Grants Unlocked 2026 - Speakers

George joined DSC at the beginning of 2017 and, having previously led the sales and customer service teams, moved into training at the start of 2020.

He trains in Management & Leadership, Fundraising, Personal Development, Project Management and Wellbeing. He has extensive experience in helping organisations make positive changes to how they approach social change.

He is also qualified as a Mental Health First Aider, with additional time spent studying Psychosis.

The favourite part of his role is knowing that the work DSC performs has a major impact on both the charities and individuals that we are able to serve.

Rhiannon is Head of Research at Directory of Social Change (DSC), where she leads the team responsible for Funds Online and DSC's commissioned research services. With almost a decade of research experience, she has worked with a diverse range of charities, helping them identify funding opportunities, measure and demonstrate their impact, and make informed, evidence-based decisions.

Sarah Watson is Head of Innovation at The National Lottery Community Fund, working in a small Innovation Unit that supports the Fund to deliver its strategy. The Unit approaches all its work through the Curb Cut effect, working with historically underserved communities and those most in need. Focusing on the strategy’s missions and commitments through an equity lens, the Unit is delivering on a range of projects with internal and external partners, including the development of AI. Working collaboratively, the Unit has supported the development of internal AI Principles and Policies, is experimenting with small proof of concepts to support grant making, and works across the sector to share learning and collaborate, including through an annual AI Funders Festival.