Rural Action Derby is thrilled to welcome four new members to the team in spring 2023, joining our amazing projects that are each dedicated to improving the lives of people living in rural areas.

Rural Community Development Officer Rona brings her qualifications in business and finance Management to RAD and is keen to utilise her community and developmental skills. She has 20 years of experience of working in a variety of sectors, including the Voluntary Sector in Derbyshire.

A keen walker and lover of live music festivals, Rona lives in the High Peak with her husband and aptly named dog, Bouncer, and takes every opportunity to escape in their camper van and discover new places.

Joining Charlotte and Joanne as Project Coordinator for Digital Support Derbyshire, Sam grew up by the sea in Yorkshire, and has moved around the world from London to Scotland and even Kibbutz, Israel.

She has worked for commercial and public sectors, as well as voluntary organisations, such Age UK and Mind and coordinating the Connex befriending service.

Now settled in Derbyshire she lives with husband and 3 rescue cats, Simon, Lottie and Daisy, and enjoys walking in the countryside, yoga, Pilates and a spot of gardening. 

RAD’s new Digital Marketing Assistant, Nick is a writer and photographer who has a great passion for film and cinema, and also likes to be active; walking, climbing and swimming when time allows.

Nick is a keen cyclist and enjoys all forms including gravel, long-distance and mountain-biking, as well as being passionate about supporting diversity and inclusivity in the cycling community. 

Lisa joins RAD as project co-ordinator for Feeding Derbyshire, and has been a teaching assistant across Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Throughout her career she has worked to support her community in various different ways, such as campaigning to save the school crossing patrols by collecting over a petition of over 10,000 signatures.

Lisa is only to aware of the challenges faced by the local communities that have been exacerbated due to the pandemic and the current cost of living crisis.  She believes that only by continuing to work together we can make a difference to the many.

Our new team members bring their own skill, experience and voice to the charity, and we’re excited to see how our additions will further the award winning work of Rural Action Derby.

If you’d like to read a little more about them, visit our Meet the Team page.