The team

We are a proud and energetic organisation – built around a Board of Trustees and a team of committed staff who bring a wealth of diverse backgrounds and lived experience, including Gypsy, Traveller and other ethnic groups, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.

On this page

Staff
Board of Trustees
Website
Funders

It’s important to have Gypsy and Traveller trustees, and I like the way that LGT sees this as a broader development opportunity for our communities

Chelsea Mac Donnchadha, Trustee

Staff

Debby Kennett

Chief Executive Officer

“I am responsible for the overall vision, strategy and management of LGT, working with staff and trustees to ensure we continue to be a vibrant, effective and sustainable organisation. I am proud of our expert and committed staff team and our longstanding partnership with Gypsies and Travellers who have been involved with our work over many years.”

Shahina Begum

Operations and Admin Coordinator

“I oversee administration, finance, IT and the day-to-day operations of the organisation. I am passionate about empowering the community, helping to break down barriers and supporting positive change for Gypsy and Traveller communities.”

Joe Clark

Client Support and Data Officer, Accommodation Advice Service

“I mainly assist with the Accommodation Advice Service, answering calls, assisting with casework and managing the appointments system to ensure everyone is seen. I also complete administrative tasks and assist with data analysis and reporting. My role is essential in maintaining smooth operations and providing effective support.”

Nancy Hawker

Policy and Research Officer

“I collect and analyse reliable information about discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people in London. LGT relies on this evidence to campaign for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller rights. I am a human rights researcher and campaigner specialised in racial discrimination and economic, social and cultural rights.”

Rhianna Ketley

Community Development and Campaigns Lead

“My role involves working with Gypsy and Traveller communities to come together, use their voices and build their power to take action on the issues that really matter to them. I co-ordinate our Community Development Team, which works on issues like culturally suitable accommodation and changing discriminatory policies.”

Geraldine Lindsay

Head of Family Services

“As Lead for the Accommodation Advice Service, family support and domestic violence, I focus on increasing self-confidence and independence within the community through developing skills and literacy. I work closely with people facing housing challenges and family difficulties, providing guidance and practical support to help them manage their own affairs.”

Sarah McDonagh

Bright Futures Youth Engagement Worker and Mentor

“My focus is connecting with community members and young people to understand their needs around education and employment. Through outreach and engagement initiatives as well as mentoring, I aim to build trust and support them to access services and activities.”

Mena Mongan

Community Engagement Officer

“I came into this job after volunteering for my community. I challenge everyday discrimination against my people. My job involves encouraging Travellers to speak out for their rights and get involved in LGT campaigns and programmes.”

Orlando Phipps

Senior Casework Officer, Accommodation Advice Service

“At LGT’s accommodation advice service we look to help the community navigate an increasingly encumbered and obstinate housing system in London, doing our best to improve the material circumstances of those who find themselves in wholly unsuitable accommodation or being treated unfairly by landlords or the council.”

Mini Ravi

Bright Futures Programme Lead

“I lead our youth mentoring and employability programme, working closely with families, partners and community networks to create the right opportunities for young Gypsies and Travellers to thrive. I’m committed to growing the programme, building relationships and making sure our support evolves in line with young people’s needs and ambitions.”

Oliver Wells

Client Support and Partnerships Officer, Accommodation Advice Service

“I work within the Accommodation Advice Service helping to provide advice and support to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in order to assist them in securing and maintaining their accommodation. Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I also support the organisation to be intersectional in the work we do.”

Board of Trustees

Sally Barter

Sally joined the board in 2024. She is a Romany Gypsy and has worked in Traveller education for almost 30 years, as well as in various voluntary roles supporting and representing Gypsies and Travellers nationally. Sally previously worked as a Gypsy Roma Traveller education officer and outreach worker in the London Borough of Hillingdon, where she was born.

Richard Bennett (Treasurer)

Richard joined the board in 2017 and is the current Treasurer. He started his working life as a schoolmaster before setting up his own business, and from 1987 to 2011 he was a councillor on Reigate & Banstead Borough Council. He led the Local Government Association’s investigation into the shortfall in site provision for Gypsies and Travellers and has for many years provided training to councillors on the issues facing Gypsies and Travellers.

Sarah Edwards

Sarah joined the board in 2017. Sarah has both Romany and Traveller heritage and has close family members who have lived ‘on the road’. She hopes to help break down prejudice towards Gypsies, Roma and Travellers. She is currently a lecturer and tutor at the University of Oxford.

Helena Kiely-Savin

Helena joined the board in 2020. She is an Irish Traveller and until recently was Director of a national alternative education college. As a qualified youth worker, Helena brings to the board her experience and deep passion for education and supporting young people. Helena stepped down as Chair in September 2025 while travelling, but will be taking up the role again in late 2026.

Felix Lynn

Felix comes from a Traveller background. He works as a development manager for a large registered social landlord and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on housing and building. He joined the board in September 2025 and says it is a pleasure and a privilege to be part of an organisation committed to supporting our most marginalised community.

Marian Mahoney (Vice Chair)

Marian has been an LGT board member since 2007 and is the current Vice Chair. She is a resident on Old Willow Close site in Tower Hamlets, secretary to the site residents’ group and has been actively involved in LGT’s campaigns for many years.

Tunji Makanju

Tunji joined the board in 2016. He is the Head of Finance at the Fairtrade Foundation and is a highly proficient accounting professional with experience covering financial reporting, management accounting, planning, budgeting & forecasting, cash flow management and risk management.

Chelsea Mac Donnchadha

Chelsea joined the board in 2023. Chelsea is an Irish Traveller and works as a local organiser for a trade union and as a freelance researcher and consultant. She and is one of the co-founders of the Rom Belong programme, a widening participation programme for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people at King’s College London.