Our team at Alabaré is a rich network of staff, volunteers, ambassadors, trustees and patrons who work hard to ensure that we provide the best level of support possible across all of our homes and services.
We are spread across the south and south-west of England and across north and south Wales. Our office at Riverside House in Salisbury is the base for our central administration and fundraising teams.
If you’re interested in joining our team, please click here to see our current job vacancies.
The Senior Leadership Team
Andrew Lord MBE Chief Executive
Andrew has been Chief Executive of Alabaré since 2000 when it was solely Salisbury based. Since then the charity has grown to cover South West England and Wales, delivering care and support to thousands of vulnerable people per year. Andrew is a CIPFA-qualified accountant and was awarded an MBE in 2021 for his work in the charity sector.
“Alabaré is a wonderful organisation. The staff and volunteer team’s dedication in supporting vulnerable people is heart-warming and life changing work.”
Rakesh Gulati Finance Director
Rakesh joined Alabaré in 2021. He is a Chartered Accountant and holds an MBA from Cranfield University. He has worked in both the private and not-for-profit sectors.
“I am delighted to be part of the Alabaré team and the incredible work the charity does in supporting those who are disadvantaged and marginalised in our communities.”
Vanessa Bedford Lead Operations Manager
Since starting as a Young People Ops Manager in 2013 Vanessa now manages the delivery of all our services and operations. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Management with many years of experience working with chaotic families and young people as well as strategic and project management.
“The work my teams undertake with some of the most chaotic clients is outstanding. The variety of the work we undertake makes no two days the same.”
Revd Gill Turner-Callis Senior Chaplain
Before joining Alabaré, Gill was a parish priest for four churches in the Derby Diocese. She has lived all over the UK, from Luton to Aberdeen. She grew up a Baptist but felt called to Anglican ordination when a student. She says that she ‘has never had a proper job’!
“Having been a parish priest for 15 years, I increasingly felt called to chaplaincy and working for Alabaré felt like a really exciting opportunity. I’ve not been disappointed – every day is a different ministry experience.”
Sue Gumbleton Operations Manager: Homelessness
Sue began her career with Alabaré as a support worker. Her passion and desire to help transform the lives of the homeless saw her progress to the role of Operations Manager where she oversees all of our Homeless Services, covering properties across Wiltshire, Devon and Somerset.
“The thing I love most about my job is the diversity of my duties and the people I work with both colleagues and clients.”
Anne Williams Operations Manager: Veterans England
Anne is Operations Manager for our Veterans services across England and is responsible for providing a safe home for up to 100 ex-service personnel every night. With over 35 years of experience in the supported housing sector she is dedicated to improving veterans’ welfare.
“I would like to see all veterans with a roof over their heads, and somewhere they can get the support they need in getting their own property and feel safe.”
Gina Hackett Operations Manager: Learning Disabilities
Gina was involved in the setting up of our Home and Community Service for people with learning disabilities from its infancy. She has been involved in all aspects of the service and has progressed to Operations Manager.
“I support all my services to deliver an excellent service, to ensure all our clients lead a fulfilling and rich life so they continue to develop their independence and become accepted within the wider communities.”
Spencer Whatmore Operations Manager: Young People
Spencer joined Alabaré following a career as a Probation Officer, focusing on young adults and care leavers. Spencer has been engaging young people through arts projects for over 30 years, utilising the skills and knowledge of Hip Hop culture to motivate those who have disengaged from society to discover their passions.
“I am proud of our work addressing inequality that marginalised young people can experience and how the team support young people to discover and achieve opportunities that mean they will no longer be needing us.”
Jacob Beale Operations Manager: Mental Health
As a mental health nurse Jacob has worked in various NHS settings and working across the South setting up preventative, trauma-informed mental health services before joining Alabaré.
“I’m proud to be working with Alabaré to influence huge change for people with mental health needs across Wiltshire. Our team has grown exponentially over the past couple of years as we continue to build an excellent reputation for high-quality emotional and wellbeing support.”
