Beverley Parker - CEO Chief Executive Officer and tenant farmer. Expand Bev was appointed to the post of CEO of RAD in April 2017. She is a keen advocate of rural issues, having grown up in a South Derbyshire village with very few services even then. Nowadays the village has no shop, no doctors’ surgery and a very occasional bus service. She grew up surrounded by the countryside, did casual work at the local potato farm and kept a scruffy pony in a farmers field sandwiched between the A38 trunk road and the main railway line between Derby and Birmingham. In her career she has worked in various local authorities, mainly in culture and tourism, organising large scale outdoor events, managing a museum and country park, promoting conferences in a large seaside resort and working for a regional arts board as a senior manager. She worked for the Audit Commission for 9 years but in 2011 following sweeping political changes, the Audit Commission was demised and redundancy followed. She then spent nearly 3 years teaching at a residential school for girls with severe emotional and behavioural difficulties (a good grounding for being CEO at RAD!). She has been a school governor for many years at a local primary school. Bev joined RAD in March 2014 as Policy and Partnerships Manager for Financial Action and Advice Derbyshire. She lives in Staffordshire, a stone’s throw from the Derbyshire border. With her partner Ian she farms around 70 acres with around another 30 acres of grazing land on an annual basis. They have around 200 Jacob sheep and 4 Longhorn beef cattle and they produce hay and haylage mainly for the equestrian market. She has two horses, a Jack Russell terrier and a few chickens which lay eggs for friends and family – including RAD staff. To contact Bev: Office 01629 592971, Mobile: 07738 983 656, email: [email protected]
Claire Symonds - Suicide Awareness Training Officer Claire Symonds - Suicide Awareness Project Officer Expand Claire joined RAD in October 2016, project managing the Suicide Awareness Training. She began her career working in finance and project management and after retraining a few years ago she moved towards the area of Health & Social Care - although her financial training still comes in very handy! Claire enjoys getting out and about in the great outdoors to exercise and she also enjoys all things musical, particularly playing in a brass band and dancing. Her love of travelling has taken her around the world, recently driving across America getting her kicks on Route 66! To contact Claire, email her on [email protected] or phone 01629 592977 or 07710 094700.
Claire Thornber - FAAD Project Coordinator Claire Thornber - Financial Action and Advice Derbyshire Coordinator and The Money House Project Expand Claire originally joined RAD in June 2008 and has run various projects throughout Derbyshire, working with a range of people and partners. Usually the projects include training. She has been working in the voluntary sector for over 15 years, initially at BEST (a community education centre) and then for a coutywide umbrella organisation which secured European funding for adult education in the community projects. She is currently working on The Money House, a project which aims to prevent debt and homelessness among young people across the county. It offers a 5 day accredited course in a 'real flat' for young people making a move to supported or independent living. It aims to equip them with the skills, know-how and contacts to make a success of their first tenancy. Claire says, "One of the things I love about working for RAD is the wide range of projects that I've been involved in. That, and the fact that I get to see a lot of the Derbyshire countryside." Claire is a keen walker and has converted an old military ambulance into a camper van (because she enjoys being out of the city, but is getting too old for tents!). She has recently taken up lindy hop dancing (great fun and exercise) and after completing a traditional signwriting course is also currently working an a hand painted sign for a friend's pottery studio. To contact Claire, email [email protected] or call 07960 584141 or 01629 592978.
Emma Simpson - Administrator and Oil Buying Project Officer Emma Simpson - RAD Administrator and Oil Buying Scheme Project Officer Expand Emma joined RAD in June 2009, but then left at the end of 2011 for a two and a half year break in Guernsey, coming back in September 2014. She runs the oil buying scheme and is also RAD Administrator, responsible for communications, membership, governance and many other tasks that need doing. Her experience comes from a number of different areas. Horses and skiing have had an impact on her career path. She is a qualified riding instructor and has worked in England, Spain, America and Australia with horses. She has also had 4 seasons working as a Resorts Manager for a ski company in Italy. Now more grounded in Derbyshire with a son and two dogs, you are more likely to see her walking in the Derbyshire Dales. If you have a general enquiry about RAD's work, or would like to speak to her about the oil buying scheme or LPG call her on 01629 592970 or email [email protected].
