Meet the fundraising team
The fundraising team plays a vital role in carrying out Unseen’s mission. From grants to community fundraising, they work to secure the resources that power our Helpline, survivor support, and prevention work.
Get to know the people who connect supporters, funders, and partners with our fight to end modern slavery and exploitation.
Sian Hartstill
What do you enjoy about working for Unseen?
I love the people at Unseen and working with so many diverse individuals. Everyone is so passionate about what they do because they know the part they are playing in tackling modern slavery. Everyone at Unseen is united behind the cause and we all feel there is no place for modern slavery in our communities – it’s a powerful movement and I enjoy the challenge.
Why do you like working in fundraising?
Because you know that every pound takes us one step closer to our mission. Fundraising is tough but so rewarding and it’s a vital income stream for us to continue making a difference in our society. It’s very interesting and highly motivating to get to know funders and why they support us. Often their reasons are incredibly moving and a huge endorsement of the vital work that Unseen undertakes to support survivors to rebuild their lives, run a 365-day Helpline and campaign for legislative and societal change.
What has been your fundraising career highlight so far?
Definitely talking about the power of hope at Bath Abbey in front of an audience of hundreds of people last December. You could hear a pin drop, and I felt like every single person was listening to why it was so important never to lose hope and why hope is what drives us. It was incredibly moving.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
In my spare time I play netball for a local team – Abercarn Netball Club. For the last two seasons at our annual awards ceremony I have come away with Most Injured Player of the Season. Not an accolade I’m most proud of but at least it proves I give it my all!
Learn more about our senior leadership team.
Hannah Barry
What do you enjoy about working for Unseen?
I’m in awe of the resilience across the charity – no matter how tough it gets, there’s a determined and optimistic culture, and this enables us to bring impact for survivors and improve the state of the world.
Why do you like working in fundraising?
It’s a real responsibility to be on a team that communicates why our cause matters, and to show the difference that we can make. I listen to survivors and frontline colleagues about the context for them, and it’s a privilege to communicate this to a supportive community.
What has been your fundraising career highlight so far?
I couldn’t pick just one! Right now we are in a really good position, and I’m proud to be working with a team that wants to make a difference, is so adaptable, keen to innovate, and good fun!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
My dog Lola joins me in the office and has become a regular honorary member of the fundraising team!
Sas Fitzpatrick
What do you enjoy about working for Unseen?
I love working for an organisation that is pushing for change and isn’t afraid to challenge the system to protect those who need it most. Having worked across several teams over the years, everyone I’ve crossed paths with has been some of the most passionate and dedicated people I’ve ever met. The culture at Unseen is one of a kind. Oh, and being able to bring dogs into the office is a huge bonus.
Why do you like working in fundraising?
In fundraising, no two days are the same nor are they ever boring. By working in fundraising, you are shining a light on an issue that is frequently misconstrued and framed through the wrong lens. I love being able to disentangle these perceptions and expose how complex and widespread modern slavery is. Having the opportunity to do that through partnership building, creative initiatives, and education is really exciting.
What has been your fundraising career highlight so far?
Surpassing our Big Give 2025 appeal target and raising £91,426 with gift aid was a massive achievement for the whole fundraising and comms team. Being part of the appeal was super exciting, and I look forward to seeing what impact we can have in 2026.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
I was once ‘attacked’ by a giant fruit bat. Whilst volunteering at an Australian wildlife rescue centre, I was encouraged to go into an enclosure to present the bat with her fruit bowl. Turns out I overstayed my welcome. The bat chased me out, and I ended up falling backwards into her bathing pond.
Eve Willis
What do you enjoy about working for Unseen?
The people, and playing a small part in Unseen’s work empowering survivors of modern slavery and leading national legislative change.
Why do you like working in fundraising?
My work in trusts and grants is interesting as it sits across strategy, storytelling, and collaboration. But what really motivates me is knowing that the funding we secure resources all the amazing and vital work my colleagues are doing to support survivors and stop exploitation.
What has been your fundraising career highlight so far?
It has been extremely rewarding to develop an impactful multiyear project, funded by the CIPS Foundation, that is transforming Unseen’s Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline and data capabilities. This project enhances the technology of the Helpline, builds unique data insights and equips supply chain professionals with intelligence to prevent worker exploitation. Seeing the work come together successfully after many months of planning and collaborating is very exciting!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
I lived in Spain for three years and now attend Unseen’s Spanish club to keep my Spanish alive, but mainly to hear Head of Comms, Barry’s chisme.
Alice Saunders
What do you enjoy about working for Unseen?
Working for Unseen is great! From the frontline team assisting survivors, to the Helpline offering a vital lifeline, to Unseen’s policy work and its work with businesses, there are so many branches in this organisation making such an incredible impact in the fight against modern slavery.
Why do you like working in fundraising?
My favourite thing about working in fundraising is that we are able to interact with people across the organisation. The Unseen team is made up of such dedicated, passionate and friendly people, and it is such a privilege to get to write about their amazing work.
What has been your fundraising career highlight so far?
Whenever we report back to a trust at the end of a funding period we compile statistics and good news stories. It is always so wonderful to see the incredible impact funding has and hear about the real difference Unseen is making.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
A lot of my spare time is taken up with my houseplant collection. All together I own over 50 different varieties!
Sam essame
What do you enjoy about working for Unseen?
I love seeing the real world impact that our work has. Far from being just emails and spreadsheets, I can see the tangible impact of the work we do on the lives of survivors and the UK’s policy around exploitation. Working for Unseen really makes you feel like you’re part of something wide-reaching and impactful.
Why do you like working in fundraising?
Every day, I’m reminded of how charitable people are. Whether it’s working with students, rotary clubs, faith groups, or individual supporters, I’m surrounded by people who are generous and giving. When everything on the news keeps telling us how divided we are, it’s very heartening to be reminded of how much people want to do for each other.
What has been your fundraising career highlight so far?
I’m going to have to agree with Sas and say surpassing our Big Give target in December. The atmosphere in the office that week was incredible and a real reminder of how amazing fundraising can be.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
I once starred as a French doctor in a traditional Beijing Opera show (fortunately for everyone, I didn’t have to sing!).
Fancy hosting an event or taking on a fundraising challenge for Unseen?
Access our fundraising resources and learn more about the many ways you can join us in tackling modern slavery. Or, get in touch directly with the fundraising team at Unseen by emailing us.