areas. She has gained valuable experience working with the Armed Forces Community throughout her work at SSAFA helping serving personnel, veterans, and their families in a time of need. She is passionate about supporting those with no voice – animals and children, advocating for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Based in Plymouth, Karolina will be an Outreach Caseworker for the Southwest region

HRH The Princess Royal became our Patron following on from many years of Royal Patronage from her mother, Her Majesty The late Queen, who was our Patron for over 70 years. Patronage of The Princess Royal is therefore of particular significance.

Her Royal Highness has a long history of supporting military families and promoting the well-being of children. We offer our warmest thanks to HRH for agreeing to become our Patron. The Princess has shown great interest, over the years, into the well-being of our families and Her Royal Highness’s commitment to the Charities that she serves is outstanding.

Dame Scott Thomas is the recipient of a BAFTA Award for FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL. A bilingual actress, she received Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for her starring role opposite Ralph Fiennes in Academy Award-winning THE ENGLISH PATIENT. Among her English language screen credits are DARKEST HOUR and MILITARY WIVES just to name a few.

Dame Kristin Scott Thomas was born in Cornwall. Her father was a Lieutenant Commander in the RN’s Fleet Air Arm, who tragically died in a flying accident when Kristin was at the tender age of five. She is the granddaughter of William Scott Thomas, who commanded HMS Impulsive during World War II.

I am an Olympic Gold medalist and a Naval wife. I have been with my now husband since before he joined the Royal Navy and live a life not many can relate to. The greatest achievement of my life so far has been winning the Olympics but I’m also proud of the journey I went on to get there. When I was 10, I was told I had the reading age of a 4 year old and subsequently tested positive for dyslexia. I was fortunate enough to get amazing help at school and went on to get A’s in my GCSE English exams. I’ll always be proud for embracing that part of myself and finding a way to excel in an environment, I didn’t naturally have the skills for. I am so excited to be a patron for this amazing charity, my hope is that my story can normalise the need for a little extra help.

Imogen’s father was in the Royal Navy on the Ark Royal, and so she spent her very early years living just outside Portsmouth. In later life she has moved back to the area.

In between she read English at Oxford University, went to The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and since then has enjoyed a career in acting

– beginning with the role of Sally Bowles in Cabaret.

She has worked extensively in the West End, with the National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company, most of the regional theatres, and many other wonderful venues.

She has recently finished performing in the Pullitzer prize-winning play Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris at the Park Theatre in London. It actually began rehearsals before the first lockdown – and so it was a relief and a joy to finish the run.

Her TV and film work includes Sense and Sensibility, Jack & Sarah, Twelfth Night, A Summer Story , The Rainbow, Sandra C’est la vie, After the Dance, Othello, Things I know to be true, and Big Kids – an unexpectedly successful children’s TV show which brought her a strange but much appreciated following of five year olds.

She has also written a great deal for various magazines and newspapers – as a columnist, interviewer, article writer, book reviewer and travel writer. Travel writing has taken her on adventures all over the world to magical elsewhere and new horizons – which, ironically, was what attracted her father to join the navy so many years before she was born.

has worked extensively as an actor, writer, director teacher, mentor, and coach for over thirty years and has won a number of awards for his work. An ex-army scholar, he has a degree from Exeter University in Politics & Society and is a graduate from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Back in the late 90’s, his regular television roles made him a familiar face on the small screen. They included Sgt Chris McCleod in ‘Soldier, Soldier’, and Station Officer Chris Hammond in ‘London’s Burning’, both for ITV. Whilst starring as Ian Bentley in Coronation Street, over twenty million viewers tuned in to see bride-to-be, Sharon’s (Tracie Bennett) attack on Ian at the alter! He was then seen as Ray Winstone’s brother-in-law in the series for Granada, ‘Vincent’. Other television credits include, ‘Skins Redux’, ‘Endeavour’, ‘Desperados’, ‘Silent Witness’, ‘Sea Of Souls’, ‘Holby’, ‘Heartbeat’, ‘Casualty’, ‘Inspector Morse’, ‘Peak Practice’, and ‘The Governor’.

His first play as a writer was ‘Our Boys’. Based on his own experiences of being invalided out of the military, it won The Writers’ Guild Award for Best New Fringe Play, and he was named as the TAPS new Television Writer of The Year, as well as being nominated for The Lloyds Bank Playwright of The Year.

