our staff
0118 9023 927
Richard's role is to provide vision and leadership so that RVA can build the capacity of the local VCS and strengthen its voice; to promote the role and value of the sector to the public and to key agencies and partnerships which influence the life of the local community; to support the Board of Trustees in carrying out its governance responsibilities and ensure the organisation has the resources necessary to carry out these functions.
0118 958 4849
Merlyn fulfils a range of aspects of RVA's role as host for the Reading LINk.
0118 9023 923
Hazel oversees the staff and workplan of the RVA volunteering recruitment and support service, which promotes volunteering in the Reading area. Her broader role includes leading RVA's marketing, IT and communications work. She is currently managing the RVA Transformation Project to enhance access to RVA's services via our town centre and online facilities, leading on the development of the recently launched www.rgneeds.me volunteering portal.
0118 9023 910
Steve is working with us on RVA's current project to transform the way we engage with the public at our offices in central Reading and via our growing range of online services. His work involves working with volunteers to expand our service to the public, updating news and information on our websites, and helping with practical tasks that improve the customer experience and working environment of our building.
Tom is employed by RVA on behalf of Reading Faith Forum as their Development Worker (part-time) within the Building for Strength Project, funded by The BIG Lottery.
0118 958 4849
To carry out day to day office administration duties in support of the activities of the LINk team and Stronger Together Team. To lend secretarial support to monthly LINk Board meetings, place stationery orders and maintain the stock, update information on the RVA database.
0118 9584849
Anne supports the voluntary sector's role in the planning and delivery of health and social services in the Reading area. Partnership is the key word because the modern agenda requires statutory and voluntary agencies to work together rather than going their separate ways. Managing the Stronger Together Programme, working in close liaison with four fora including The Forum (Reading Voluntary Sector Forum), is central to this work.
0118 9023928
Michele is responsible for the development of meaningful voluntary opportunities and recruitment advertisements on the RVA online database. She is available to talk with organisations about their volunteering requirements and provides expertise on good practice in working with volunteers. Michele provides support on the topic of volunteering for the team of voluntary advisers who work at RVA.
0118 958 4849
Sheena fulfils a range of aspects of RVA's role as the host for the Reading LINk.
0118 9023920
Jim manages the administration of Reading Voluntary Action. In this role he ensures that RVA's financial reporting systems, payments and accounts are maintained. He also ensures all governance aspects of the organisation are kept up to date as Company Secretary.
0118 9023 925
Mandeep is responsible for managing the LINk project and leading the transition to HealthWatch which takes place in April 2012. Her broader role is to promote the involvement of the people of Reading in how their services are delivered.
0118 9023926
Rachel advises voluntary and community groups on legal and technical issues e.g. employment law, health and safety, data protection, charity law, etc. She also organises affordable local training on these issues.
0118 9023924
Nakhat provides funding advice to Reading's voluntary and community groups: one-to-one funding advice; help with identifying appropriate funding sources; project, budget and strategy planning; group advice sessions and training.
our trustees
Annette Chairs RVA Board meetings and manages the Director on behalf of the Board. Taking overall responsibility for RVA's strategy and monitoring of delivery. Previously Annette managed the Information Services Directorate at Reading University. She has been chair, trustee and board member of several education, health and IT-related organisations and is currently a trustee-volunteer for AACT, a charity supporting people with communications disabilities.
Tayo is a Prince2 registered Project Manager, experienced in project management, change management and business process management, both in IT and business environments. She is passionate about volunteering and serving the community and hopes to bring to bear on her work with RVA her interest in evolving technologies.
Peter is part of the Neighbourhoods and Communities team for a national Housing Association, specialising in Community Development. A firm believer in the core notion of community development, he is also passionate about volunteering and hopes his enthusiasm will be an asset to RVA and its aims to support Reading's voluntary sector.
On retirement from a career in local education Norma joined the team at what was then the newly opened Volunteer Bureau. She was elected to the Board when the Volunteer Centre became part of Reading Voluntary Action.
Kate brings to RVA's Board of Trustees a broad variety of HR experience in a range of organisational settings and sizes in both the public and private sector.
Robert has worked as a solicitor in the charity field for many years and has worked with a number of local organisations in the charity and wider social enterprise field. Robert has also been personally involved in charities as a charity trustee, through his church and in mentoring for Arts & Business.
Gloria is a Registered General Nurse and has worked at The Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust for over 35 years. Over many years she has served the community in various capacities (eg OSCAR, RCRE, COHSE) and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring to the board of RVA.
Katherine is a qualified chartered accountant. By profession she is a corporate tax advisor working for a global professional services firm. Her interests outside of work include cycling, theatre, music and reading.
Karen is an experienced leader, manager, chair, facilitator, consultant and trainer, with a background in charity management and development.
Nick brings a wealth of experience from the world of business having specialised in marketing, communications and branding. He also has a broad range of interests ranging from rugby to gardening.
