Lisa Bass

I began working with SEED Madagascar in 2008 supporting the development of policies and procedures, with an initial focus on embedding safeguarding into the organisation’s culture and values. This early work shaped my approach to leadership in an international context — ensuring that strong systems are always grounded in people, context and organisational integrity. In 2009, I moved into the role of Director of Programmes and Operations. Since then, my focus has been on working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to apply international best practice in a way that is meaningful and effective within the Malagasy context. This has involved continuous learning — listening, adapting and ensuring that our work reflects local realities as much as global standards. Together with the management team, we have grown SEED into one of the largest NGOs in the southeast of Madagascar, delivering high-quality programmes while remaining rooted in local knowledge, relationships and values. My role spans organisational strategy, programme development, budgeting and human resource management, alongside providing ongoing direction and support to programme managers. At the centre of this is a commitment to enabling others — creating the space, structure and support for teams to thrive, take ownership and deliver impactful work. I believe that strong programmes are built through collaboration, trust and a deep respect for context, and as a Director I intentionally lead in a way that creates the space, structure and direction for teams to work together effectively and deliver meaningful impact.

Initially managing community care services in North Yorkshire, moved to managing the British Red Cross's emergency services across the Yorkshire region. This involved managing emergency services in the area, setting up rest centres, managing and training volunteers and ensuring that people received the best possible care and signposting during community disasters such as floods or individual crises. Managed services such as first aid at public events, community first aid, transport services, home-from-hospital projects, therapeutic care and international tracing and messaging. Working alongside almost 1,000 Red Cross staff and volunteers, local councils and university researchers, I brought leadership based on empathy and a passion for person centreed support and service delivery.

Initially managing a day service for people with learning disabilities, moved to coordinating a change from traditional to more independent and community-focused day services across the City of York and North Yorkshire. Worked alongside those using services, staff and commissioners to develop service requested by and suited to those accessing them.