Jill has been part of The Door team since 2021, as we enter 2026 she is stepping into a new role so we asked her to update her ‘introducing’ interview by answering these 8 questions.

What is your job and what do you do?
So, the focus of my new role is community fundraising.  Really, it’s about people and relationships.  I’ll be working with individuals, churches, and community groups to help raise funds that support The Door’s work with young people.  That might be through regular giving, community events, or just helping people understand what’s happening and how they can be part of it.  A big part of it is also saying thank you properly and keeping people connected to the impact of their support.  It’s about building something sustainable, not just fundraising for today.

So, have you always been involved in this kind of work?
Yes and no. I’ve always worked in the services sector — I started as a secondary school teacher and then moved into management and senior leadership in local government. 

When I joined The Door in 2021, it was my first paid role in a charity, and I was new to youth services.  But my initial roles as Gloucestershire Mentoring Programme Coordinator and then Intensive Support Coordinator for young people gave me a good understanding of The Door, its impact, and the landscape in which it operates.  This time around, I’m new to community fundraising and looking forward to a fresh challenge, doing what I’ve come to love, making a positive difference in young people’s lives.

What does a typical day at work look like?
I’m just a few weeks into the role, so I’m still learning the ropes, looking at what’s been done in the past, understanding how my role fits into the fundraising team, and beginning to think about initiatives that will help The Door grow its income from communities.  Looking ahead, I imagine there won’t really be a typical day, which will suit me down to the ground. I might have one or several “to-dos” on any given day, things like meeting someone from a local church or community group, planning a fundraising event, or working on appeals.

There will also be the behind-the-scenes stuff — emails, monitoring our giving, pulling together reports — but it all feeds into the same thing: helping people feel connected to the work and helping to keep The Door financially sustainable so it can keep on supporting young people.

So, what most excites you about your role?
Honestly, it’s knowing we’re playing a real part in changing lives for the better.  I love hearing the stories and little moments that show the impact The Door is having — it’s so encouraging, and really special to be able to pass those stories on to supporters and show them what their generosity is doing.

What are you looking forward to doing in your role?
I’m really looking forward to building a strong community of supporters around the charity — people who feel connected to the work and want to be involved for the long term.

I’m excited about working more closely with churches and the wider community, and helping create a culture of generosity that means the charity can keep supporting young people well into the future.

Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a lovely golden cocker spaniel, called Ordie – he’s very bouncy and full of mischief, digging holes in the garden and stealing things around the house.

What music era are you?
80’s! The best.

And do you have a favourite artist?

I suppose this is a little pre-80’s, but I really love Queen and I managed to see them when Freddie Mercury was performing with them.

Is there a Bible verse you would like to share?
One is Micah 6:8, ‘…act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God’.  It sums up my approach to both my work and my faith.

The other is 2 Corinthians 9:7, “‘God loves a cheerful giver”.  I love the idea of generosity coming from joy, not pressure – it’s another great way to approach life, and it perfectly describes the community of supporters we’re hoping to grow.