Meet the Team
Andy Speed, Chair of Board
Andy has a very strong alignment with CVS's values, aspiring to make a difference, particularly with smaller and more underrepresented organisations that are doing great work and need all the help and support they can get to continue making a real impact on their communities. Andy has a penchant and track record for capacity building (in organisations and people), plus a natural tendency to advocate, champion, and empower the underdogs and those who normally get the rough end of the stick or find things harder.
Aoife Middlemass, Deputy CEO Sector Development
I’m passionate about helping voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations thrive. With expertise in governance, strategy, training, and volunteer management, I provide tailored tools and guidance to help members make a lasting impact. Outside of work, I’m an avid hockey player.
Cate Green , Board Member
Having worked for charities Volunteering Matters, L'Arche UK, and One Million Mentors, Cate has witnessed first-hand the transformative power of community organisations. CVS Cheshire East's commitment to supporting local communities is something she also has a real passion for, and has been working for almost three years on a national initiative that platforms young people who are taking part in social action in their local area. As someone passionate about creating positive change, and as a resident and a mother who would like to see said change in their community, Cate is eager to take on this role and play some part in CVS Cheshire East fulfilling its mission.
Corinna Parry, Sector Development Officer Mental Health Alliances
With over 15 years’ experience leading complex projects and commercial teams within higher education and the voluntary and community sector, I bring a strategic approach to developing mental health alliances and community wellbeing initiatives. I’m passionate about creating impactful partnerships and driving positive change, underpinned by my ongoing volunteering and training with organisations like the DPJ Foundation, supporting mental health in the agricultural community. I am also a qualified Lowland Leader and currently run Wellness Walks as part of my commitment to promoting mental and physical wellbeing in the community. Outside work, I’m known to dive headfirst into wild swimming adventures, explore the great outdoors on foot, and cherish quality time with my partner, family, and friends.
Dan Carroll, Communications Officer
I specialise in communications and volunteer management, creating strategies that connect and support our goals. I’ve led volunteer projects and built partnerships to secure placements. I also enjoy developing our use of social media and digital tools for outreach and research. Outside of work, I’m usually gaming or making my way through a good book.
Dr. Ijeoma Mba (IJ), Board Member
IJ is the founder of Nenetlc Women Community Support Group and has dedicated her career to advocating for the mental health and well-being of ethnic minority women and girls. She is a therapist, a Research Degree holder, and a Mental Health Coach with extensive experience supporting women with complex mental health needs, addiction, and homelessness, including those affected by domestic abuse or trauma. IJ is passionate about addressing gaps in emotional, physical, and mental health support for women and girls in the local community, ensuring their voices are heard, valued, and confidence built. Committed to helping Crewe and Cheshire thrive, she contributes to the community’s well-being by ensuring women receive the support they need. IJ is enthusiastic about joining the CVS board and adding her skills to the wide range of services they offer in Cheshire East.
Estelle Worthington, Sector Development Officer
I’ve spent over 15 years in the voluntary and community sector, from refugee and asylum advocacy to climate justice campaigning. My work focuses on empowering communities, influencing decision-makers, and supporting BAME groups through organisational development. Beyond work, I enjoy gardening, walking in the Peak District with my family, and stone sculpting in my Bollington workshop.
Graham Brown, Sector Development Officer Cheshire East Food Alliance Project Lead
I’m a marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience across sectors including economic development, government, healthcare, and higher education. After leaving JISC in 2022, I ran the surplus food grocery at Cre8 in Macclesfield, increasing membership, grocery sessions, and funding. My work in the community also includes volunteering with the Hope Centre and food co-operative Scoop and Scales. Outside of work, I’m a regular DJ in Macclesfield, hunting down global beats in charity shops.
Helen Roger, Training Development Officer
I have extensive experience in managing training and events, with a passion for helping teams develop their skills and confidence. I work closely with VCFSE organisations to understand their needs and equip them to achieve their goals. With a background in medical communications, I’m particularly interested in how social issues affect health and wellbeing. Outside of work, I enjoy painting, trying new recipes, and spending time with friends and family.
Kate Little, CEO
I have 15 years’ experience leading membership-focused charities in higher education and students’ unions. I’m passionate about the transformative power of charitable organisations for individuals and communities. My work includes strategic planning, service evaluation, securing funding, and shaping local and national policy. Outside of work, I enjoy rock concerts, reading science fiction, and spending time with my cats.
Laura Shambrook, Operations Support Co-Ordinator
I’m a highly organised and methodical administrator with a wide knowledge of the local community from my years working in public and academic libraries. I have a strong interest in autism and disability rights, particularly accessibility and inclusivity, informed by my own lived experience. Outside of work, I’m a keen crafter and former textile designer, and I’m passionate about animal welfare, caring for a rescue pony and dog, and volunteering with a local equine community interest company.
Lucy Coates, Sector Development Officer (Projects & Innovation) and Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance Social Action Lead
I bring extensive experience from project management and mentoring roles in business, education, and the voluntary sector. I’m passionate about building strong relationships to collaborate effectively and deliver positive outcomes. Outside of work, I enjoy cycling, skiing, and hill walking with my Jack Russell. I’m planning to invest in an e-bike so I can explore further afield across Europe.
Mark Hills, Board Member
Mark has over 23 years’ experience working for YMCAs and the third sector across the country. His passion is seeing people’s lives transformed. Mark has been a trustee for several third sector organisations during his career. Mark is currently Chief Executive Officer for YMCA Crewe. Mark wishes to support the great work of CVS by being a trustee.
Nicola Turner, Project Administrator
My background is in education, specialising in Early Years, where I worked as deputy head of a maintained nursery school and children’s centre. As a Specialist Leader in Education in London, I taught, supported families and children with complex needs, and helped other settings develop their provision. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, getting outdoors, and practising yoga.
Peter Buckingham, Board Member
I am currently the chair of Survive a micro charity based on Nantwich Road Crewe. My hobbies are Running, Swimming Dancing and Gardening. I have been married for 43 years this November and we have two children and five grandchildren.
Peter Davis, Deputy CEO Insight and Impact
I’ve worked across a wide range of fields, spending seven years in Asia delivering education abroad programmes in roles from operations to marketing and sales. Since returning to the UK in 2014, I’ve focused on helping students realise their career potential, running my own award-winning careers company. A journalism graduate, I’ve worked with outlets including the BBC, Sky News, and FourFourTwo, and I’m a trustee for Corpal Charity, supporting youth-focused organisations with their employability strategies.
Robert Pooley, Board Member
Rob joined the CVSCE board in 2024 and is a qualified chartered accountant. He has a combination of 8 years experience working in practice and industry, currently working as a Business Unit Reporting Controller at the NatWest Group. Rob's strong financial and governance background helps support and monitor the financial performance of the charity.
Rob's values align with that of the charity's and he has an innate desire to help support local community groups and being an active member of the community.
Sandra Griffiths, ECT Volunteer Project Lead (Macclesfield Hospital Team)
I bring over 27 years’ experience from Manchester Airport, where I managed a 24/7 production and distribution business and later became Regional General Manager overseeing five business units. At CVS, I use my transferable skills to support the community in meaningful ways. Outside of work, I volunteer for East Cheshire Hospice, care for my two rescue greyhounds, and enjoy travelling the world.