Gail Hannan - The Money House Project Assistant Gail Hannan - The Money House Project Assistant Expand Gail has been with RAD since October 2017, joining Claire Thornber on The Money House project. With a background in retail and financial services Gail went on to work in education where she realised her passion for working with younger people. In 2009 she worked as a Family Resource Working in a Multi Agency Team (MAT) until 2014 when she took over as Lead Teacher at The Bridge Project and then spent 2 years working as a Family Supoort Worker at Highfields School in Matlock. As well as working at RAD she is a volunteer support working at a Derbyshire scondary school and a volunteer group facilitator at The Butterfly Project (Mental Health Support Group in Chesterfield). When she's not working she enjoys spending time with her grown up daughters, impatiently waiting for them to deliver Gail some grandchildren! She LOVES gardening and cake (eating it rather than baking) and sewing and crafts. She is useless with technology (even the TV remote!) and admits to having an obsession with Audrey Hepburn (strange, but true!). To contact Gail email [email protected] or call 07738 107072 or 01629 590979.
Gina Davies - Wheels to Work Durham Gina Davies - Project Officer Wheels to Work County Durham Expand Gina joined RAD in October 2016 and works with Susan to deliver the County Durham Wheels to Work project. Although Gina is employed by RAD, she is based in Chester-le-Street in County Durham. Before joining RAD Gina worked at Durham Cathedral, first delivering a Heritage Woodland Project and later supporting the work of the Marketing and Events Team. She has a background working in Countryside Management, has 5 children who keep her busy and enjoys walking their dogs and visiting family. To contact Gina email [email protected] or call 0191 3897 153 or 07460 068 668.
Helena Stubbs - Community Buildings Advisor Helena Stubbs - Village Hall and Community Building Adviser Expand Helena joined RAD in September 2002 as a Rural Officer. Before joining RAD Helena had been working as a research consultant studying the impacts of Foot and Mouth in the Voluntary Sector in South Derbyshire, the social needs of older people in a number of rural Derbyshire villages and the evaluation of sheltered housing and day care services. She feels privileged to help make a difference to people's lives throughout her time so far at RAD working with communities, supporting shops, post offices and pubs and for the last 8 years helping with community buildings. Helena says, "travelling around such a beautiful county and meeting such interesting people all with a common goal of trying to improve their local communities really makes my job special. Work is never boring and each village hall I work with presents me with its own unique issues which need investigating." Helena has lived all her life in Derbyshire's farming community. She is part of a large bustling family with two grown up children, a beautiful granddaughter and 19 nephews and nieces so there's always a family gathering to keep her busy. If you would like to contact Helena, email [email protected] or phone 01629 592973.
Joe Dugdale - Rural Officer Joe Dugdale - Rural Officer and Neighbourhood Development Planning Officer Expand Joe joined RAD in 1999 after leaving a lecturing role in Further Education and from the start (he says) it was a dream job. "I was being paid to support volunteers all over Deryshire. Being a Rural Officer is never boring - I've dealt with all manner of things from helping to relocate a donkey sanctuary to mammoth ESF applications; the common thread is that almost everyone I'm likely to meet is trying to do something for their group or the wider community." Joe developed a specialism in Community Planning early on. His experience lecturing in sociology and research meant he could easily get to grips with the theory and he has had plenty of practice with Parish Plans, Community Appraisals and all the forerunners of the current Neighbourhood Development Plans. When not working for RAD Joe spends a lot of with walking with his dog Callan in the Derbyshire hills and further afield. He's director of the Serpentine Community Farm CIC in Buxton, which provides horticultural experience to a broad range of volunteers. He was also a founder Director of Buxton Town Team CIC, similar to working at RAD! Joe likes to cook, nearly as much as he likes to eat apparently. He's very healthy and as a fish eating vegetarian is always eating wholesome food in the office. To contact Joe, email him [email protected] or call 01629 592974 or 07743 850127.
Laura Mitchell - Wheels to Work Project Assistant Laura Mitchell - Wheels to Work Project Assistant Expand Laura joined RAD in September 2016. She works on the Wheels to Work project with Sandie and Natalie. Laura says, "I love meeting the clients and seeing how their careers and education opportunities develop once they have access to their own transport and seeing the knock-on effect that this has on their confidence." Before working at RAD Laura spent 9 year working in the tourism industry in Finnish Lapland (yes, she has met Father Christmas). She loves anything related to skiing and snowboarding (especially her partner who is a snowboarding instructor). When she's not enjoying holidays on the snow she loves exploring the Derbyshire countryside with her family, which normally includes lots of den building and puddle jumping! To contact Laura email [email protected] or call 01629 592976 or 07588 848664.
