I provide leadership of, and oversee, the day-to-day operations of Rise. This includes the charity’s overall financial, HR, governance and performance management systems and processes, and supporting the CEO with the growth and development of the charity. I help to create, develop and implement organisational strategy and business improvements, enhancing Rise’s strategic relationships and advocating for the role physical activity plays in improving lives, communities and places.
I’m proud of the key role I have played in our significant 4-to-5-fold organisational growth (staff numbers and income) which enables us to positively impact more people across the North East. I’m also proud of the staff culture we’ve built centred around autonomy and wellbeing that maximises individual and organisational outcomes, alongside the now incredibly efficient and effective business operations we have in place (as reflected by auditing and various feedback).
Since joining what was then Tyne and Wear Sport in 2007, a key achievement was helping to facilitate two charity mergers, one of which as the interim executive director with overall responsibility for one of the teams involved. Before that, I predominantly worked in the public sector for a couple of local authorities in the areas of project management, health improvement and community development. This included leading on the development and delivery of a multitude of projects, programmes and events focused on health and wellbeing, physical activity and reducing childhood obesity.
Outside of work I’m a non-executive director for Age UK County Durham and also a primary school governor, as I’m keen to use my knowledge, skills and experience to help other organisations to be more effective in supporting their communities. I enjoy spending time with my family, relaxing through weekends away or on holidays, and being outdoors, walking and cycling.