Kathy Biggar MBE

Regions:: London, South

I bring deep understanding and demonstrable skills in leadership and development within the third and public sectors and significant experience in Chair roles with governance and advisory Boards, both regionally and nationally.

I have also been a member of several voluntary sector management committees and served on the Executive Committee of the Samaritans for eight years including three years as Vice Chair.

I have led significant national partnership working between government and the Third Sector as well as holding Prison Service responsibilities relating to high profile, high risk activities.

Having successfully shaped and contributed to national strategy over a number of years within the Home Office, I bring experience of pioneering change and development within demanding political, social and organisational contexts.

Most of my working experience, in both the public and voluntary sector, has focused on enabling others (managers, leaders, peers and volunteers) to work together, to take on the very difficult challenges of treating people caught up in the criminal justice system with humanity and respect and to enable offenders to rebuild their lives positively.

I worked in the criminal justice system for 33 years, including eight years managing the Probation Unit at HMP Wandsworth and a Resettlement Team in Central London.

In 2001 I transferred to the Prison Service where I worked with the Safer Custody Group and worked as a Safer Custody Advisor and Peer Support Manager until I retired.

Currently, I am an active consultant with the Prison Reform Trust, the National Stalking Helpline, the Butler Trust, Serco’s Immigration Services in Australia and Chair of a newly-formed charity The Centre for Psychotherapy and Research, which will offer support services to victims of torture.

I am also a member of the Oasis 1-1 Executive Development Forum, bringing many years of experience in assisting others to reach their potential.