The Big Lottery Fund has announced the appointment of three people to senior management roles.

In a statement released yesterday, Big Lottery Fund confirmed the appointments of Gemma Bull, Joe Ferns and Lyn Cole to director roles within the organisation.

Gemma Bull, who has been appointed England portfolio development director, will join Big Lottery Fund in October. Bull is currently the managing director of enterprise and innovation at Leonard Cheshire Disability.

Joe Ferns will join in September as UK portfolio and knowledge director. Ferns is currently the executive director of policy, research and development at Samaritans.

Lyn Cole, who has been appointed grant making director, has been promoted from with the organisation. She moves into her new role with immediate effect, having been with Big Lottery Fund for 17 years.

Dawn Austwick, chief executive of Big Lottery Fund (pictured) said: “I’m delighted to welcome Gemma, Joe and Lyn to these roles at the Big Lottery Fund. With significant changes happening across the wider funding landscape they join us at a crucial time for people and communities across the UK.

“They will each play an important role in helping us to maximise the effective use of National Lottery funding whilst building stronger bridges and partnerships with others and helping us to realise our vision of putting people in the lead.”

Bull and Cole will be part of a seven strong senior management team that will answer directly to Austwick. Ferns will answer to the Chief of Staff.