Staff
Gary Allison LLB MBA – Director
Gary joined PoC as Director in July 2018 following 25 years of legal practice in South Africa and England. Having supported various NGOs and charities over the last four decades, Gary served as a trustee, and latterly, as Vice-Chair, of PoC from 2001 to 2013. With an MBA from Warwick University, which focussed on the charity and professional services sectors, Gary brings a commercial approach and passion for increasing the work of PoC in meeting the acute needs of prisoners of conscience in the UK and internationally.
Kirsty Bennett BA PGDip – Grants and Support Manager
After completing a degree in Modern African and Middle Eastern History at the School of Oriental and African Studies, Kirsty volunteered with the UNHCR. She also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Anthropology from Birkbeck University. Kirsty joined PoC in April 2002. She assesses, researches and processes grant applications.
Joanna Pitta – Communications and Transformation Officer
Originally working as an intern at PoC, Joanna joined the staff team in 2019 and works on media, digital and fundraising, as well as our transformation project. Interested in refugee and humanitarian issues, after completing her MA in Human Rights at Sussex University, Joanna interned with UNHCR and then worked for Solidarity Now, an organisation supporting those most affected by the economic and humanitarian crises in Greece.
Kevin Taylor – Philanthropy Manager
Prior to Joining us at POC as our Philanthropy Manager, Kevin has an extensive fundraising career working across a range of local, national and international charities, managing business development & fundraising, advocacy and communications activities in the UK charity sector.
Kevin has expertise in relationship management and thrives on developing profitable long-term relationships, particularly with high-net-worth individuals and corporates.
Kevin values and practices authentic leadership and is committed to the promotion of a diverse workforce.
Volunteers and Interns
We would not be able to carry out our work without the support from volunteers and interns. We are supported by about 6 volunteers at any one time.