Who’s who
Read more about the team of committed and professional staff, volunteers and trustees
Staff and Volunteers
Frances has worked in various roles within the project since 1999. She now has overall responsibility for running the project - everything from leading the team to fundraising and managing the budgets. Frances is a member of Brighton and Hove Learning Partnership and City College Corporation.
Helen is a Community Education specialist. Using her experience and expertise, she works with a range of local people and organisations to develop and deliver the learning and IAG project. Helen is currently participating in the “Systems and Complex Systems Approaches” Knowledge Exchange at the University of Brighton
Julie has worked as a careers advisor since 2000. She also teaches all aspects of careers advice and belly dancing. She regularly performs with BD4U and co-ordinates the group.
Anna has lived and worked in Brighton and Hove for almost 20 years. She has been supporting people into employment, training, education and volunteering opportunities and is the newest recruit to the team offering careers advice and guidance support .
Sasha has worked in education for many years. Since moving to Brighton, she has volunteered for numerous charity organisations, including the Friends Centre & the BUCFP. In 2009 she started working for the Whitehawk Inn and has since taken on a more formal role with responsibilty for the smooth running of the project.
Stacey recently completed the Prince's Trust program at the Whitehawk Inn and applied for the Receptionist role - we are very happy to have her join our team. She is also a keen volunteer and currently lends her spare time as a dance instructor for a local performing arts charity.
Sandra has worked as Study Smart tutor since 2005, giving additional 1:1 support to learners. She also volunteers as a classroom assistant.
Rufus has managed the IT system and been responsible for Health & Safety at the project since 2004. Away from the day job, he works part time as an acupuncturist.
Stephen started here as a student in 2003. He went on to qualify as an IT tutor. He also works part time as our Caretaker.
Mary supports learners in our IT Taster sessions and other IT classes. Having been a learner herself, Mary said, “I wanted to share my experience, encourage other people and give something back”
Mark started studying in September 2011 and when approached, was more than happy to volunteer his time. He is now assisting other students in two IT classes, helping them in their own learning journeys.
Over the last year Neil has succesfully completed four IT courses with us and just recently passed his Level 2 in ECDL. He has kindly offered to help other students reach the same goal and lends support in the beginners course.
The Collections Team works hard to raise the profile of the project and to raise money through events, sponsored activities, collections and sales. Since June 2010 they have raised over £3000 towards the work of the Whitehawk Inn. If you would like to be part of this fun and dynamic team, please contact Vy Shepherd at vyshepherd26@hotmail.com
Trustees
Jon has worked as a volunteer business mentor with the Prince's Trust for many years and brings a wealth of business development expertise to the board. He has been a senior Technology leader with several major financial institutions, currently with Visa.
Scott is Managing Director at This is Regeneration Ltd and brings 20 years experience to the board. He is committed to supporting organisations delivering training and skills opportunities for local residents.
Alistair has been involved with the project from the start. He is currently Vice Chair and leads our Transformation agenda. After many years working in technology for large corporations, he is establishing himself as a freelance team development consultant.
Natalie is one of our new community trustees and a dedicated student at the Whitehawk Inn. She has been actively involved with charity work for over 40 years and feels strongly about the importance of education as a means of changing lives.
As Director of MACS, Jackie brings over 15 years' experience in the world of debt and welfare benefit advice. Her experience of managing a charitable organisation brings a valuable perspective to the board.
Gary is Managing Director of the Mears group and has many years of experience in Commercial Business Management. He believes in helping people achieve great things by offering training & work placement opportunities.
Margaret is a committed volunteer in the East Brighton area. Along with her advice work for PALS, she often collects donations for the Whitehawk Inn fundraising committee and is involved with the Hub group, offering talks on various health issues.
Michelle has a great deal of experience working in the third sector and as a board member. She brings a wealth of expertise from her roles at the Working Together Project and as co-ordinator of the Anti-Domestic Violence forum.
Naomi is a researcher at the University of Brighton. She first came to the WHI to do a research project recording some of our learners' journeys. Having been inspired by their stories and the work of the project, she joined the board.
Patrons
Kathy Gore, DL is a great supporter of WHI and believes that their ethos is key to their success. Kathy is chair of East Sussex Hospices and a Trustee of the Sussex Community Foundation. She is a marathon runner and was an Olympic torchbearer in July 2012.
Graham Bartlett, recently retired from 30 years of policing in Brighton & Hove, says of the Whitehawk Inn “For me they exemplify all that is positive in the community. They have achieved wonderful things for East Brighton, providing support to many people. This has such an impact on ones independence and dignity“.
Peter James is the international best-selling crime thriller novelist and author of the world's first electronic novel. As well as being our patron, he supports other local and national charities. He said “I am thrilled and honoured to have become Patron of a charity so very close to my heart“.