Over the last few years, he has focused his creative attention on two different areas – education and military veterans. He has been teaching and directing at UK Drama Schools and written a trilogy for the theatre on education – the first part, ‘A Level Playing Field’ was premiered at The Jermyn Street Theatre in April 2015. The second part ‘The Be All & End All’ was produced by York Theatre Royal and Colchester Mercury Theatre in the summer of 2018. From 2018, Jonathan has been working with the Soldiers’ Arts Academy (SAA), becoming it’s Artistic Director at the end of 2019. He wrote and directed a play for military veterans called ‘Soldier On’. This premiered at the Northcott in Exeter and toured the UK, before coming to London, firstly at The Playground Theatre, and then The Other Palace. In 2019, The Roland Gossage Foundation brought the production to The Berkeley St Theatre in Toronto, and it is currently being developed as a film.

Jonathan has now also had considerable experience over the last twenty years designing and delivering personal development and impact skills to the corporate world. He specializes in coaching and mentoring business leaders and understanding the performance aspect in the power of leadership and communication. His work in this area has taken him all over the world and to many different working environments. He is currently a Fellow at Edinburgh University’s School of Nursing.

Sian has been volunteering for the Naval Children’s Charity for the last 4 years and has now become a young ambassador. She often helps out in the office and supports the team at events. Sian comes from a Naval family with both her father and brother currently serving which gives her a good insight to the impacts of service life on children and young people. She is currently studying Primary Education with QTS at Winchester University.

My name is Bruno, I am 21 years old and I am a student at Imperial College University. I am originally from Brazil but I came to England in 2009 after my mother Lourdes brought me for schooling. I am proud to be a British citizen and I have loved the time I have spent here. My step-father Andrew was part of the Royal Navy but I have been lucky enough to spend a lot of quality time with him as I grew up. I have a wonderful younger disabled brother called George, who is blind and is affected by pathological demand avoidance. We are both supported by the Navy Children’s Charity, who have helped us immensely. I have a passion for science and renewable energy, and I hope to spend my future as a leader in the reduction of human impact on the environment.

I’m Ella, I’m 22, and in my last year studying English at the University of Cambridge. My mum died when I was 12 years old, after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease. As a former naval child, I am delighted to be an ambassador for the Royal Navy Children’s Trust. In 2022, myself and three others worked on a project to create resources for bereaved children and their families. We wanted to offer some advice and hope and show that there is a way forward. I’m excited and honoured to continue working to help young people through difficult times

Hello, I’m Florrie. I grew up a naval child as my dad served for 20 years. It wasn’t always easy; I started boarding at 7 while my family moved around the country and my dad was on deployment, but I am honoured and proud to be part of a family that has helped my dad to serve our country. When I was 10 years old I auditioned to become one of The Poppy Girls and toured the country performing, releasing a single and an album and even getting to sing at The Royal Albert Hall at the festival of remembrance, all to raise funds for The Royal British Legion. I will never forget it and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to give back to the courageous people who have served for us. It is a pleasure to be able to do that again and become an ambassador for the Naval Children’s Charity and spread awareness for naval kids and the challenges we face.

“I have been involved with the charity for over 20 years as a beneficiary after my dad died in 2002. I was recently part of the bereavement advisory group and helped put together support booklets for bereaved parents and young people. I am delighted to now represent the charity as a Young Ambassador and help to continue the excellent work that they do.”

I’m 19 and currently studying medicine at university. Both of my parents have served in the Royal Navy, my Dad is still serving and my Mum is currently serving in the RAF. The naval children’s charity is very close to my heart as I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support I received during my primary and secondary education. During my free time I enjoy being active and spending time with my niece and nephew

I am immensely proud to have been selected by the Naval Children’s Charity as an Ambassador for them. As a recipient of support from the charity over the years I cannot begin to express my admiration and respect for what they do and to everyone involved with the charity, all of whom have such a passion, drive, desire and dedication to help and assist our military community, both past and present. For me personally, if it hadn’t been for the help and support I have received from the Naval Children’s Charity I wouldn’t be where I am today, that being, I have just recently been selected into the GB Senior Women’s Wheelchair Basketball squad. This has given me the most amazing opportunity to proudly and passionately represent my country at the European Championships and World Championships this year plus the Paralympics in Paris next year, something that was a dream of mine ever since I saw the GB team perform at the 2012 Paralympics in London.

I never gave up that dream and, with the help and support of the Naval Children’s Charity I am now living that dream, something myself and my family are eternally grateful to them for. My purpose now, in my role as an Ambassador, will be to help support and promote the amazing work that the charity do, in any way that I can. I will keep you all updated on the most amazing and exciting journey I am about to embark on, with my sincerest hope that I can attend some events to assist with the amazing work that the charity do and hopefully meet some of you one day. Love Maddie x

Christopher chairs the Naval Children’s Charity and he is also a trustee of the Union Jack Club and The Mordaunt Foundation.

He was previously a trustee of the Fleet Air Arm Museum, the Tall Ships Youth Trust and, for twelve years, a member of the Advisory Board at Greenwich Hospital (a Crown foundation and the Royal Navy’s largest and oldest charity).

