Meet The Dorset Coast Forum Team

toni.powell@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
01305 224771

Toni joined as DCF Co-ordinator in October 2021, overseeing the DCF Team. After completing an MA in Environment and Development, Toni worked in the community, charity and fundraising sectors for over 25 years, developing a range of skills and experiences. Toni is a strong advocate of partnership working and engaging local communities in decision making, which together result in successful projects that benefit communities, economies and the environment. In her spare time Toni enjoys swimming, coastal walks and checking out cake shops in seaside towns!

elaine.snow@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
01305 224730

Elaine joined the team in February 2024. After studying a degree in Human Geography and International Politics she has built up experience in events, destination management and more recently in the charities sector, building an array of partnerships along the way. Whether marketing coastal destinations or taking young people on adventures along the coast path Elaine has always made sure the landscape features in her work. When not at DCF you’ll find her baking, gardening or spending time working on the family farm.

matthew.smith@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk  01305 228494

Matt joined the team in March 2025. With a strong academic background in Geography (BSc) and Glaciology (MSc), he brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the team. Over the course of 13 years in the field studies industry, primarily in Dorset and the Southwest, Matt honed his skills in engagement and communication. His efforts have fostered appreciation for the Dorset coast among diverse audiences and strengthened collaborations with various partners. When he’s not championing the coast, Matt enjoys rock climbing and trail running, activities that reflect his adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors.

nikki.parker-goadsby@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
01305 224346

Nikki has been with Dorset Coast Forum since 2017, providing project support where needed in delivery, administration and stakeholder engagement, leading on the DCF eNews, social media and website development.  Nikki’s background is in Marine Biology and providing different levels of support to teams and management within a variety of industries and sectors. Nikki spends her spare time in her garden or walking the coast or countryside.

izzy.kelsall@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
01305 22483

Izzy studied Geography and Anthropology at UCL, with further studying in Sustainable Fashion. A career within the creative industries followed in operational and support roles over the last 15 years. In her experience she has operationally led companies to improve their sustainability.  After a few years of living in Valencia, Spain, Izzy and her husband moved to raise their young family in Dorset. She loves exploring the Dorset coast, fossil hunting with her kids and taking a dip in the sea. 

sam.scriven@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk  01305 224739

Sam is hosted by Dorset Coast Forum and provides expertise on the conservation and heritage of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site for Dorset Council and Devon County Council as well as stakeholders in the wider Jurassic Coast partnership. Sam has twenty years of experience working along the World Heritage Site, in everything from developing and delivering interpretation and public engagement, to designing and leading strategic conservation projects. Sam’s day to day work involves responding to planning applications, maintaining the networks essential to the management of the Jurassic Coast and providing knowledge to support projects & delivery along the length of the site. 

Mhairi.Reid@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk 01305 228495

Mhairi joined the team in January 2026 as World Heritage Officer, supporting the conservation and communication of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. With a doctorate in palaeontology and geology, her background allows her to turn complex earth science into clear, accurate information for visitors, educators, and partners. Mhairi helps manage and coordinate digital resources, supports projects and reporting, and contributes to public engagement. Outside work, she enjoys birdwatching and fossil collecting along the Dorset coast.

dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Dorset Coast Forum, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ

Ness is a marine biologist and is an expert in the application of natural capital approaches to inform policy development and marine management. She currently works for Howell Marine Consulting where she is responsible for a portfolio of projects for the UK government and international clients such as the UN and the World Bank. Ness started her marine career at DCF as a project officer and returned to live in Purbeck two years ago. She spends her spare time walking on the coast path and is also a keen UK diver.

bridget.betts@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
01305 224760

Bridget is a leader that oversees five brilliant teams including, Dorset Coast Forum. Experienced facilitator with an excellent track record of bringing in funding and delivering a wide range of projects that benefit Dorset. 25 years of experience, a strong community and engagement background, effective delivery of multi-agency partnership work.