The UKATA Office Team
The UKATA office team consists of dedicated staff all of whom are committed to supporting the Association in both maintaining and improving standards in asbestos training throughout the UK and beyond.
As UKATA goes from strength the strength, the team has become more departmentalised whilst at the same time retaining the personal service they are renowned for.
Craig Evans, UKATA's Chief Operating Officer leads the team and takes on the strategic COO role working closely with the UKATA board in an advisory capacity to help the organisation achieve its membership growth aspirations and elevate UKATA’s reputation further within the industry.
To find out more about each team member, simply click on their picture.
MBA, FCMI | Chief Operating Officer, UKATA | Trustee, Mesothelioma UK | Advisory Board Member, European Asbestos Forum | Co-Chair, East Midlands WWT | Apprenticeship Ambassador | School Governor
Craig Evans joined UKATA in November 2011, bringing with him extensive experience from the legal sector. Appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) in July 2018, Craig plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the organisation. He works closely with the UKATA Board of Directors to drive membership growth, enhance the organisation’s profile and implement long-term strategic initiatives.
As COO, Craig is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of UKATA, ensuring operational excellence and leading key projects that align with UKATA’s mission and values. His leadership is central to the development and execution of strategic plans, stakeholder engagement and the continuous improvement of internal systems and governance.
Craig holds an MBA and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI), bringing over a decade of senior leadership experience to his role.
Beyond UKATA, Craig is actively involved in the wider asbestos and education sectors. He serves as a Trustee at Mesothelioma UK, a Scientific and Advisory Board Member for the European Asbestos Forum Foundation, and Co-Chair of the Working Well Together East Midlands group. He also contributes to the HSE Asbestos Network Working Group, promotes vocational learning as an Apprenticeship Ambassador and supports education at the community level as a Primary School Governor.
Craig’s professional and voluntary roles reflect his commitment to improving industry standards, raising awareness of asbestos-related issues and supporting personal and professional development across sectors.
Email: craig.evans@ukata.org.uk
Telephone: 01246 824437
Debbie Nixon joined UKATA in December 2008, bringing a wealth of experience from a 20-year career in logistics, including her role as Operations Manager at DHL. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, Debbie is instrumental in overseeing the organisation’s overall operations. She works closely with the Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement strategic plans, ensuring that UKATA meets its strategic goals.
In addition to her strategic responsibilities, Debbie plays a crucial role in managing corporate partnerships and developing stakeholder relationships. She enhances collaboration and drives organisational success across all departments. Debbie is also actively involved in managing key projects, including system developments and process improvements, which contribute to the organisation's efficiency and effectiveness.
Email: debbie.nixon@ukata.org.uk
Telephone: 01246 824437
Sasha Brailsford joined UKATA in March 2015 and was appointed Operations Manager in September 2024. In her current role, Sasha is responsible for the day-to-day management of all departmental operations, ensuring that UKATA’s activities run smoothly and efficiently. She plays a key role in overseeing the organisation's overall operations, working closely with the Senior Leadership Team to implement strategic plans.
Sasha's role involves optimising processes across departments, managing the operational aspects of the organisation, and enhancing operational effectiveness. She also assists the Senior Operations Manager with maintaining stakeholder relationships, contributing to collaborative efforts that support UKATA’s strategic objectives.
Email: sasha.brailsford@ukata.org.uk
Telephone: 01246 824437
Laura Evans joined UKATA in November 2014, bringing with her extensive experience from the financial services sector. As the Brand Compliance and Finance Manager, Laura is responsible for overseeing financial operations and ensuring adherence to brand compliance standards.
Her role involves managing day-to-day financial activities, developing financial strategies, and ensuring that UKATA’s brand is consistently represented across all activities and communications. Laura’s expertise is instrumental in maintaining financial integrity and enhancing the organisation’s overall compliance and brand management.
Email: laura.evans@ukata.org.uk
Telephone: 01246 824437
Liam Pembleton joined UKATA in November 2020 as the Quality Assurance Manager. In his role, Liam is responsible for auditing internal quality and OH&S systems, processes, procedures, communications, documents, and policies to ensure compliance with ISO standards. He conducts thorough internal audits to maintain and enhance the integrity of UKATA’s business management systems.
