We are delighted to announce that Dr Victoria Winckler has joined The National Lottery Community Fund’s Wales Committee. Dr Winckler is Director of The Bevan Foundation, one of Wales’s leading think tanks seeking solutions to inequality and injustice.

Dr Winckler has been Director of The Bevan Foundation since 2002, following a varied career in numerous policy fields in academia and local government.  Notable achievements of The Bevan Foundation include proving the feasibility of universal free school meals for all primary school pupils in Wales; helping 60,000 more families access the Council Tax Reduction Scheme; and helping more than 80,000 families in poverty access emergency financial help through the Discretionary Assistance Fund.

Reflecting on her work with the Bevan Foundation, and how it will guide her role with the Wales Committee, Dr Winckler said:

“What this work has given me, and what I hope I bring to the Committee, is firstly an understanding of some of the challenges that face people in Welsh communities; some experience of working in the third sector; and some ideas and insights that I hope will contribute to the work of the Wales Committee.”

Victoria’s knowledge and experience will be vital for helping the Fund achieve the ambition of It Starts With Community. Remarking on how her own experiences are well-aligned with the Fund’s strategy she said:

“If we look externally, I think we’ve got some really tough times ahead – there’s a housing crisis, we’re still in a cost of living crisis, we’ve got changes to technology bringing massive changes to people’s jobs, we’ve got a climate emergency as well – and in uncertain times, what really matters is family and community. So the Fund’s vision in supporting people, and the way it is responding to need within communities, is invaluable.”  

Our Wales Director, John Rose, welcomes Dr Victoria Winckler to the Wales Committee, saying: “I am delighted to be able to welcome Dr Victoria Winckler to the Wales Committee. Her wealth of experience, and her absolute commitment to tackling inequality in Wales will make her a valuable addition to our Wales Committee.”

The Wales Committee helps decide on the The National Lottery Community Fund’s strategic direction in Wales, and sits as the ‘Supporting Great Ideas’ funding panel.

Victoria replaces outgoing committee member Nicola Russell-Brooks, who completed her seven-year term of dedicated service with the Wales Committee early in 2025.

 To find out more about the members of the Wales committee, head to https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/about/our-people/wales-committee.