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.”
Vanessa Bedford Director, Care & Support
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.”
Emma Hart Finance Director incl. Central Services
Emma has a diverse background from starting out as a management accountant in an FMCG to retraining as a personal fitness instructor to running a business providing apprenticeships for individuals within the Construction Industry. Emma is a CIMA qualified accountant. They key theme throughout Emma’s career has been that of supporting and developing others.
“I value supporting Alabaré in their continued endeavour to support their clients in leading a full and rewarding life.”
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.”
Kirsty Scullion Lead Fundraising and Marketing Manager
Kirsty leads the fundraising and marketing team, focusing on partnership development and income generation. 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.”
Leadership 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 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.”
Jacob Beale Operations Manager: Mental Health
Jacob has worked in various NHS settings and across the South as a mental health nurse, setting up preventative, trauma-informed mental health services before joining Alabaré.
“I’m proud to work with Alabaré to influence huge change for people with mental health needs across Wiltshire. Our team has grown exponentially over the past few years as we continue building an excellent reputation for high-quality emotional and wellbeing support.”
James Cadmore Operations Manager: Veterans Wales
James oversees all our veterans’ operational activities in Wales, including the new veterans’ pathway work we deliver for Op FORTITUDE.
With previous careers in the Navy, the Police, and the patient transport sector, he brings his natural enthusiasm and energy to improving veterans’ welfare across Wales. James says, “I am excited for the impactful work ahead with this amazing organisation!”
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.”
Sarah Ferguson Operations Manager: Veterans England
Sarah oversees all our veterans’ operational activities in England, including the new veterans’ pathway work we deliver for Op FORTITUDE.
With 23 years service in the British Army that has covered several operational tours, she is dedicated to improving veterans’ welfare.
Gina Hackett Operations Manager: Learning Disabilities
Gina was involved in setting up 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.”
Jo King Charity Manager
Jo oversees the governance of the charity. 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.”
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 various 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.”
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.”
Naomi Webb Operations Manager: Homelessness
With many years of experience in the homelessness sector, in charities and local authority, Naomi’s background includes leading services, most recently overseeing the operational delivery of the Wiltshire Homes4Ukraine program.
“I am honoured to support the dedicated teams in the Alabaré homeless service. Our mission is to provide holistic, tailored support to residents who join us at a time of crisis in their lives. Through a strength-based, trauma-informed compassionate approach, we walk alongside them empowering them to move forward in their lives.”
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 supports young people to discover and achieve opportunities that mean they will no longer need us.”
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
The Right Reverend John Lomas Bishop of Swansea and Brecon
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.
Paddy Bradley
Until recently, Paddy was Chief Executive of Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, working with the public and private sectors to grow the economy of Swindon and Wiltshire. He has a background of working in Local Government at a high level in strategic planning, change management and policy development. Paddy has also worked in various areas of education.
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.
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. In July 2024 Mickey was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.
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.
The work of our Board of Trustees is supported by three committees – Finance and Resources Committee, Quality Committee and Fundraising, Marketing and Retail Committee.
The Chairs of our committees are:
- Finance and Resources Committee – Mickey Morrissey
- Quality Committee – Alicia Proctor
- Fundraising, Marketing and Retail Committee – Richard Winstanley
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
Colonel Lance Ranson
Major (Ret’d) Mickey Morrissey
Mr James Oldfield
Mr Chris Rawlins
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Andrew Tabor JP
Mrs Lorraine Davis – Chair
Mr Edward Firth
Colonel (Ret’d) Richard Winstanley
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
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 Robbie Pickard
Mr Joseph Scaniglia-Jones
Mr Barney Norris
Revd Jonathan Martin
Mr Alex Cooper
Mr Mark Thistlethwayte