Phoebe spills the beans on the power of good design

She is already making a difference, behind-the scenes, bringing her design talent and attention to detail to our communications. We interviewed her about her heart for social justice and passion for clear and accessible communication.  

Can you tell us a bit about your education and work life prior to starting at The Clewer Initiative? 

I studied Typography & Graphic Communications at Reading University and spent three years learning from amazing lecturers and graphic designers about how good design can help organisations communicate clearly. I focused a lot on the importance of accessibility, and my dissertation was on ‘design for social change’ and how design affects how people think, feel and behave and can be used to raise awareness of social issues. 

After graduating, I joined a design agency, working for clients in different sectors including schools, accountancy firms and the charity sector. I designed many print and digital assets including reports, infographics, social media campaigns, websites and loved putting into practice everything I'd learnt at university and picking up new skills from my colleagues.   

What attracted you to the role at The Clewer Initiative? 

As a teenager, I was deeply impacted by a modern slavery event I attended. God really broke my heart over the issue and from then onwards, I would regularly pray for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking and look for ways to learn more about it. I followed the work of The Clewer Initiative and other modern slavery organisations closely. 

On my Gap Year, I went to Amsterdam with YWAM where it ran ministries in the red-light district (an area known for commercialised sexual exploitation) including a house of prayer. We regularly prayed for the women who lived and worked in the city. During the year, I also went to Ethiopia, visiting safe houses and witnessing more closely the impact of exploitation. 

For many years, I'd been praying about and looking for a way to combine my design degree and experience in the workplace with my passion for fighting modern slavery. When I saw the advert for the digital communications role at The Clewer Initiative, I knew I must apply! 

How do you think you can make a difference through your work? 

I think clear, sensitive and thoughtful communication can be extremely powerful in raising awareness and engaging and inspiring individuals.  

I am passionate about communicating some of the complexities around modern slavery in a simple way but without forgetting the seriousness of the subject. There is so much noise on social media surrounding issues such as migration and confusion around modern slavery, but I believe good communication can cut through this. Through clear but challenging designs and messaging, I hope people will feel less overwhelmed and more confident to know what to do.  

I also believe that sensitive storytelling is particularly effective on socials. I am looking forward to using my film and photography skills to create more engaging films and reels that will work well on socials. I think there is potential to grow our reach and engagement on socials and I am excited about using some more creative tactics and collaborating with other organisations to achieve a bit more energy online.  

I’d love to hear from people about what they like about our socials and what they’d love to see more of!  

Finally, what do you like doing in your spare time? 

I love being creative and have always been passionate about art and photography. I have my own photography business which keeps me busy at the weekend.  I love a good stomp in the countryside, finding amazing coffee, and maintaining my sourdough starter! 

If you have any thoughts regarding our social media communications, do get in touch with Phoebe. She'd love to hear from you: comms@clewer.org.uk