UKSA, a leading maritime training and education charity, has appointed Amy Sweeting as Director of Development & Fundraising to provide leadership and direction on all aspects of the organisation’s fundraising strategy. Amy brings 10 years of fundraising experience in the charity sector and is tasked with delivering innovative, sustainable fundraising programmes for the UKSA.

Amy has a wealth of experience in charity fundraising and joins the UKSA from her previous role as Head of Fundraising for Missing People, a charity which offers support to those affected by people who run away or go missing. She has built income streams from scratch and specialises in working with high-value donors to create sustainable income growth with demonstrable impact.

Adventure is in Amy’s blood, she loves the water, enjoys sailing and can share stories about kayaking on every continent. Having grown up in London and developed a love for the sea later in life, Amy can relate to how watersports and the great outdoors can act as a catalyst for positive outcomes. She is passionate about ensuring inner city children have the opportunity to experience the sea and the multitude of activities that can be enjoyed on the water.

Like many, COVID 19 has played a contributing factor in her decision to move to the Isle of Wight. Amy is committed to promoting the UKSA as a national charity and has a clear vision to create regular and sustainable growth, deepen the impact of the charity and widen the accessibility to its programmes.  Amy comments: “It’s inspiring to be part of an organisation that makes such a transformational difference to the lives of children and young people. They learn vital life skills, grow their confidence and, most importantly, they have fun.”

Amy is Chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s Major Donor Group and sits on its highly regarded Convention Board.

Ben Willows, UKSA CEO, comments: “I’m delighted Amy has joined us. She comes with significant skills and experience in the charity fundraising sector and will lead and drive our fundraising ambitions to even greater heights. The UKSA management team and I very much look forward to working with her over the coming months and years ahead.”