Homelessness charity Crisis welcomes Executive Director and new Trustees

National homelessness charity Crisis has today announced Tamsin Baxter as their Director of Brand, Marketing and Fundraising to lead on the organisation’s work raising vital awareness and funds for people experiencing homelessness.

Tamsin Baxter brings over 20 years of experience in fundraising and marketing to the role, including senior positions at Refugee Council, Scope and Fight for Sight. Her expertise spans major fundraising appeals, transformational partnerships and re-branding programmes, which includes Refugee Council’s first major rebrand in three decades. Alongside this, Tamsin is an established communications specialist having led media, public affairs, campaigns and internal communications teams.

Tamsin Baxter, Executive Director of Brand, Marketing and Fundraising at Crisis, said: "I'm excited to be joining Crisis at such a pivotal moment for the organisation. With more and more people facing homelessness, the charity has a vital role to play in tackling the issue across the country. I look forward to working with the brilliant Brand, Marketing and Fundraising teams to build on their successes and mobilise public support to help more people find a safe place to call home.”

In addition, the charity has also appointed two new trustees who will be supporting Crisis’ mission to end homelessness with their extensive experiences in charity fundraising.

Kirsty MacDonald has held senior positions in leading educational and cultural institutions in both the UK and Canada for over thirty years. Since 2016, Kirsty has been Deputy Principal at the Royal Academy of Music and was awarded a Hon FRAM in 2022 for her achievements. As a member of their senior management team, she leads on strategic planning and is responsible for external relations including fundraising, marketing and audience engagement. Kirsty also devised and launched the largest fundraising campaign for a music college outside the US with a target of £100m. She is also a trustee for the Maple Leaf Trust and YCAT (Young Classical Artists Trust).

Kirsty MacDonald said: “It's a privilege to become a Trustee of Crisis.  I am looking forward to working with the executive team and fellow trustees to strengthen partnerships with funders and build relationships with philanthropists. Homelessness can and should be ended, but only with the help of dedicated supporters who want to make a difference. I believe in Crisis and care deeply about its mission and the people it serves.”

Jan Oldfield brings a wealth of charitable experience to the board. Passionate about the role of both communities and individuals in challenging injustice and driving lasting change, Jan has led supporter engagement efforts for charities including Save the Children International, Greenpeace International and Oxfam GB. Most recently, she also joined Amnesty International UK as their Director of Mass Market Fundraising.

Jan Oldfield said: “I’m pleased to be stepping into this role as one of Crisis’ trustees. Having worked with a range of charities, I’ve seen the power of effective leadership and clear purpose in driving meaningful change. I look forward to bringing that experience to support Crisis in its mission to end homelessness.”

These three appointments will help guide and support Crisis at a time when homelessness continues to rise across the country. Recent research from the charity shows that more than 300,000 families and individuals across Britain are experiencing the worst forms of homelessness, including rough sleeping, sofa-surfing, and stuck in unsuitable temporary accommodation like nightly paid B&Bs.

Tristia Harrison, Chair of Trustees at Crisis, said: “It’s wonderful to have Tamsin, Kirsty and Jan join Crisis at such a key moment for the organisation. Their diverse experiences will help strengthen and guide the charity in supporting more people experiencing the trauma and indignity of homelessness. This is a pivotal time for the charity and I look forward to working with them to help end homelessness for good.”

Matt Downie, Chief Executive at Crisis, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Tamsin, Kirsty and Jan to Crisis. With homelessness at record levels across the country as rising living costs push more people to the brink, this is a critical time for our organisation. Together, their experience and insight will strengthen our work, helping us raise awareness and vital funds so we can continue to support people to find and keep a safe place to call home and campaign for the changes to end it for good.”