Natalie O'Connell - Wheels to Work Assistant Manager Natalie O'Connell - Wheels to Work Assistant Manager Expand Natalie joined RAD as Wheels to Work Project Assistant in July 2013. She has brought energy and enthusiasm to the role and her real 'can do' attitude has helped her to progress to become Assistant Manager. Since being at RAD she has bought her first house which involved a great deal of hard work to get it looking just how she wants it, without breaking the bank. Using family and friends to share the hard graft certainly paid off. Natalie's energy outside of work takes her travelling all over the place, frequently flying to far flung countries. She loves animals (sometimes more than people!) and taking part in various outdoor activities such as bouldering, watersports and snowsports. Good old fashioned British comedies such as Only Fools and Horses and the Vicar of Dibley keep her entertained when she's not out and about being adventurous. To contact Natalie email [email protected] or call 01629 592976 or 07454 230757.
Sally Salisbury - Finance Manager Sally Salisbury - RAD Finance Manager and music fan. Expand Sally has been working at RAD since 2001, starting in an admin support role for Peak Rural Welfare Rights before moving into accounts. In 2001 rural communities were coping with the devastating effects of the Foot & Mouth outbreak, a very difficult time indeed for livestock farmers throughout Derbyshire. The former coal mining areas in the north eastern area of Derbyshire were also a priority. There have been many changes at RAD since Sally started, ranging from the Village Agents scheme to current day projects helping with transport, oil buying, financial capability and wellbeing as well as working within communities supporting their village halls and neighbourhood plans. Sally says, "It's a really iteresting charity to work for and it's rewarding that indirectly I am helping to support the frontline workers." Sally is Derbyshire born and bred, living in the same village she was born in - Hognaston. However, she also loves Cornwall and visits at least twice a year and is one day hoping to move there. She has had an interesting working career working mostly in and around Ashbourne with a building company producing handmade bricks and tiles, an estate agents, advertising agency and Agricultural Training Board. She qualified as a professional photographer when her daughter was very young and has also taken her accountancy qualifications. Sally is an avid (passionate?) follower of the Levellers and Ferocious Dog, regularly going to music festivals and gigs, usually with her daughter in tow. She is a long time dog lover with two Golden Retrievers and was secretary of the local dog training club for many years (so her dogs are obviously very well trained!). When she's not walking her dogs she likes to spend time in the garden. To contact Sally email her at [email protected] or telephone 01629 592972.
Sandie Abberley - Wheels to Work Project Manager Sandie Abberley - Project Manager Wheels to Work Expand Sandie joined RAD in March 2004 to set up the Wheels to Work scheme in Derbyshire. Much of Sandie's time over the years has been spent securing funding to keep this fantastic project going. Thanks to her hard work the project has gone from strength to strength and due to its continued success is now on a much more secure (although not permanent) footing. Sandie leads of team of 4 other Wheels to Work staff providing mopeds for people throughout Derbyshire and also into parts of County Durham. She says, "I was drawn to the job setting up Wheels to Work as I know from experience how difficult it is for young people to get around independently in rural areas. I spent a good many years as a free taxi service for my 3 sons!" When not working Sandie likes being outdoors gardening and walking. Indoors she enjoys sewing, decorating, reading and listening to music. She's an avid footy fan supporting Derby County AND Burton Albion, going to games when she gets the chance or watching them on the telly. Her 3 sons are all grown up now, but she enjoys spending time with her young grandson. To contact Sandie email [email protected] or call 01629 592975 or 07447 664872.
Susan Matthews - Wheels to Work Durham Susan Matthews - Project Assistant Wheels to Work County Durham Expand Susan joined RAD in October 2016 and works with Gina to deliver the County Durham Wheels to Work project. Although Susan is employed by RAD, she is based in Chester-le-Street in County Durham. Before joining RAD she worked for her family firm from 2000 and has two grown up boys. She enjoys eating out, running, keeping fit and going to the gym and has recently started to take part in half marathons including the Northumberland Coastal Half Marathon. To contact Susan email [email protected] or phone 0191 3897 153 or 07472 665554.