Christopher serves as a non-executive director of The Bristol Port Company, NFU Commercial Holdings Limited and the latter’s group of professional services subsidiaries which focus on land use and development.

He is a Freeman of the City of London.

Martin was appointment Second Sea Lord (2SL) in January 2022 and is responsible for delivery of the Royal Navy’s future capabilities, strategy and long-term programme and is the Principal Personnel Officer.   

His early career included various seagoing assignments, initially as a Lynx helicopter observer and then as a principal warfare officer.

He has had the privilege of commanding at sea on a number of occasions, including the former aircraft carrier and flagship HMS Illustrious and joint operational command at 1* level while serving as Commander of the UK’s Amphibious Task Group. Ashore he has completed numerous tours in the central staff of the Ministry of Defence, served as the British Naval Attaché in Washington D.C. and prior to this role, was the Royal Navy’s Force Generation Director, Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm and Senior Responsible Owner of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier programme.

He is a graduate of the US Naval War College (2004-05), the Higher Command and Staff Course (2011), the US CAPSTONE Course (2017) and UK Pinnacle (2021).   

He is President of Royal Navy Football, the chair of the Greenwich Hospital Advisory Board and a trustee of the Naval Children’s Charity.  

Linda joined the NCC as a trustee in June 2021. She began her career as a scientist, working towards a research degree in Cancer Research and subsequently for a short time for the Leukaemia Research Fund. Following this she studied Medicine at St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College and after a period of Hospital based posts moved into General Practice Partnership for over 18 years. She is married to a retired Naval Officer and has two adult sons

As a former beneficiary of The Naval Children’s Charity, I have a deeply personal connection to the mission and values that drive what we do. My journey with the Naval Children’s Charity began when I was 15 years old, when I first experienced the incredible support and resources provided by the Charity. Today, I am honored to serve as a Trustee and to give back to a wonderful organisation that once supported me.

In my role as a Trustee, I lead the Marketing Committee, where I leverage my professional experience as a Marketeer to enhance our communication and engagement initiatives. I am passionate about using my experience and knowledge to help the Naval Children’s Charity grow and thrive, ensuring that we can continue to make a positive impact on Naval Children’s lives.

Tom is a Major in the Royal Marines. Born into a military family from Plymouth, Tom has served on a range of land and maritime operations with a range of service and ranks.

As a member of both the Royal Navy and a naval family, Tom recognises the unique challenges naval families face and the importance of supporting them.

With a particular interest in how the charity can shape the experience and development of naval children, Tom is a keen advocate of the charities ‘life chances’ programme.

Simon joined the RN in 1981 as a General List seaman officer and completed many roles at sea including as the CO of a Minor War Vessel, Principal Warfare Officer in a frigate and an aircraft carrier and the 2 i/c of a frigate.

Following staff training in 2000, he completed roles  ashore, including the Commanding Officer HMS EXCELLENT, and a 7-month Operational Tour on an Iraqi oil platform (almost ashore!) in the Northern Gulf. Simon left regular service in 2013 but didn’t find anything that suited him, and he returned to the Navy and spent 10 years as the Executive lead in the HQ, where he fulfilled a range of responsibilities including the policy lead for uniform and other unglamorous issues.

He became a trustee of the NCC in 2022 and finally left the RN in 2024. He is now the Operations manager of the Association of Royal Navy Officers and the Royal Navy Officers’ Charity. He lives in West Sussex with his wife Emma and working cocker spaniel Millie.

Their daughter is a medical student at Southampton University and son is gaining experience working in Canada and the USA (mainly skiing and sailing!)

Annette Penfold joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service in March 1978 as a Training Support Assistant at HMS DAUNTLESS In Reading.  Her first draft was to HMS FISGUARD, Royal Navy Apprentices School in Torpoint, working in graphics and in the cinema at HMS RALEIGH. 

She remained in Plymouth for her second draft, to The Royal Naval Hospital at Stonehouse, learning photographic skills in one of many out of branch jobs. Passing her Leading Hands exam early ensured a local Acting draft at HMS COLLINGWOOD in 1981, just in time for the Falklands conflict.

A return to Raleigh followed in 1984 and a swift promotion to Petty Officer in 1985. Other assignments included HMS RALEIGH, HMS VIVID, HMS FEARLESS.The family moved to Gosport and Annette joined HMS KING ALFRED in September 1997.  On her first drill night she was offered FTRS as a Permanent Staff Instructor and remained in that job until 2000 after being promoted to CPO in 1999. She joined HMS BRISTOL in 2000 as the Whole Ship coordinator serving onboard until 2004, for which she was awarded a 2SL Commendation. 

