The National Lottery Community Fund welcomes two new Northern Ireland Committee members

The appointments bring further leadership, governance and cross-sector experience to the committee, helping to ensure The National Lottery Community Fund continues to draw on strong local insight as it supports communities across Northern Ireland.

Welcoming the appointments, Dame Julia Cleverdon, Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Siobhan’s long-standing commitment to children, families, inclusion and community development, alongside Kieran’s expertise in responsible business, sustainability and cross-sector partnership, will be real assets to the Northern Ireland Committee.

I look forward to working with them as we continue to support people and communities to develop their ideas and thrive.”

With more than 40 years of experience in senior leadership and governance supporting the voluntary, community and public sectors, Siobhan Fitzpatrick has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for children, families and communities.

After serving as Chief Executive for over three decades for Early Years – The Organisation for Young Children, she now acts as a Senior Consultant with the non-profit organisation, specialising in early childhood development.

Her senior leadership and governance experience spans Northern Ireland and international settings, with a strong focus on early years, inclusion, community development, peacebuilding and social justice.

Kieran Harding brings more than 35 years of senior executive and governance experience, championing responsible business practices, environmental sustainability, social inclusion and community development.

He has served as Acting Chief Executive of Business in the Community UK, where he led strategy, transformation, financial sustainability and stakeholder engagement. Prior to this, he was Managing Director of Business in the Community Northern Ireland for 13 years, overseeing programmes focused on employability, education, climate action and inclusion.

Alongside his professional career, Kieran has remained actively involved in football as a player, coach and manager.

Paul Sweeney, Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “I am delighted to welcome Siobhan and Kieran to support the work of the Northern Ireland Committee. They bring extensive leadership experience and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing local communities.

Their insight will help ensure our funding decisions remain grounded in local knowledge and informed by what matters most to people across Northern Ireland. Dame Julia Cleverdon and I look forward to working with them.”

The Northern Ireland Committee of The National Lottery Community Fund connects to local priorities, supports the funding team in Northern Ireland, takes decisions on major grants and ensure that funding has the greatest possible impact.

Thanks to National Lottery players, the Fund supports people and communities across Northern Ireland to bring their ideas to life, enabling communities to have the power, assets, voice and capabilities to shape their future.