What is your name and job title?

Mel Russell, Individual Giving Manager

Tell us about your role?

My role is to grow existing and new support for Leeds Hospitals Charity. One of my main focuses is managing how we engage individuals through the charity’s regular giving programme and weekly lottery, to bring them closer to our work and encourage them to give for a long time to help make our hospitals even better.   

When did you join the charity?

November 2021

Why did you choose to join the charity?

I have always worked for the third sector/fundraising, and originally applied for a different role that was in the funding department. I was unsuccessful in that role, but HR got in touch to let me know about opportunities that were coming up in fundraising, and asked whether I would be interested, which I was and the rest, as they say, is history.

Do you see opportunities for career progression at the charity?

Yes, I originally joined as Individual Giving Officer, and applied and was promoted to my current role in October 2022.

What do you enjoy most about working for LHC?

I enjoy the autonomy that you’re given at all levels – you’re not micromanaged you are trusted to do your role, and to challenge and feedback if you think something isn’t working or could be done better.

What has been a key highlight of your time at LHC?

It gives you the opportunity to have more work/life balance, and of course the staff everyone is genuinely lovely and supportive.