Initially an academic and trade union officer, Lily sat on major decision-making committees of Manchester University. After being Deputy General Secretary of the Institute of Linguists, she set up her consultancy in business and professional development, with clients at home and abroad. She is an Independent Assessor of Ministerial Appointments and Commissioner of the Legal Services Commission.
Lily contributes to the Third Sector as school governor, helping turn round a failing school, Director of a Housing Association and Chair of a charity for women in public life.
A Director of JIS, she leads on staff issues and liases with Tate Britain.