Rob Gibson Operations Manager: Training & Development
A former Royal Marine, Rob is responsible for staff training, Alabaré’s Development Centres and the Alabaré Training Academy. He also supports our Veterans’ Self-Build Scheme and manages our Boots on the Ground programme for veterans and young people.
“I, like all staff, want to ensure our clients are fully supported in their personal journeys, wherever that takes them, and strive to help them acquire all the skills they need to succeed.”
Jo King Charity Manager
Jo oversees the governance of the charity and manages the retail outlets and staff. Alongside this, she carries out projects and events for the charity as needed. Jo’s background is in local government.
“I feel really fortunate to be part of the Alabaré family and see the amazing work that our frontline staff do to support those who are vulnerable. These staff are supported hugely by all personnel, making it one big team.”
Karen Bell HR & Corporate Services Manager
Karen has enjoyed working in HR and Health and Safety for over 25 years. Within Alabaré, Karen and her team are responsible for all aspects of HR, quality and health and safety, and volunteering.
“I want Alabaré to be an employer of choice that people want to join and recommend to their family and friends.”
Nick Dalton Financial Controller
As a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Nick has experience in securities and international trade. He was a Bank Manager and worked overseas before he embarked on a career in accounting.
“It is amazing to see the difference the support provided by Alabaré makes to so many people with the incredible donations coming from an array of individuals and organisations.”
Claire Sime Marketing & Individual Giving Manager
Claire heads up the teams overseeing individual giving, community giving and marketing. Claire worked in the art industry before switching to a career in the charity sector.
“I feel privileged that my role enables me to bring together caring people in our community who want to make a positive difference and give them ways that they can support our charity and the life-changing work Alabaré does.”
Rebecca Mullen Fundraising Events & Development Manager
Rebecca manages the fundraising team which includes corporate partnerships, high-value donors, ambassador groups, Military Liaison and events. Rebecca has worked in the third sector for a variety of charities over the past 20 years.
“Fundraising is a really challenging arena to be in but equally so rewarding. I love it when a big idea comes together, and there is fun in the fundraising.”
Kirsty Scullion Partnerships & Income Generation Manager
Kirsty leads the Trusts team, focusing on partnership development and building social enterprises. She has worked in charities for over 20 years, across homelessness or with families in deprived areas. Kirsty holds several postgraduate qualifications which focus on understanding management and leadership in the Third Sector.
“I am motivated to see a change in the lives of our beneficiaries, to see the positive impact of the Alabaré work and to ensure that the third sector is valued as delivering excellence.”
I’ve seen life from the very bottom, the grim reality, the harsh reality of being a drug addict, living on the street and it isn’t a good place to be. I’m not saying it’s easy, it’s definitely not easy, but there’s always another way. One word that describes it all really Alabaré gave me hope.
Chrissy - Homelessness Client
Alabaré Patrons
John Proctor – Honorary President OBE
Brigadier Simon Firth CBE
Reverend Joanna Jepson
General the Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL
Right Reverend Stephen Lake Bishop of Salisbury
Board of Trustees
Malcolm Cassells Chairman
Malcolm worked for the NHS for 41 years, the last 31 years as a Board Director with responsibility for IT, Procurement, Information, Contracting. He is a qualified accountant and has an MBA. He has been involved in many capital developments, including the rationalisation of local multi-site hospital services onto one site.
Mrs Teresa Barsby
Teresa has been involved with Alabaré for many years. A civil servant, Teresa has spent many years in education, primarily working in HR. From a military family, Teresa is a committed Christian is also a volunteer for the community project, St John’s Place in Salisbury.
Air Vice Marshall (Ret’d) Martin Clark MBA BSc (Eng) Ceng FIET FRAeS
Martin served for over 37 years in the Royal Air Force, becoming the technical air safety regulator for Defence in 2012. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, a governor of Wiltshire College and a volunteer welfare caseworker for the Royal Air Forces Association. He was awarded a CBE 2016 for services to the Armed Forces.
Mrs Catherine Detain
Catherine has been a member of the Alabaré Christian Community for over 25 years, and her whole family have had strong links with the charity. She has always been a volunteer and knows what it is like to struggle financially, face unemployment and have family problems.
