SIMON COMMUNITY - Key Persons
My name is Alan Cole and I have been involved with the Community since I came into Simon House in Edinburgh in 1965. I am also a PTV and have been since 1999. I have helped with many services over the years. I particularly like helping with things like the School Talks and the Christmas Dinner. I hope that I can continue to give back some of the help and support that the Simon Community has given me.
I have been part of the The Simon Community since January 2019 as Treasurer, looking after the finances and funding requirements as well as providing advice on best practice to the Board. I am extremely grateful to our loyal donor base who provide us with the funds to deliver our services.
Outside of the Community I am a Chartered Accountant and work within the leisure sector, based just north of London.
Growing up in North London, I was a near neighbour of The Simon Community in Malden Rd at the end of the 1980s when I was a teacher. Since then I have built a career in marketing and advertising, having been both CEO and Managing Director of a couple of agencies in London.
For the last 15 years, I have been part of the senior team at WPP, the world's largest marketing services company, as well as the longest serving member on the industry council, the IPA.
I have tried to find time outside of work for positive causes and have provided consultancy to the Guide Dogs for the Blind and been a supporter of the Royal British Legion for over 10 years. I have enjoyed being Chair of the Simon Community since 2021 and look forward to contributing in future.
Job Titles:
- I Worked As a Mental Health Nurse for over 30 Years
As a solicitor, I bring a keen eye for detail which will help me to ensure that the Simon Community stays on top of any legal requirements applicable to it. Building on several years of experience of volunteering with different homelessness organisations, I am excited to get involved in the running of the Simon Community. As a European citizen I also hope to bring a different perspective to the Board. Outside of work and volunteering, I enjoy reading, cycling and cooking new dishes.
I have been volunteering with the Simon Community for about 14 years now, at the night shelter, street café and evening centre. I also volunteer with Showerbox and the Quaker Mobile Library. The Simon Community were there for me when I was on the streets and this is my way of giving back. I joined the Board in 2023 and I am looking forward to the year ahead.