Additionally, Liam manages the Industry Association registrations for UKATA and is focused on driving growth within this department. His responsibilities include overseeing the registration processes and fostering expansion to support the association's strategic goals.
Email: liam.pembleton@ukata.org.uk
Telephone: 01246 824437
Victoria Castelluccio joined UKATA in June 2015, bringing with her a diverse background that includes experience as a Social Media and Promotions Manager for a social networking app and over 10 years in the legal sector.
As the Events & Marketing Manager, Victoria is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of UKATA’s events, marketing strategies, and social media presence. Her role involves coordinating and executing a range of events, developing and implementing marketing campaigns, and managing social media platforms to enhance the association’s visibility and engagement.
Email: victoria.castelluccio@ukata.org.uk
Telephone: 01246 824437
Kelly-Anne Smith joined UKATA in June 2024 as the Strategic Marketing Lead. In this key role, Kelly-Anne is instrumental in shaping and executing the organisation’s strategic marketing initiatives. Her responsibilities include developing comprehensive marketing strategies that aim to enhance brand visibility and strengthen UKATA's presence within the industry.
Kelly-Anne’s role involves a focus on increasing membership and associate engagement through targeted campaigns and innovative outreach efforts. She manages the organisation’s digital presence, overseeing the optimisation of online platforms and content to maximise engagement and impact. Additionally, Kelly-Anne analyses market trends and audience insights to inform strategic decisions and drive effective marketing practices.
Email: kelly-anne.smith@ukata.org.uk
Telephone: 01246 824437
Leonie Hibberd joined UKATA in November 2017 as an apprentice, coming from the Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, her dedication and extensive experience have led to her advancement to the role of Membership Account Manager (Team Lead).
In her current position, Leonie oversees the membership team and plays a pivotal role in managing the membership process for both new and existing members. Her responsibilities include ensuring the smooth onboarding of new members, addressing member enquiries, and providing ongoing support to enhance member satisfaction. Leonie is instrumental in developing and implementing strategies to improve membership services and maintain high standards of support.
Email: leonie.hibberd@ukata.org.uk
Telephone: 01246 824437
Olivia Anderson joined UKATA in October 2019 as a marketing apprentice, where she quickly demonstrated her skills and abilities. Due to her strong performance and adaptability, Olivia progressed into the Membership Department, taking on the role of Membership Account Manager.
In her current position, Olivia plays a key role in supporting the membership team with the management of the membership process for both new and existing members. Her responsibilities include updating and maintaining accurate member records, processing applications, and ensuring all membership documentation is current. Olivia collaborates closely with the Membership Team Lead to provide a seamless experience for members, addressing any issues that arise and delivering essential support to enhance overall member satisfaction.
Email: olivia.anderson@ukata.org.uk
Telephone: 01246 824437
Sofie Ward joined UKATA in May 2025 as a Membership Administrator, supporting the continued growth of UKATA’s membership. With a strong background in customer service, Sofie brings valuable experience in client support and communication to the role.
Sofie works closely with the Membership Team to assist with the administration and coordination of membership processes. Her responsibilities include liaising with new and existing members, maintaining accurate records, processing applications, and responding to queries to ensure members receive timely and professional support. Sofie’s approachable manner and attention to detail make her a key point of contact for members and a valuable asset to the team.
Email: sofie.ward@ukata.org.uk
Telephone: 01246 824437
Helen Warriner joined UKATA in October 2024 as Marketing & Communications Associate, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise in communication. With an English degree and experience teaching English around the world, Helen has developed a strong foundation in clear, effective messaging and audience engagement.
In her role, Helen supports the delivery of UKATA’s marketing and communications strategy. She is responsible for drafting member communications, producing and proofreading newsletters, creating written and visual content for social media and events, and supporting the wider team with promotional materials. Helen works closely with the Events & Marketing Manager to ensure that UKATA’s messaging is consistent, professional, and aligned with the organisation’s values.
Email: helen.warriner@ukata.org.uk
Telephone: 01246 824437