Rachel has extensive leadership experience across operational, strategic and commissioning roles in the NHS. She is currently Director of Strategy and Partnerships at NHS Kent and Medway. Rachel is passionate about developing strong links between NHS and voluntary sector organisations to better support the communities we serve.

Andy is a senior manager in the national elective care programme at NHS England, having previously worked in operational, commissioning and transformation roles across NHS hospitals, commissioning groups and in Local Government. Andy has experience as an elected councillor and is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Health Services Studies at the University of Kent.

Following a career in the Food industry, most recently as a Director for Nestle UK, Deirdre is now a trustee with the UK exam body, AQA. She is also a volunteer with The Princes Trust advising young people in start up businesses and helping young people start careers in Social Care.

John has had a career of two halves, firstly service provision and strategic planning in the public sector, namely local government and industrial training; secondly in the voluntary sector as Director of Finance in two social research Institutes then latterly as Chief Executive for Kent Wildlife Trust, a self-funding membership Charity with over 30,000 members and supported by over 1,000 active volunteers who contribute to the work of the Trust in many ways. John is a Chartered Secretary.(FCIS).

Jonathan is a solicitor, now retired after more than 35 years in a City law firm, specialising in advising on employment, pensions and employee incentives matters. He is also chair of governors at a local secondary school and a member of the Committee of the Kent Cricket League.

Shelley is a values-driven leader with extensive experience in social housing and the charitable sector. As Head of Strategic Partnership and Projects at Clarion Futures, she drives cross-sector collaboration to improve opportunities for disadvantaged communities. With a strong background in grant-making and social impact, Shelley has delivered inclusive programmes that create measurable change. She also contributes her leadership as Trustee of Involve Kent and Vice Chair of Repton Community Trust, strengthening community-focused organisations.

Vandana is a Chartered Fellow CIPD and senior HR leader with extensive experience in global healthcare organisations. She has led large, complex workforces, supported major healthcare transformations, and strengthened culture, engagement and inclusion. She is passionate about using her strategic people expertise to support patient-focused services, communities and purpose-led organisations.

Richard is a seasoned technology professional with over 27-years’ experience in both IT and Cyber Security. He has experience of managing major digital transformation initiatives across many industries such as Finance, Insurance, Legal, Music and TV. Richard is considered a regular on the cyber security event circuit having given talks on behalf of the British Computing Society and at numerous private seminars. He works across several domains including Governance, Risk and Compliance, Cyber Incident Response and Security Operations Management. Richard is currently a director of a cyber security services company.

Gary is an experienced and values-driven leader with over 25 years’ experience in the voluntary sector, both in the UK and internationally. His career has spanned community development, poverty alleviation, disability rights, health promotion, and financial inclusion, with a strong focus on creating opportunities for people and communities to thrive. Since joining Involve Kent in 2018, Gary has been committed to enabling community-led change, building effective partnerships, and ensuring local voices are at the heart of decision-making. Passionate about tackling inequality and demonstrating impact, he works to influence systems and secure resources that better reflect community needs and strengths. His leadership is centred on empowering people, fostering collaboration, and creating lasting positive change.

Emma is a strategic development leader with more than 20 years’ experience in organisational growth, sustainable income and cross-sector partnerships. As Director of Development, she leads Involve’s approach to grants, tenders, commissioned services, fundraising and strategic partnerships, translating community need, evidence and policy into viable services and investment propositions. Across her career, Emma has secured multi-million-pound income, established new income streams, earned the Third Sector’s ‘Breakthrough Charity of the Year’ award, and led high-performing teams across several charities. Her background in psychology, secondary education and professional fundraising informs an evidence-led, people-centred and commercially aware approach to leadership, sustainable growth and impact.

Having lived and worked with young people and adults with disabilities for over 25 years Katy joined Involve Carers service in 2013 with a passion to raise the profile of lived experience and assert the value of peer support. Being an expert by experience drives her leadership and ambition for the growth of Involve’s Children’s Services.

Jen brings 40 years of experience supporting people, developing services, and helping communities thrive. Her diverse career spans the Forensic Science Service, a global Japanese organisation, a Lecturer in Leadership and Management, and leading a team supporting entrepreneurship and business growth. Since 2018, Jen has focused on supporting unpaid Carers through service development, project leadership, and partnership working. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal caring experience, she understands the impact that the right information and support can have. As Head of Carers at Involve, Jen champions a people-first approach, ensuring Carers are recognised, valued, and connected to meaningful support.

Clara joined Involve in 2024 and leads the organisation’s engagement, participation and partnerships work. She is passionate about working alongside people with lived experience to ensure their voices genuinely influence services, systems and decision‑making. Drawing on her experience working alongside diverse communities, including those affected by serious tragedy, Clara is committed to co‑production, strong partnerships and insight‑led practice. She also works to connect and strengthen VCSE organisations, championing the vital role they play in helping communities thrive.

Donna started volunteering with Involve in 2015 before joining the Carers service. She has extensive experience working in hospitality, accounting, and teaching English abroad in multinational corporations – bringing her perspective from the corporate world. Ensuring services for our clients remain of a high standard and demonstrate outcomes and impact is a key focus for Donna.

Having worked in the sector for over a decade, Lizzie has extensive experience of supporting VCSE organisations and delivering wellbeing services. With a MA in Methods of Social Research, and currently studying for a PhD in Applied Health Research, she has a passion for evaluation and evidence-based approaches. As Head of Research and Social Policy Insight, Lizzie ensures that Involve works in a way that is informed by current social policy and research and that the organisation remains an influential voice in Health and Social Care, providing valuable insight into current challenges, innovation and more.

Jo has returned to Involve Kent as Head of Financial Transformation, having previously spent four years with the organisation. With a strong understanding of its impact and a passion for its mission, Jo is proud to be part of a team delivering meaningful change. In this role, Jo focuses on improving financial processes, driving efficiency, and ensuring resources are used effectively to maximise impact. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, Jo supports sustainable growth and helps build a financially resilient organisation that can continue delivering essential services to local communities for years to come.

Jamie leads Involve Kent’s digital infrastructure, technology strategy and information security, ensuring colleagues, volunteers and services have the systems they need to make a meaningful impact across Kent. With extensive experience in IT leadership, Microsoft 365, cyber security and digital transformation, he is passionate about using technology to improve efficiency, strengthen resilience and enhance the experience of both staff and the communities Involve supports. His focus is on ensuring technology remains an enabler rather than a barrier, creating a secure, resilient and future-ready digital environment that helps colleagues work effectively while enabling Involve Kent to continue supporting people and communities across the county.