Our Staff
linda edwards – chief executive
As SPANA’s Chief Executive, Linda leads our vital work to transform the lives of working animals who support the world’s poorest communities. A distinguished leader who has successfully worked across the animal welfare, international development, humanitarian and commercial sectors, Linda has previously worked as Chief Executive of the charities United Purpose and Build Africa. She has also served as Executive Director of Operations at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Linda has lived and worked overseas extensively, from Africa, Asia and Australasia to Central and South America, Europe and the Middle East. After serving as Marie Stopes International’s Country Director in Malawi, she moved to Australia to cover the organisation’s work across the Pacific Asia region. Linda has also led international programmes as Country Director for Merlin and the Danish Refugee Council, based in Sudan, DR Congo and Iraq. As a keen animal lover, Linda is deeply committed to SPANA’s work and values.
David Bassom – Director of Fundraising and marketing
David leads all aspects of work to generate voluntary income, brand awareness and support for SPANA. Prior to joining the charity in 2017, David served as Director of Fundraising and Marketing at the Royal National Children’s Foundation and Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications at Barnardo’s. He has also held head of marketing and communications roles at Blind Veterans UK, the NSPCC and Girlguiding UK. David’s work in the charity sector has earned several accolades, including PRCA, IOIC and Fundraising Magazine Awards, as well as a CharityComms Inspiring Communicator Award. David began his career in journalism, contributing to national and local titles including The Guardian, Radio Times and Heat.
Linda Evans BVetMed MRCVS – Director of Global Animal Welfare
Linda is a qualified vet who worked in mixed practice for 18 years before spending two decades in a variety of local and national UK government roles. Her experience encompasses the development, legislation, enforcement and implementation of national policy. Linda joined SPANA from The Donkey Sanctuary, where she established the Veterinary Policy Advisory Services Team, which maintains an overview of biosecurity, zoonosis and global risks to disease spread. She has also previously chaired the technical group for the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE).
gita patel– Director of global resources
A qualified accounting professional, Gita has extensive experience of global resources management, having spent nearly three decades at the international development charity Practical Action. Gita has also worked as a consultant and served as Interim Director of Finance and Services at International Commission on Missing Persons and HelpAge International before joining SPANA. As our Director of Global Resources, Gita is responsible for SPANA’s Finance, HR, IT, Facilities, Legal and International Governance, and will lead on developing our resources management to build support for our global workforce.