Our Senior Leadership Team

Electoral Administration and Regulation works with all those involved in delivering and participating in elections and the wider underpinning democratic processes. 

We provide guidance to, support and oversee electoral administrators in their management of elections and the electoral register, maintaining local and national relationships. 

We manage the registration of political parties and the reporting, publication and compliance of party, candidate and relevant non-party campaigner finances. 

Our aim is to support parties, candidates and campaigners to understand and comply with their obligations, but we are also responsible for identifying potential offences and where necessary or appropriate taking enforcement action. 

We manage the relationships with policing and other relevant agencies and monitor and try to help all our electoral stakeholders be prepared for risks, threats and even opportunities. 

Our teams work closely and often jointly with colleagues in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to ensure consistency and that all our resources meet the needs of stakeholders and reflect their context.

Leaders in the Electoral Administration and Regulation directorate

• Melanie Davidson, Head of Support and Improvement
• Charlene Hannon, Head of Guidance
• Laura Douglas, Head of Regulatory Support
• Hannah Brown, Head of Registration, Compliance and Transparency
• Claire Robbie, Head of Regulatory Action and Enforcement

The Communications, Policy and Research directorate support the organisation to: 

• Share information and raise awareness about the democratic process and how to participate.
• Understand how the democratic process is working and what might be done to make it better.
• Share our recommendations for improvements with others.

They work with teams across the organisation to support them with their work, and to raise awareness of what they do externally.

Leaders in the Communications, Policy and Research directorate

• Tim Crowley, Head of Digital Communications and Voter Engagement
• Su Crown, Head of Campaigns and Corporate Communications
• Phil Thompson, Head of Research
• Michela Palese, Head of Policy
• Orla Hennessy, Head of External Communications

The Financial and Corporate Services directorate are responsible for the day to day management of the Commission's funding.

The Planning and Performance team support the organisation to make decisions, perform effectively, and plan and prepare for the future.

Collectively, they support the organisation to achieve our corporate aims and objectives.

Leaders in the Financial and Corporate Services directorate

• Tracey Blackman, Head of Finance and Procurement
• Denise Morgan-Agbenyegah, Head of Human Resources
• Bola Raji, Interim Head of Strategic Planning and Performance
• Carol Sweetenham, Head of Projects
• Jagdip Singh, Head of Procurement 
• Prisca Sinihelm, Head of Financial Planning and Analysis
• Michael Coldwell, Head of Governance

The General Counsel, Devolution, Governance and Law Directorate is made up of devolved teams in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales; Governance; Legal; and Legislation, Strategy and Coordination.

They provide legal advice and support to enable good and lawful decisions by the Commission, as well as ensuring it adheres to best practice in governance. It also supports colleagues on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and coordinates implementation activities arising from new electoral law.

The teams in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have specialist expertise in devolved matters and manage the Electoral Commission’s relationships with key partners including their respective parliaments and governments.

Leaders in the General Counsel, Devolution, Governance and Law directorate

• Adrian Fryer, Head of Legal
• Katy Knock, Head of Legislation, Strategy and Coordination
• Sarah Mackie, Head of Electoral Commission, Scotland
• Rhydian Thomas, Head of Electoral Commission, Wales
• Cahir Hughes, Head of Electoral Commission, Northern Ireland

The Chief Executive directorate is made up of the Digital Data and Technology Team, the Business Support team and Facilities team.

The Digital, Data, Technology, and Facilities Department is pivotal in driving innovation, efficiency, and security across the organisation. This department’s integrated approach ensures that digital transformation, data management, technological advancements, and facilities optimisation work in harmony to support the organisation’s corporate plan and strategic objectives.

The Business Support Team helps the organisation by being the ‘administrative heartbeat’. The BST Team help the Commission achieve strategic objectives by supporting the Chair, Chief Executive, Directors, and Heads of Department as appropriate. Being the first point of contact for respective Directorates or business areas.

Leaders in the Chief Executive directorate

• Andrew Simpson, Head of Digital, Data, Technology and Facilities