Following this she took up a civilian post for Flagship in HMS EXCELLENT and HMS SULTAN establishing JPA hierarchies. Promoted to Warrant Officer in November 2005 she was mobilised to Kandahar in Oct 2006.  She has been on FTRS as the JPA External Auditor in NCHQ and attended Warrant Officers staff course at Collingwood and the Joint Service Defence College culminating in the Higher Warrant Officer Staff course in July 12.WO1 Penfold was appointed to the post of Command Warrant Officer Royal Naval Reserve in September 2010- March 2016 and awarded an MBE in 2012 New Year Honours.

She was awarded an MBE in the 2012 New Year Honours.Married to Bob they live in Gosport with their three children and 2 Springer spaniels.

A keen sportswoman for many years Annette has represented the RN at Volleyball but is happier now walking along the beach and taking the occasional cruise.

Commander Steve Warner RN joined the Royal Navy in January 1989 as a Weapons Engineer, completing his initial training before embarking on a series of seagoing appointments.

After several years of operational service, he elected to retrain in the RN’s specialist welfare branch, graduating with a First Class BA (Hons) and, in 2001, an MSc in Social Work and Occupational Psychology (Distinction) from the University of Southampton.

As a registered social worker, he led teams directly supporting casualties and bereaved families during major operations and provided specialist welfare advice to the chain of command.Following his commissioning in 2009, Commander Warner assumed senior leadership responsibilities within the RN’s specialist welfare community, where his dedication and professionalism earned him high commendations.

He subsequently served as a leadership instructor before taking up a senior staff appointment focused on welfare policy and support at NCHQ. In 2019, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the RN FPS Organisation, and during the same year was selected for a senior advisory role, developing emergency contingency plans in support of Government led national-level planning.Promoted to Commander in 2021, he then took command of the Royal Navy’s Recruitment Force, delivering notable successes through innovation and tenacity.

More recently, he volunteered as an embedded specialist adviser in a high tempo overseas operational deployment, where he received high recognition. Outside active service, Steve serves as a trustee for the Naval Children’s Charity.

He is married to Zoe, with two adult daughters, and in his personal time enjoys wild camping, running, reading, online gaming and investing in the stock market.

Hi! I am Amelia, my Dad served 22 years in the Royal Marines, and I have only ever known being brought up in a military environment.

I have been a member of the NCC youth council for a while now and I love being part of this community. I especially enjoy working with others from different backgrounds, whilst together making improvements for the current and future Naval children and families. I thrive in seeing the changes and differences we make together.

Since joining the NCC, I feel I have become more confident and aware of the difficulties of others around me. I can’t wait to carry on progressing and making a difference!

Hi, my name is Clarice, I am 17 years old and my dad is in the navy. He is a Captain and used to be a submariner.

My family has just moved to be based in Portsmouth after being posted abroad for the past 7 years. Since I have been moving around abroad, I go to a boarding school here in the UK to try and have some normality in my life.

Hi, I’m Coby. I’m a proud naval child. My dad has served in the Royal Navy for nearly 23 years. Growing up, I didn’t get to spend much time with him due to his service, but in recent years our relationship has grown stronger and we’ve been able to reconnect.

Being part of the NCC’s Life Chances programme has been an amazing opportunity. It’s not just about the practical help, it’s about feeling seen, valued and encouraged to pursue my goals.

Hi, my name is Helana, I am 18 years old and currently studying for a Law Degree. My connection to the Royal Navy is through my Dad, who served within Communications for 7 years.

I wanted to be a part of the NCC Youth Council as I wanted to help the charity in a meaningful way as a thank-you for all the opportunities and support they have provided me, for which I am so grateful. I hope throughout my time on the Council we are able to achieve all our plans and potentially even more.

Hello, my name is Inez, I am 16 years old, and live in London, while my father is a serving member of the Royal Marines. I wanted to be a part of the youth council because I wanted to connect with other military children, as not many live in London, and find out their different experiences.

Through becoming a member and learning about others on the Council, I hope to help make a positive development in the support and awareness of military families.

My Name is Rhiana and I am currently studying Education with Special educational needs at Edgehill University. My Dad served in the Royal Navy for 7 years on mine sweepers within communications.

I wanted to join the youth council because it was a way I could give back to the charity after being given many opportunities by them such as the Tall ships youth trust sailing residential and the IMC Sailing camp.

My name is Tallulah. I joined the youth council because I wanted to make a change for naval families. I know the highs and the lows for naval children as my daddy is in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and has been for 25 years.

I believe myself to be an engaged and empathetic young lady. My interests include sailing, youth council and reading, in particular fantasy and Biology textbooks. I have always strived to help people and I aspire to become a paramedic.