SOFA PROJECT - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Retired, Criminal Justice System
In my long life I have been fortunate enough to work in various sectors: with children and families, with schools and universities, with the commercial world of housing and the building trades, and within different sections of the Criminal Justice System.
These very different professional experiences, together with the personal knowledge gained as a parent, grandparent and foster carer, have all helped to shape my views on what really matters in life. The objectives of the SOFA Project exemplify so much of what I believe in, and I'm delighted to have this opportunity to support their work going forward.
I'm a qualified accountant and have recently retired from a career working in the Life and Pensions industry for Lloyds Banking Group, HBoS and Clerical Medical all in Bristol. The majority of my career has been in business partnering and risk roles supporting the directors and senior management to deliver strategy, business performance and manage risk.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Communications Consultant
I started my career in advertising in London, before taking broader senior marketing roles at Prudential and later LloydsTSB in Bristol. I then joined the senior management team at UWE Bristol alongside other roles such as Governor for a local FE College and representing the sector on national bodies. I now provide consultancy.
Job Titles:
- Senior Involvement Manager
I have lived in Bristol since 2017 and for a number of years, I have worked for voluntary and statutory organisations who prevent homelessness, and support people with mental health difficulties. I currently work for the London based charity, Revolving Doors to influence national policy around short-term sentences and improve services and opportunities for people with repeat contact with the criminal justice system.
Born & educated in Edinburgh, I taught in secondary and tertiary education in Scotland before moving to Hong Kong where I taught in a secondary school. Before returning to UK, I retrained to teach people with Dyslexia and then taught in an adult male prison. While working there I became involved, as a volunteer, on a reading scheme with Shannon Trust. I have had various roles with Shannon Trust over 17 years, and am now area coordinator for 6 prisons in the southwest.
I am privileged to be able to help make a difference to people who may be struggling at times in their lives. The reuse and recycling of household goods is something I thoroughly approve of and support.
Job Titles:
- Retired Marketing Director
I am interested in philanthropic work and have been a Soroptimist for over 39 years. I served as a National Association President of Soroptimist International of Nigeria, where the Club runs a Nursery and Primary School in a deprived area of Lagos, Nigeria, I was born in Nigeria and raised in the UK. I finished my school years in Guildford, Surrey, before obtaining a degree in business management from the New State University, Malta, and an MBA in Nigeria.
Working in the marketing sector for over 25 years with UPS, I decided to take early retirement and established a printing services company specialising in the private sector. In 2018, I decided to fully retire and relocate to Bristol, spending quality time with my family, especially my grandchildren. I am now a member of the Bristol Soroptimist Club.
I volunteer with AGEUK Bristol, where we help with giving advice and support to the elderly on many issues in the Bristol area. I am very impressed with the SOFA Project. I believe the services they provide in the community are much needed and appreciated. This is a charity I am happy to be a part of as it continues to be a positive solution in the community.
Now retired I worked for 25 years for the Workers' Educational Association eventually as Director of Education & Strategy for England and later Director of Membership, Volunteering & Marketing. My adult and community education experience had a particular focus on disadvantaged adults in communities across the West Midlands.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Branch Manager, John Lewis
I am the deputy branch manager at John Lewis in Bristol, having worked there for almost 30 years. During this time, I have held a wide range of roles, including general leadership roles, warehouse management, HR, new shop opening and time in head office. I'm passionate about the high street and the role it plays in our lives and particularly how it evolves in the coming years.