Meet the team

Meet some of our staff and hear about their experiences of working for Coeliac UK. 

Nicola Crawford-Taylor, Membership Helpline Dietitian

Nicola Crawford-Taylor DietitianI have worked at Coeliac UK as a dietitian on the Helpline since June 2009. My role involves answering enquiries about diagnosis, the gluten-free diet and health related issues via telephone, email, letter and social media, as well as reviewing and drafting articles for our range of publications and website. It’s great to be able to speak to Members on a daily basis and help them on their journey through diagnosis and beyond and because the enquiries are so varied, no two days are the same.

Coeliac UK is a great place to work. I have had many opportunities to develop my knowledge and attend various training courses during my time here. As we are a small team we work closely together, many of us are friends, and there is lots of scope for cross team working. It’s great to be part of the Charity and know that the work we are doing is really helping to make a difference to those with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis.

Naomi Bennett, Membership Helpline Dietitian

Naomi DietitianI joined the team at Coeliac UK in late 2018 as one of the Membership Helpline Dietitians. Prior to this, I spent thirteen years working in the NHS supporting patients in the gastroenterology department and in particular managing dietetic clinics for patients with coeliac disease. Based in our Cardiff office, I provide dietetic support, information and advice on the gluten free diet and diagnosis both by phone and email, as well as identifying where we can improve and develop new resources to meet our community’s needs.

Throughout my career I have particularly enjoyed working in the area of coeliac disease and now working for Coeliac UK I can have the opportunity to work, support and give advice to people who are following a gluten free diet, helping them to live well, gluten free. The team have been warm and welcoming, I have felt very much part of the team from day one! I am looking forward to deepening my knowledge in coeliac disease with the excellent research that Coeliac UK are involved in.

Tristan Humphreys, Head of Advocacy/Pennaeth Eiriolaeth

Tristan HumphreysI joined Coeliac UK in March 2015 in the newly created role of Lead in Wales. I’d previously worked in public affairs and campaigns for international development charities and I was really interested to work in a new area on a condition I knew little about. In January 2021, I took on the role of Devolved Nations Lead, representing the charity in the devolved nations and working with colleagues to deliver for our members across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Since July 2022, I have taken on the expanded role of Head of Advocacy, leading on our influencing work and parliamentary engagement work across the UK.  It’s a great job. I get to help shape our approach to ensuring we persuade those in positions of power across the UK to bring about the change our community most needs. And I rely on all the amazing work of my colleagues to help underpin those conversations. After all, our voice is only as strong as those we represent. 

I’m based in the Evidence and Policy team but the nature of my job means I work across the organisation with a variety of different amazing colleagues. Coeliac UK is a fantastic organisation to work for and despite working remotely from Head Office, I’ve always been made to feel part of the team (even if I miss out on the odd gluten free cake or tea run). I’ve learnt so much in the last few years and yet still feel like I learn something new every day. 

Jean Christopher, Support Services Assistant

Jean Christopher Head ShotI joined Coeliac UK 11 years ago having recently moved to the area and I can honestly say that I love my job! I work as a Support and HR Services Assistant which gives me the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of the organisation - which I enjoy hugely - as well as specifically supporting the Chief Executive's Team.

The charity is a small organisation and the staff here are extremely friendly; most are friends as well as work colleagues. Coeliac UK offers flexible working hours allowing me the freedom to look after my grandchildren on the days I'm not working and ensuring I can maintain a harmonious work life balance.