Meet the Team
Our people • Chief Executive • Volunteers • Staff • Trustees
Charlene Maines
I have over 10 years’ experience of long-term unemployment and understand the impact barriers and adversity can contribute to isolation and how this can affect a person’s chance of success. I left school with no formal qualifications and have worked in a range of industries including retail, charity sector, hospitality, childcare, before deciding to start my own charity.
Lisa Baldock MBE
Lisa has a congenital hearing loss which worsened due to a nasty virus 7 years ago. She was fortunate enough to acquire bilateral cochlear implants helping her to overcome her hurdles.
Currently a Diversity & Inclusion Consultant in HR for the Department of Work & Pensions, she brings 18 years of experience in transforming the thinking of HR leaders across the UK. Her congential hearing loss has not prevented her from achieving to her full potential, her determination, resilence and willingness has enabled her to be a key influencer supporting the business by understanding everyday barriers and developing breakthrough pathways. An approach which enable others to be the best they can be.
Rodger Seaman
I was born in Wiltshire and educated to A Level. Not wishing to remain in full time education and thirsty to commence my working life, I joined NAAFI in 1980 at their Amesbury distribution warehouse. With a developing interest in food retailing, I transferred onto their Junior Shop Management training scheme, managing my 1st retail store in mid 1982, after a tour of duty in the Falkland Islands with their TA subsidiary –EFI. I subsequently served a further 9 years completing my tenure at NAAFI as a District Manager ((Bulford Garrison). With a desire to develop a sales led career, I joined RHM’s Rombouts Coffee business as a territory sales rep. After 4 happy & formative years I expanded my Account management experience with numerous sales roles culminating in the Sales Director role at Ilchester Cheese Company in 2004. After suffering executive burnout, being diagnosed with Bipolar 2 and negotiating a generous settlement, I decided to re-train as a corporate and executive coach and went freelance in 2006. My ambition was to help others lead successful business lives, whilst protecting their mental health and preserving their personal relationships, utilising my own life experience and recently acquired coaching skills.
Adrian Samuel
For over 30 years in the legal profession I have assisted individuals achieve justice, redress inequality, and give a voice to their arguments. Practicality and integrity are my watchwords and these attributes can benefit the aims of this charity.