Our Board
Jamie Kew–Robson, Head of Assurance UKGI Risk & Governance, Aviva (Chair)
Jamie has spent most of his career in Audit and Risk roles within Financial Services and is currently the Head of Assurance at Aviva, the UK’s leading Insurance, Savings, Retirement, and Investments business.
‘I joined the Board in July 2023 and think York Cares is a fabulous charity with volunteering at its heart, bringing people and businesses together through a variety of employee-volunteering programmes, to make York an even better place to live and work. I’m married with two kids and also care for my mum who has Alzheimer’s Disease. In my spare time I love a bit of DIY and I coach at York Rugby Club.’
Louise Soulsby, UK Communications Lead, Media Relations, Aviva
‘Louise is responsible for the UK media team at Aviva, the UK’s leading Savings, Retirement, Investment and Insurance business, supporting Aviva’s strategy and purpose through communications.
‘I joined the Board in April 2021 as Chair and feel privileged to be involved with such an amazing charity that brings employers, employees and businesses together to make a difference in the city.
Some of my hobbies include reading, running, entertaining friends and family, gardening and walking my Cockapoo.’
James Clarke, Head of Strategy Delivery, Portakabin
James has been at Portakabin for 15 years, working in a wide variety of roles, overseeing business development, a number of commercial roles, as well as supporting enterprise level delivery of strategy across the business in his current role.
‘I am very pleased to be a member of the York Cares Board of Directors and believe that the work they do makes a huge difference in the community. It is also highly beneficial for those who volunteer and see the positive effect their time can have personally and on the team and environment around them.
I am married with three children and live in York. I play a full role in my local community, coaching and helping run football and basketball clubs for children and adults.’
Sue Draper, Head of IT, Nestle UK Ltd
Sue is Head of IT & Business Services at Nestlé UK & Ireland. She has worked in York for over 30 years, initially for Rowntree and then for Nestlé.
‘I have very much enjoyed representing Nestlé as a member of York Cares Board in recent years. Employee volunteering contributes to the local community, to employee wellbeing, and to team building. Membership of York Cares brings many and varied opportunities to make a positive impact in each of these areas.
I am married with two adult children, and feel fortunate to live and work in York. In my spare time I enjoy catching up with friends and family and getting outdoors with our two Labradors.’
Andrew Ferguson, Head of Student Opportunity, Careers and Placements, University of York
Andrew has over 25 years’ experience of developing and implementing initiatives around employability and enterprise. In his role as Head of Student Opportunity, he has particular responsibility for providing students from across all academic disciplines with access to work related experience; including: internships, voluntary roles, access to major employers and entrepreneurial opportunities.
‘Many of the amazing projects run through York Cares have been able to make the most of the skills and enthusiasm of the University of York’s students. Working alongside experienced, professional volunteers from the wider Cares membership has often been a highlight for students. As a Board member I am always conscious of the benefits that Cares allows students to bring to the wider community.
I am the longest serving member of the York Cares Board with over ten years in the role. It is a testament to the great variety and impact of the work that Cares does that the appeal of being on the Board and working with such committed colleagues has never waned for me.’
Marc Fleetham, Director of Business Development and Knowledge Exchange, York St John University
Marc is Director of Business Development and Knowledge Exchange at York St John University, working across the region seeking to address skills and innovation gaps, raising the level of engagement and improving employability opportunities for individuals and the communities which the university serves.
‘I am an active Board member of York Cares and sit on the Yorkshire Universities Industrial Strategy Group – a regional HE and FE group set up to provide a co-ordinated collective viewpoint to inform policy makers, feed into Local Industrial Strategies and share best practice from across the region.
I am a big family man and very passionate about the widening participation agenda within Higher Education. As the first member of my family to attend University I have direct and relevant experience of the benefits a higher education can make to your life and the benefits higher skills bring into businesses.’
Joss Ivory, Chief Operating Officer, University of York
Joss joined the University in September 2017 to lead the HR team, with responsibility for HR Operations, HR Services, strategic HR projects, recruitment, pay, reward and recognition, pensions, employment policies, employee relations, learning and development, and occupational health. Prior to that Joss was Deputy Chief Officer HR for Leeds City Council, and Head of HR for Education Leeds. Prior to joining the public sector, Joss undertook a range of consultancy and senior HR management roles, primarily in the Finance and IT sectors.
Before moving into HR management, JossI did a PhD at the University of Cambridge, and also had a publication from my undergraduate dissertation. I am also an alumnus from York – Joss was in Alcuin College and an undergraduate in the Psychology department.
Joss lives in Leeds, with two teenage children.’
Joe Micheli, Head of Communities, City of York Council
Joe is the Head of Communities at City of York Council, where he leads the Communities and Prevention Service and the authority’s approach to becoming an asset-based area. With a 30 year career in community development, spanning both voluntary and public sectors, he is passionate about the power of people, relationships and community.
‘I joined the York Cares Board in 2017 and often refer to it as the jewel in York’s crown, an amazing asset that focuses on connecting people, businesses and community through volunteering and social action.
Some of my hobbies include football, rock music, gigs and, of course, family.’
Naomi Thompson, Head of OD, Benenden Health
Naomi is the Head of Organisational Development at Benenden Health, a qualified OD specialist with an Executive MBA and many years of experience of building and leading high performing teams, people strategies and large transformational change.
‘I highly advocate volunteering to support employee wellbeing as well as personal and team development so we build it into our OD plan. Our colleagues have had some fantastic experiences with volunteering through York Cares and love sharing their stories, it gives them such a sense of pride.
I am a wife and mum of two and in my spare time, I love family time, city breaks, yoga, and walking my dog Baxter.
I am very proud to play a role in York Cares.’
Laurence Beckett, Independent board member
Laurence has 30+ years of experience of working in HR, primarily at Aviva. He has a passion for Diversity & Inclusion and has been at the forefront of issues such LGBTQ+, Menopause awareness and many others and is our first ‘independent’ board member.
‘I am delighted to rekindle my relationship with York Cares having first worked with them c. 10 years ago as part of my role with Aviva. Working strategically with the City Council and matching local needs with good employers who recognise the benefits of employee volunteering, York Cares makes a significant difference to our City. I am very proud to be involved with York Cares’.
Laurence has lived in York City Centre for nearly 20 years, is married to Annette (who is on the board of Refugee Action York – one of our fellow charities) and has 3 grown up children. Laurence can often be found spoiling a good walk on the golf course.
