Experience

CROYDON VOLUNTARY ACTION

• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Communities

  • Dec 2021 - Present

  Croydon, England, United Kingdom

• Head of Communities

  • Aug 2007 - Dec 2021

  Croydon, United Kingdom Understanding the strengths within communities and of stakeholders I see the potential and harness those strengths to better make use of collective resources and create a shared vision. As Head of Communities, I nurture community led solutions and oversee complex partnerships. CVA coordinated Croydon’s community response to the Covid-19 pandemic and I: • Initiated the Food Bank and Soup Bank Network in partnership alongside Mutual Aid, coordinating an effective support system and… Show more Understanding the strengths within communities and of stakeholders I see the potential and harness those strengths to better make use of collective resources and create a shared vision. As Head of Communities, I nurture community led solutions and oversee complex partnerships. CVA coordinated Croydon’s community response to the Covid-19 pandemic and I: • Initiated the Food Bank and Soup Bank Network in partnership alongside Mutual Aid, coordinating an effective support system and redistribution of donations to local groups • Devised and grew an OD workforce response supporting helpline staff from statutory, health and the VCS to better respond to people in crisis and know where to access specialist support With responsibility for delivery (17 projects) I report to stakeholders including the Metropolitan Police, Greater London Authority, One Croydon and The Big Lottery. Implementing monitoring systems that, alongside creative content, ensure quality reporting on the delivery of agreed outcomes within budget.

• Community Development Manager

  • Jul 2010 - Nov 2013

  Croydon, United Kingdom Piloted Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) in Croydon and on proven success, lobbied for the roll out across the borough. Approach has led to the growth of sustained community activity and partnership working across sectors within localities and underpins the social prescribing agenda in Croydon. Researched and implemented relevant and efficient Monitoring and Evaluation tools. Worked with Super Highways and Simply Connect to gather and present data and emerging outcomes to… Show more Piloted Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) in Croydon and on proven success, lobbied for the roll out across the borough. Approach has led to the growth of sustained community activity and partnership working across sectors within localities and underpins the social prescribing agenda in Croydon. Researched and implemented relevant and efficient Monitoring and Evaluation tools. Worked with Super Highways and Simply Connect to gather and present data and emerging outcomes to funders.

• Community Involvement Worker

  • Aug 2007 - Jul 2010

  Strengthened and supported local civic participation by developing strong accountable networks and innovative approaches to community involvement. Designed Croydon’s Health Champions programme which enabled participants outside of traditional education to lead on their own community projects, taking first steps to being todays Community Leaders. In 2008, awarded The International Centre for Excellence in Local Electronic Democracy for the development of Talk2Croydon, innovative web-tool… Show more Strengthened and supported local civic participation by developing strong accountable networks and innovative approaches to community involvement. Designed Croydon’s Health Champions programme which enabled participants outside of traditional education to lead on their own community projects, taking first steps to being todays Community Leaders. In 2008, awarded The International Centre for Excellence in Local Electronic Democracy for the development of Talk2Croydon, innovative web-tool enabling greater involvement in local decision making.



Islington Victim Support

• Hate Crime Coordinator

  • Sep 2006 - Aug 2007

  Islington, England, United Kingdom Through partnership work, developed strategies to combat hate crime in the borough. Worked with communities to create their own solutions and to better communicate through their networks how to safely access support. Managed staff and over 40 volunteers overseeing the service delivery of support to victims of hate crime in Islington.



Metropolitan Police

• United Kingdom
• Law Enforcement
• 700 & Above Employee

• Various Roles

  • Jul 1999 - Sep 2006

  United Kingdom Including Police Constable for the Metropolitan Police (received Quality Service Award in 2006), Advertising Sales Executive for The Big Issue and Support Officer for Leeds City Council