About
Standing up for nature and climate at a family-friendly rally
I’ve always been passionate about the natural environment and sustainability.
After studying Environmental Sciences at university, I began working in the charity sector in 2006. Since 2007 I have specialised in bid writing and project development, alongside complementary work developing tools, resources and grant-making processes. Between 2016 and 2018 I spent time in public sector flood resilience and maternity leave before returning to bid writing, which remains the core of my work.
A colleague once said I have a “wicked skillset” — bid writing is my core strength, supported by expertise in budgeting, desk‑based research and analysis, GIS and spatial mapping, data presentation, learning material development, database design and grant‑making processes.
I’m honest and direct, with an eye for detail, a head for numbers, and a passion for helping others secure the funding they need to build a better world.
I went freelance in September 2022. Previously, I spent over six years as Senior Development Manager at the Centre for Sustainable Energy, which shaped much of my understanding of local energy work. I later became a regional Development Manager at The Conservation Volunteers, before expanding my nature recovery and local energy expertise through freelance work with several Wildlife Trusts, the Net Zero Hubs and other clients. I was a trustee of Carbon Copy and am now part of its Advisory Board. This combination of roles, along with participation in networks such as the EFN Green Fundraisers Forum, has kept my fundraising and topic knowledge current across both the energy and nature sides of the sector.
I’m always interested to hear from potential new clients or collaborators – feel free to get in touch through LinkedIn or my Contact page.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Fundraising, Chartered Institute of Fundraising — Distinction
- MSc Crisis and Disaster Management, University of Portsmouth — Distinction
- BSc Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia — First Class Honours
- Level 3 Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC), Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland
Publications
Gerrard, REC, 2018. Developing an Index of Community Competence in Flood Response (CCIFR) for flood-affected rural parishes on the Somerset Levels and Moors using composite and spatial datasets. Area 50(3), 344-352 https://doi.org/10.1111/area.12416
Professional Assurance
Insured for professional indemnity and public liability.