Nicola has had a long career in grantmaking and charitable and voluntary sector, most recently with independent funder John Ellerman Foundation where she developed the strategic direction of the Foundation and advised on governance and grant making. She has a background in providing, developing and supporting advice services and policies at national, regional and local level, before joining the newly formed National Lottery Charities Board, when she was based in the North East of England.

Nicola has previously worked for Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, is Chair of the Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action and a trustee of Local Trust, London Football Journeys and SASC Trust.