HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
How it all began
We are a charity that believes consumers, charities and companies can thrive together. Our range of products help raise much needed funds for UK based charities, schools and community groups.
Founded in 2006 by four Hertfordshire Dads who agreed to use their different business skills to benefit charities and schools rather than profits for shareholders. Since then, we’ve grown to become a larger team with an excellent mix of skills but with a passion to champion the thousands of causes that are part of our “Giving” nation.
Meet The Team
FOUNDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Richard Morris
Richard is a co-founder and Chief Executive of the charity. He’s a successful entrepreneur in business and technology both in the UK and USA and wanted to leverage technology for good with his co-founders. He manages TheGivingMachine strategy, development programme, leads major projects and business development. He also consults for businesses wanting to adopt a more people, planet, profit culture. Read his interview with Julian Harris here.
In his personal time, Richard enjoys life messing about with his family, technology, table tennis, a bit of PC gaming and mentoring his dog, Sid, to be more productive.
HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Luisa Gatward
Our Head of Operations, Luisa is responsible for the smooth running of all operations including marketing and partner relationships. Having started working for TheGivingMachine in 2010, Luisa has seen our Charity grow and continuously develop. Out of work, Luisa is a keen runner and loves reading and spending time with her family and friends.
GIVING DIRECTOR – NEW TECHNOLOGY
Nicola Chowings
As Technology Director Nicola manages our overall technology strategy and all new technology and development projects within the team and she ensures the ‘machine’ keeps running for all our supporters, causes and businesses. Nicola is also an active IT consultant within the charity sector and works hard to help as many charities as she can on their digital journey. Out of work you’ll find Nicola walking her 2 crazy Labradors – Hobson and Red.
Social Media Co-ordinator
Michelle Logli
Michelle manages our social media platforms and supports the team with all aspects of administration. With a background in healthcare, Michelle has a passion for helping others. A mum of one human and one fur baby, she enjoys spending time with her family, long dog walks in the countryside, and writing.
Business Development Manager
Abigail Ward
Abigail is our Business Development Manager, she takes the lead on business development strategy, partnership building, and client engagement.
Abigail is a travel enthusiast and qualified scuba diver who loves exploring the world. She is passionate about social issues, as well as nature and wildlife. When she’s not on an adventure, you can find her immersed in a good book or enjoying some gaming.
FOUNDER, GIVING DIRECTOR - FINANCE
Jonathan Bayly
Jonathan is a co-founder and our Finance Director (former Council Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland). Jonathan is married with two grown up children and loves to swim, act and sing as well as playing golf and tennis.
Trustee - Chair
Nisar Ahmed
Nisar is the Chair of our Board of Trustees and is a registered member in practise of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Nisar has many years experience working in senior financial positions and is the director of an accountantany company.
Trustee
Rachel Jackson
Rachel worked for TheGivingMachine charity for a number of years and became a Trustee when she left. Rachel works as a Hypnotherapist and is completing her counselling training. she has two teenage children and a wonderful fluffy cockerpoo.
Trustee
Melvyn Manning
Melvyn joined us as a Trustee and has a background in Advertising, Marketing & Sales, having worked with many high-profile businesses. Melvyn has a passion for Art having completed a Fine Art Degree.
Volunteer
Sid
Sid's main role is to bark whenever the door goes, anyone comes in or out of the work-space or anything unexpected happens. He is an unbelievably cheeky chappie.
Volunteer
Hobson
Hobson’s main role is to be the Yoga master of the group. Always relaxed and largely horizontal he takes everything in his stride/sleep. When not mastering downward facing dog he likes to try and escape the chaos that is his niece Red by hiding under Nicola’s desk!
Volunteer
Red
Red’s main role is to take a noisy drink and jump up whilst Nicola is on calls. When not disrupting/entertaining the team on calls, she likes to chase her Uncle Hobson and force him to play with her. She’s adorable and she knows it!
Volunteer
Stanley
Stanley’s main role is to demand attention at all times, eat, sleep, and repeat. Oh and to be super cute which comes naturally!
Volunteer
Tortellini
Tortellini’s main role is to eat leafy greens and take naps under her heat lamp. Tortellini is our youngest volunteer at only a few months old! She was found wandering in a local carpark, and thanks to being known as the person who takes in any and all animals, she quickly ended up with Abigail, and will now hopefully enjoy 50+ years with her!
More About The Team
Julian Harris interviews Richard about his career
In this interview, Julian Harris of The Human Edge engages with Richard to explore his early career in Silicon Valley, which laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey. Richard shares insights into how his experiences and learnings led him to form a team of four to create TheGivingMachine. Additionally, the conversation delves into Richard's other business interests, particularly his work in coaching and training leadership teams. He emphasises the importance of helping these teams operate more efficiently to enhance their effectiveness in running their businesses. This discussion highlights Richard's commitment to both philanthropy and business excellence.