Steering Group

What we do

Our Woodworking and Gender Project Steering Group is a dynamic team of passionate individuals dedicated to shaping a more inclusive future for the heritage woodworking and furniture-making sectors. Bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the group plays a pivotal role in guiding the Sylva Foundation through the project’s key tasks and strategic milestones.

From advising on project planning and resource management to offering insights into education, outreach, and strategy, the Steering Group ensures the programme’s implementation aligns with its vision of gender inclusivity and heritage preservation. Leveraging their deep industry knowledge, members contribute to forging strong networks, managing stakeholder relationships, and amplifying the project’s impact through marketing, communications, and dissemination of learning.

Meeting 3–4 times annually, the group fosters collaborative discussions and thoughtful reflection to address the complexities of gender inequality in the furniture industry. Their collective voice, rooted in shared values and diverse experiences, champions meaningful change while promoting unity across their professional and community networks.

The Steering Group includes Lynn Jones, Phoebe Oldfield, Rae Sellen, Alys Bryan, Jane Cleal, Natalie Cole, Katie Furmston, Tess Osman, Inge Hill and Katy Thompson—each committed to creating a thriving, equitable future for the craft.

If you share our passion for addressing gender inequality, and would like to contribute your expertise, ideas, and insights, we would love to hear from you.