Louisa Pharoah – Director of People & Development 

Louisa is responsible for shaping and delivering the Trust’s fundraising strategy and developing strong relationships with individuals, companies and foundations who want to support our charitable mission. She also leads our People and Volunteer teams, strengthening culture and engagement so that staff and volunteers feel supported, connected and able to do their best work, helping to make Bristol Dockyards a great place to work and volunteer. 

With over 25 years’ experience in the charity sector, Louisa brings extensive expertise in multi‑stream fundraising, capital campaign leadership, organisational strategy and leading multidisciplinary teams. Having previously worked at the Trust, she returned after seven years as Director of Development at the Soil Association. 

Her career includes senior and Executive roles across national charities and heritage organisations, with earlier fundraising positions at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Career highlights include securing major philanthropic support for significant capital projects such as a new cardiac wing at Great Ormond Street Hospital and two museum developments at the SS Great Britain. She has also had the distinctive experience of arranging Royal events in every organisation she has worked for. 

Outside the Trust, Louisa serves as a Trustee of Young Bristol, a youth charity providing community‑driven programmes and activities.