Gavin Nelson

Gavin is the Director at Third Sector Connect, a consultancy dedicated to helping organisations in the third sector—such as councils, charities, sports clubs, and community groups—secure funding, craft strategic plans, deliver training, conduct evaluations, and build business cases. In the last 18 months alone, he has successfully helped clients secure over £12 million in funding for a variety of capital and revenue projects.

Before joining Third Sector Connect, Gavin held the role of Business Manager at the Irish Football Association and worked with the English Football Association. He brings a wealth of experience across sports and community sectors.

In addition to his professional work, Gavin serves as a board member for the Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland, where he chairs the Governance Committee.

Gavin holds an MBA from Ulster University and a certificate in Entrepreneurial Thought and Action from Babson College in Boston. He has also earned a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (from the Chartered Management Institute), a Mental Health First Aid qualification, and Carbon Literacy Standard Training.

He was selected as one of 25 leaders in Northern Ireland to participate in Ulster University’s prestigious 25 @ 25 Leadership Programme, which marked 25 years since the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. As part of this programme, he spent a week at Babson College.

Gavin says he became a Trustee because

“Volunteering has been a cornerstone of my life since I was 16. Giving back to the community is really important to me, and over the years, I’ve contributed in various voluntary capacities, including serving as Chair of an Inclusion Advisory Group, Director of Development, independent committee member, and even as a volunteer football coach.

The work that Groundwork NI does resonates with me, particularly their focus on tackling mental health and isolation through initiatives like Men’s and Women’s Sheds. These programmes create essential spaces for connection and support, which is why I was inspired to become a trustee and further contribute to their mission.”