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One organisation, one team

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 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 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

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

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 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 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 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

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

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 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 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

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 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 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 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

Brigadier Simon Firth CBE

Reverend Joanna Jepson

Reverend Joanna Jepson

General the Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL

General the Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL

Stephen Lake Bishop of Salisbury

Right Reverend Stephen Lake Bishop of Salisbury

Board of Trustees

Ambassadors - This voluntary role involves inspiring others to support the charity and educating people about what we do.

Quick contact

If you need some help or have any questions please get in touch. We will get back to you within 48 hours for any general enquiries. If you need emergency help click here

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