Mr Phillip Reynolds
Phillip worked in Local Government most of his working life, specifically for the Fareham & Gosport Area Education Office, Fareham Borough Council, Hampshire County Council and Gosport Borough Council. With many years of experience in finance for the respective councils, his skills are very welcome.
Mrs Alicia Proctor
Alicia is a member of the Alabaré Christian Community who, along with her husband John, founded the charity. ” I am so proud to have played a small part in the incredible story of Alabaré and am truly inspired by the wonderful team who share their lives and talents, recognising our need for one another.”
Mark Proctor
Mark is a qualified solicitor with experience in criminal litigation and all property affairs. He has worked with all aspects of residential and commercial property and has experience in quality and compliance. As his parents founded Alabaré Christian Care and Support, Mark has been involved since he was a teenager and joined the Board to add his experience to the ongoing support of vulnerable people.
Canon Vernon White
Vernon is a long standing supporter of Alabaré. He retired from his full-time role as sub-dean and canon of Westminster Abbey in 2018 but remains active as a visiting professor in theology at King’s College London. He was previously a principal of the clergy training institution at Sarum College.
Major (Ret’d) Mickey Morrissey
Mickey served in the Irish Guards for twelve years before a career in finance and investments. More recently, he was a partner at wealth, accountancy and business advisory services, Evelyn Partners, and now a board member of the Association of Investment Companies. He was the Honorary Treasurer of Combat Stress and Director of the Forces Pension Society Investment Company.
Mr Richard Winstanley
Richard has been involved as an ambassador for many years having previously served for 29 years in the Grenadier Guards. Since 2013, he has been the clerk of the Drapers’ Company and chief officer of a c.£350 million philanthropic organisation focused on charity, people and education.
Mr Phil Sutton
Since 2011, Phil has been the Managing Director of SSES Ltd and previously, his career was within the MOD as Director of Science and Technology Strategy MOD for 7 years. He has worked in government, education and industry and is an ex-Royal Navy Reserve officer.
Ambassadors - This voluntary role involves inspiring others to support the charity and educating people about what we do.
Mr Billy Wilde – Chair
Mr Don Alexander
Mr Robert Bernays OBE DL
Councillor Ian Boulton
Mr David Penniall MBE BEM
Captain Phil Smith
Colonel Jane Thompson TD DL PhD
Reverend Canon David Durston
Colonel (Ret’d) Ian Harris– Chair
Councillor Neil Hampson
Reverend Courtenay Harris
Major (Ret’d) Mickey Morrissey
Mr Chris Rawlins
Mr Chris Ryland
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Andrew Tabor JP
Mrs Joan Ferrer JP DL – Chair
Mr Mark Thistlethwayte DL
Mr Timothy Weale TD DL
Mrs Lorraine Davis – Chair
Mr Edward Firth
Ms Fiorina Fortunato LLB LLM
Colonel (Ret’d) Richard Winstanley
Commander Chris Thorpe BSc MIET RN – Chair
Dr Norman Biddle
Commander (Ret’d) Chris Thorpe BSc MIET RN – Chair
Lieutenant Commander Paul Burton RN
Colonel Steve Cox RM
Mr David FitzGerald
Lieutenant Commander Nicky Hibbert RN
Brigadier Christopher Lunn
Major General (Ret’d) Robert Talbot Rice CBE – Chair
Reverend Fran Croxon-Hall
Archdeacon Mones Farah
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Tuggey CBE DL
Mr Huw Williams
Mr Richard Hill
Mr Richard Williams-Bulkeley
Commodore Richard Lord CBE MSc RN – Chair
Sir Charles Hobhouse
Lady Ruth Hawley DL
Mrs Sara Jones CBE JP DL
Sir Craig Mackey QPM
The Venerable Stephen Robbins CB
Mr Alan Taylor
Mrs Alison Ward
Dr Sophy Antrobus MBE
Mrs Teresa Barsby
Mrs Gay Edwards MBE
Air Commodore Stephen Sims OBE BSc
Mr Joseph Scaniglia-Jones