Our Trustees

John’s career was spent in Financial Services and Management Consultancy. Since retiring (at least from paid employment!) he has served as a Parish Councillor and acted as chair for his local Community Association. John is a strong advocate for local communities and the importance of the voluntary sector in improving the day to day lives of residents. He was first appointed a trustee of Community Futures in 2021 and has been Chair since 2022, leading on the strategic direction of the charity.

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I have worked in the VCFSE sector in Lancashire for the last 19 years, initially as the Children and Families lead for a CVS and latterly as CEO of Spring North. I recently stepped down from this role to manage another charity which myself and other family member set up in 2022. I have previously been a trustee for 2 local charities. I understand the landscape of the sector, the challenges faced by charities, the importance of partnerships and collaboration and the need for a strong, knowledgeable and passionate Board of trustees to help organisations maximize their potential in serving their communities. I believe I have the appropriate experience to undertake this role with passion and commitment and look forward to playing a part in the future of Community Futures.

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Dan has five years’ experience of project management alongside twenty years of experience leading and managing teams. Having previously worked as an Operations Manager at Bootstrap Enterprises, Dan has a good understanding of how a charitable, community organisation works and the vital role the organisation plays within the local communities and the benefits they bring. Dan now works as Project Management at Ingeus to continue the delivery of the Work and Health Programme.

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Ashley is a Director of a local health and safety consultancy in Lancaster and assists in running Ellel Village Hall as a trustee. Ashley enjoys being involved in projects and assisting the local community where she can. In Ashley’s spare time, she enjoys being in her allotment, outdoors and walking the dogs.

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I have been fortunate to have spent my career working in social care primary with children and families and know the difference it makes to have responsive, caring and effective services and the ability to build secure and supportive environments. I am currently an independent social work consultant within Fostering Services. I have worked as a senior manager within large local authority social work services and have spent over 20 years working in the voluntary sector. I have worked for large national and international charities (Save the Children Fund and Action for Children) developing social action work and as a strategic lead for Looked after Children services. I was the CEO for the Northwest regional charity Child Action Northwest for 12 years. I have enjoyed serving as a trustee for the local Spring North Consortium for over 12 years and served as a trustee for the national Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies where I was involved in consultations and working groups in relation to the development of national adoptive services. I’m excited to be joining the Community Futures Board as the new strategy is developed and implemented, I have a huge commitment to community development, engagement and support and believe that we need the input of an independent third sector now more than ever. Outside work I’m equally busy with two grown children, more interests and activities than I can keep up with and as much travel as I can possibly fit in, and am surrounded by many lovely and supportive friends and family.

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