WIREDGOV

The Big Lottery Fund is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Beggs as the new Northern Ireland Director to lead on awarding National Lottery funding to support people and communities in Northern Ireland to thrive.

Kate joins the Big Lottery Fund from the public sector as an experienced leader, with 17 years’ experience in the UK Civil Service. She was previously Deputy Director in the Northern Ireland Office, leading their external political and community engagement.

Prior to joining the Northern Ireland Office, Kate held a wide-ranging series of roles in the Diplomatic Service, in the UK and abroad.

Big Lottery Fund Chief Executive Dawn Austwick said:

“I am delighted to welcome Kate Beggs as Northern Ireland Director and to the Fund’s Senior Management Team. Her knowledge and experience will be vital in supporting the Big Lottery Fund as we continue to put our people in the lead vision into action.”

Kate said:

“I am delighted to be joining the Big Lottery Fund in the year marking the 25th anniversary of the National Lottery. The Fund’s innovative approach to grant-making allows people to take control and bring to life their own ideas for strengthening communities in Northern Ireland and across the UK.

“I am excited by the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to the Big Lottery Fund and to ensure that National Lottery funding continues to make a genuine and lasting difference in people's lives.”

Kate will be responsible for leading the Fund’s grant-funding activity, relationship management and operations in Northern Ireland.

Details of the Big Lottery Fund’s programmes and grant awards are available at: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

For media enquiries call Amanda Doherty or Rachel Skinner

Press Office: 02890 551 472 or 02890 551 450

Out of hours media contact: 07760 171434/ 07747 532846

Notes to editors:

• We are the largest community funder in the UK – we’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Since June 2004, we have made over 200,000 grants and awarded over £9 billion to projects that have benefited millions of people.
• We are passionate about funding great ideas that matter to communities and make a difference to people’s lives. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that when people are in the lead, communities thrive. Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, our funding is open to everyone. We’re privileged to be able to work with the smallest of local groups right up to UK-wide charities, enabling people and communities to bring their ambitions to life.