NEWCASTLE - Key Persons
Alison joined as a trustee in 2022. She has practised law as a commercial solicitor for over 20 years, working as a partner specialising in commercial contracting and public procurement at Newcastle law firm Muckle LLP. Alison has held a number of national Head of Procurement roles at national and international law firms and has worked for a number of charity and public sector clients. Alison has three teenage girls, four dogs, two cats and is a keen equestrian with two horses which keeps her busy in her spare time!
Carole has been our Pathways, Welfare and Volunteer Manager since January 2020. Before this she was a volunteer having joined us in October 2017. Prior to joining the Foodbank Carole worked extensively in local and national press and radio and in high level press and publicity roles. Her local knowledge and networking skills ensure that Pathways is recognised as one of the leading advocacy services in Newcastle. Now in its third successful year, Pathways liaises with over 60 local welfare agencies and charities.
Courtney joined the Foodbank team in 2021 as a Welfare Advisor. Courtney supports the Pathway's program through providing expert welfare advice to clients. Prior to joining the Foodbank team, Courtney had provided welfare advice for other charities.
Job Titles:
- Communications & Campaigns Manager
Declan joined the Foodbank team in April 2023 after having worked in communications within industry. Prior to joining the Foodbank, Declan was involved in trade union and cost of living campaigns. Declan's role involves overseeing all communications for the foodbank as well as developing and creating campaigns designed to address the causes and issues leading to poverty.
Job Titles:
- Operations and Logistics Manager
Gemma joined the Foodbank team in 2015 whilst studying towards a Public Health Degree. Before her current role, Gemma worked in various roles within the Foodbank including van driving and donation collections. Gemma's work involves improving and maintaining supply chains and stock flows, warehouse management, scheduling corporate social responsibility volunteering and general day-to-day operations of the Foodbank.
Job Titles:
- Wellbeing and Advocacy Support Worker
Jack joined the Foodbank team in October 2022 as Wellbeing and Advocacy Support Worker. Jack supports the Pathway's program through providing advice and welfare support to clients. Prior to joining the Foodbank team Jack completed a degree in Psychology.
Jackie joined the Foodbank in its early years whilst a Newcastle City Councillor. She was Lord Mayor 2012 to 2013. She taught law for many years at Tynemouth College and served as a magistrate on North Tyneside Bench. She has been a volunteer for the Probation Service, Aged Concern and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Jackie is a Trustee of the Gosforth Group of Academies and past Vice Chair and now a member of Sacre (advisory group for religious education in schools.) She has been Chair of Trustees of the Theatre Royal and served for many years on the Health and Education Scrutiny Committee on Newcastle Council.
John has been our Chief Executive Officer since 2018. Prior to joining the Foodbank, John led voluntary organisations in the north-east and in Northern Ireland focused on community regeneration and anti-poverty programmes in mainly disadvantaged communities. His track record demonstrates considerable experience in partnership building and delivering local regeneration to make a positive difference.
Laura joined the team in January 2020 having previously volunteered at The Venerable Bede Foodbank sessions. She has over 20 years of business experience running her own Financial Sales and Telemarketing company. Laura is based in our Benwell Lane office and looks after the client, volunteer and referral agency administration as well as the Foodbank finances.
Monju has been supporting the Foodbank for 7 years and joined as a Trustee in February 2022. He has worked at Capgemini for nearly 10 years starting out as a technology consultant and in 2015 made a move into the Corporate Social Responsibility team, working within digital inclusion and volunteer engagement. Monju has experience working on international development projects and fundraising for charities working towards the alleviation of poverty, chiefly for the Foodbank.
Richard joined the Foodbank team in May 2022 and is responsible for managing the warehouse, he also helps run sessions in the east of the city. Prior to joining the Foodbank, Richard had worked in local government.
Stephen has been a Trustee for over four years, and has been a chartered accountant for almost 40 years. He has worked in the profession and industry and in the public sector. Stephen has held, and continues to hold, a number of financial positions with other charitable organisations.
Steve joined the Trustees in January 2022 and currently serves as the Head of Economic and Social Justice at Amnesty International, managing the organisation's global research and campaigns on the rights to health, housing, work and food. He has previously worked for other charitable organisations including Oxfam and WaterAid, and has served as a Trustee of Transparency International UK. Steve has volunteered at the food bank site in Benwell, and supports the NUFC fans' foodbank collections at St James' Park on match days.
Tim joined the Team in September 2023 and works with Jude as Pantry Supervisor. Prior to joining the team, Tim had managed cafes around Newcastle and worked for Newcastle City Council.