We are delighted to announce the the appointment of Keira Burns as Director of Services and Engagement and Sarah Martin as Director of Income Generation and Business Development.
At Leeds Women’s Aid, we are the largest women’s organisation in the city, providing a wide range of support services and working to end violence against women and girls. The directors join our senior leadership team as we launch our new three-year strategy, focused on preventing violence and abuse before it happens, responding effectively to provide person-centred support and influencing societal and cultural change.
Keira Burns brings almost 20 years’ experience leading frontline services, developing partnerships and creating innovative, trauma-informed support within the social housing and charity sectors. She said:
Keira Burns
“I feel very privileged to join Leeds Women’s Aid at such an exciting time, supporting our new strategy. I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of women and girls, something close to my heart. I look forward to bringing my experience, passion and commitment to the role, and helping to support the charity’s continued growth and impact alongside my fellow directors and wonderful colleagues.”
Sarah Martin brings more than a decade of experience in philanthropy, corporate partnerships and strategic communications within the charity sector. Having previously held senior roles at organisations including ActionAid UK.
Sarah Martin
She said:
“It’s a privilege to join an organisation with such an impressive history of standing up for women and children in this city. Leeds Women’s Aid delivers life-changing, feminist-led support, and the need is growing. I want to help build the income, partnerships and profile that let this team meet that demand, amplifying the voices that create this organisation’s story, so that every woman and child who needs support can get it.”
Nik Peasgood, Chief Executive of Leeds Women’s Aid, said:
“I am absolutely delighted Sarah and Keira have joined our senior leadership team. As we advance our new strategy, their skills and experience will build on our solid foundations.
Our senior leadership team shares core values that enable us to be visible, connected and collaborative. Together, we have a fantastic opportunity to listen, learn and build an even stronger organisation for the women, children and families we support, and for the incredible people who work at Leeds Women’s Aid.”
Learn more about our organisational strategy at: https://leedswomensaid.co.uk/our-strategy-2026-2028/