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Date posted: 21 March 2024
We recently welcomed Jess Templeman to Operation Noah as our new Fundraising Officer. Jess brings a wealth of fundraising experience to our team and has a particularly strong background in international development alongside having worked with faith communities. Jess also currently serves on the PCC for St Martin-in-the-Fields. She recently sat down with Clare Fussell, our Bright Now Campaign Director, for a short interview.
Clare Fussell: We’re so thrilled to be welcoming you to the Operation Noah family! Tell us a little about yourself.
Jess Templeman: I’ve been working in the human rights and development spaces for the past decade or so, in a variety of roles, always with some fundraising mixed in. This has taken me all over the world, working in different communities from the Balkans to the mountains of India and rural Nigeria–it’s been a great adventure! I’m now working freelance, helping a variety of organisations and campaigns mainly focused on protecting our human rights through empowering communities in different ways. Outside of work, I spend a lot of time roaming around Surrey with my border collie seeking out the best local pubs for a post-walk refreshment.
Clare Fussell: Fundraising is a real skill, and so vital to the ongoing survival of a small charity like ours. What sort of things will you be focusing on in this role / What are you excited about in this role?
Jess Templeman: Fundraising is key to all charities, and yet too often doesn’t get the time and attention it needs! I’m so excited to help Operation Noah and the Bright Now campaign ensure that it can resource its important work in its new phase. The divestment campaign was such a success and the focus on sustainable investments and the big bank switch promises to be just as exciting. This year we will be focusing on ensuring that there is sustainability in our own funding so we can confidently continue proclaiming the church’s leading position on climate change—as Operation Noah has already been doing for 20 years! Keep an eye out for some special activities tying into our anniversary in the autumn.
Clare Fussell: What draws you to work with Operation Noah?
Jess Templeman: Firstly, it’s such a great charity that is really punching above its weight, and where even a small donation can make such a tangible change. Secondly, I really believe that if we are to have any hope of stemming the tide of the climate emergency we need to have an networked response that draws in a vast range of people and communities to work together. The church as a whole has a massive role to play in this, both proclaiming a hopeful vision of the future and also using its considerable influence and investments to change the course of travel. A huge thank you to our supporters and their churches that each play a part in making this possible!
Clare Fussell: And finally, what is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Jess Templeman: As someone who is allergic to chocolate (I know!), I’d always go for a good raspberry ripple or pistachio ice-cream. Though I once had the most amazing lemon curd ice-cream at a tiny ice-cream shop on the South Downs Way. I’ve been trying to find a good replication for that for a few years!
