Sophie Tothill
Holmes Chapel,Cheshire
Summary
A strategic and accomplished Stakeholder Engagement Leader with an extensive background in Human Resources and Domestic Violence Unit Policing. Demonstrated success in driving membership growth, enhancing stakeholder and volunteer relationships, and leading impactful initiatives to support the mission of charities that represent professions. Passionate about Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I), with a proven track record of establishing impactful networks and championing policies that support underrepresented groups. Experienced in governance, strategic planning, and community engagement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Engagement Lead
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
04.2025 - 05.2025
- Company Overview: Registered Charity
- Leading a UK-wide team of 16, overseeing engagement strategies for 162,000 members across the world to significantly support the CIPD’s mission to Champion Better Work and Working Lives.
- Leading the development and implementation of regional stakeholder engagement models, enhancing member satisfaction and retention, driving commercial growth, and raising awareness and recognition of the CIPD brand.
- Leading on the collaborative working practices with volunteer-members and key national stakeholders to deliver consistent experiences across key customer groups.
- Championing ED&I by embedding inclusive practices throughout engagement initiatives.
- Registered Charity
Head of Membership Engagement
Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade
07.2024 - 04.2025
- Company Overview: Registered Charity
- Increased membership retention from 34% to 70% within six months.
- Launched extensive member engagement programs, including special interest groups and leadership updates.
- Established a Membership Committee with diverse representation, reinforcing member-led governance.
- Registered Charity
Regional Manager, North West, Northern Ireland, and North Wales
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW)
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Successfully led the transition of all regional Member Boards from a local structure to a national one, involving significant governance oversight and EGMs.
- Managed membership engagement for 13,000 members across multiple regions.
- Directed a regional team, achieving significant growth in active membership and volunteer involvement.
- Led stakeholder engagement plans, including supporting volunteers with their local plans, increasing regional partnerships and national visibility.
Regional Engagement Manager, Northern England
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
07.2019 - 07.2023
- Company Overview: Registered Charity
- Achieved a 300% increase in regional engagement among senior members.
- Launched the first regional virtual community platform, connecting over 400 senior members.
- Built strong relationships with the 10 volunteer branches during a time of significant organisational change, offering advice and support when required.
- Registered Charity
Human Resources Lead
The Sovereign Trust Manchester
01.2016 - 01.2019
Director
Schools HR & Employment Law Cooperative
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Company Overview: Professional Services Consultancy
- Professional Services Consultancy
HR Consultant
Trafford Council
01.2015 - 01.2016
Police Officer
Greater Manchester Police
01.2007 - 01.2014
- Served in the Domestic Violence Unit for two years, supporting victims and developing protective strategies.
- Founded and Chaired the Greater Manchester Police Association for Women in Policing, representing 4,500 female Police Officers, leading to the implementation of supportive policies for female officers and University research project collaborations.
Education
MSc - Human Resources Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
01.2013 - 01.2014
LLB - Law & Criminology
The University of Sheffield
01.2003 - 01.2006
Skills
Strategic Leadership – Proven ability to set and deliver strategic vision, aligning organisational goals with stakeholder needs across sectors
Board Governance – Experienced in board-level decision-making, accountability, and driving good governance practices
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) – Deeply committed to embedding inclusive cultures; founder of impactful staff network and leading on policy development
Stakeholder Engagement – Strong collaborator with stakeholders, partners, and service users to drive shared outcomes
Domestic Abuse Awareness – Professional experience supporting survivors of domestic abuse and violence
Community Advocacy – Passionate about community voice; skilled in amplifying underrepresented perspectives in decision-making
Financial Oversight – Familiar with overseeing budgets, funding bids, and ensuring financial sustainability within not-for-profit contexts
Change Management – Leads organisations through transformation with resilience and clear communication
Public Speaking & Media – Confident spokesperson with experience representing organisations at events, panels, and in press
HR & Organisational Development – Deep expertise in people strategy, workforce wellbeing, and policy development
- Volunteer Management – Strong track record of motivating, developing, and retaining volunteer teams
Custom
- Board Trustee, YMCA Crewe, 2021 - 2024, Collaborated with Board members and senior leadership to develop initiatives engaging service users., Provided guidance on building impactful relationships with stakeholders across Cheshire.
- Ambassador, She Leads for Legacy, 2021 - Present
- Founder & Volunteer Lead, Bridge the Gap Dane Valley, 2018 - Present
- Technical Board Member, Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, 2021 - 2023
- Member, Pro Manchester Skills Committee, 2021 - 2023
- Founder & Chair, Greater Manchester Police Association for Women in Policing, 2010 - 2014
- Membership Officer and Vice Chair, CIPD Manchester Branch, 2013 - 2019
Timeline
Senior Engagement Lead
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
04.2025 - 05.2025
Head of Membership Engagement
Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade
07.2024 - 04.2025
Regional Manager, North West, Northern Ireland, and North Wales
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW)
07.2023 - 07.2024
Regional Engagement Manager, Northern England
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
07.2019 - 07.2023
Human Resources Lead
The Sovereign Trust Manchester
01.2016 - 01.2019
HR Consultant
Trafford Council
01.2015 - 01.2016
Director
Schools HR & Employment Law Cooperative
01.2014 - 01.2019
MSc - Human Resources Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
01.2013 - 01.2014
Police Officer
Greater Manchester Police
01.2007 - 01.2014
LLB - Law & Criminology
The University of Sheffield
01.2003 - 01.2006
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