Francesca Griffiths has been a trustee of NPH UK since 2017 when the charity was established. She was first introduced to NPH through Mariavittoria Rava, founder and president of NPH in Italy (Fondazione Francesca Rava NPH Italia ETS) and fellow NPH UK trustee. Mariavittoria was looking for a law firm to help set up NPH here in the UK and Francesca offered to help on a pro bono basis.

Since then, Francesca has assumed the role of Chair and her commitment and passion for NPH have only grown. She has introduced countless supporters to the charity, in particular through organising many successful fundraising events across London. Francesca and her family sponsor three boys in Haiti and in 2019 she spent two weeks volunteering at NPH Haiti with her older daughter, an experience that she says had a profound impact on them both. She has seen first-hand how NPH provides vulnerable children with opportunities to break the cycle of poverty and lead happy, fulfilling lives.

Francesca combines her role at NPH with a successful business and established career as a dual Italian and English qualified solicitor. She is the co-founder and managing director of Casa Londra, a real estate consultancy company that she set up in 2010. She is also Head of the Italian Desk at law firm Child & Child where she specialises in residential conveyancing.

In 2018, Francesca was appointed Ambassador of the City of Genoa by Mayor Marco Bucci, a volunteer role that consists of promoting international opportunities for her hometown.

Although Francesca has lived in London since 1995, Liguria is still very much in her heart. In her spare time, she enjoys escaping to Santa Margherita Ligure with her husband and three children.

Board of trustees

Working alongside Francesca is our board of trustees that is responsible for overseeing the governance of NPH UK:

• Mariavittoria Rava
• Vanessa Barade
• Natasha Petiton

Director

Frances Hillman joined NPH UK as Director in October 2018. Previously she was the Western Hemisphere Regional Director at the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) for 7 years. There she led a team responsible for supporting 35 member organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean. She worked with trustees and volunteers from around the world to develop and implement plans for the region that strengthened education and leadership programmes and the visibility of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting in-country.

Frances holds a BA in Modern Language Studies from the University of Nottingham in the UK, as well as professional translation and interpreting diplomas. She also has a background in education, having taught English in Mexico, where she has lived and studied.

Frances was attracted to NPH because of our unique and holistic approach towards childcare and community development and our commitment to Latin America and the Caribbean. She is thrilled to be part of the NPH family and contributing to the growth and success of NPH UK.

In her free time, Frances enjoys exploring new places with her family, swimming, baking and the company of friends.

Join our team

Since NPH UK was set up in 2017, our success has largely depended on volunteer support.

If you would like to dedicate your time and skills to offering a better future to children in Latin America, please get in touch.