What do you enjoy the most about your role at Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance?

The absolute best part for me is hearing people’s volunteering stories, especially at the Gloucestershire Volunteer Awards, where you hear so many amazing and inspiring stories about the difference people are making. It’s always a reminder of the positive impact volunteering has on Gloucestershire, and I would be lying if I said it doesn’t get me a bit emotional.

What would you like to achieve in 2026?

For 2026 I’d like to help organisations make their volunteering roles as accessible and welcoming as possible, so more people feel able and confident to get involved in volunteering. Everyone should have a right to volunteer and make a difference in their local community.

How did you get to where you are now?

Volunteering has been a defining part of my life. I started volunteering when I was 13 and honestly never imagined where it would take me. Through volunteering, I’ve had some incredible experiences, meeting and interviewing MPs, chairing an action group and receiving the High Sheriff’s Award for voluntary contribution. More than anything, I’ve made amazing friendships along the way. Volunteering really does open doors and takes you to places you’d never expect.

It led me to work for a university volunteer programme, encouraging students to get involved in volunteering, before moving into the charity sector supporting people with a learning disability to volunteer.

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?

My kids have recently got into Geocaching, so we do spend some of our time randomly in the middle of Gloucestershire fields looking as if we are lost. As the main finder of school shoes, water bottles and coats in our house, these honed skills are finally getting some appreciation.

My youngest son is really keen on History and loves Charlie Cooper so we are hopeful that he will be at the Cirencester History Festival this year. We are also excited about the new Tewkesbury History Festival.

My favourite thing to do is go and see comedy with my friends. Gloucestershire gets so many great comedians but I would absolutely love it if I could see Bridget Christie in her home city one day!