Our People
Age UK Kent Rivers is an independent, local charity with its own set of strategic objectives, designed to support older people and adults with learning disabilities in Medway, North West Kent, Faversham and Sittingbourne to Achieve Life's Fullness.
We could not fulfil our role without our dedicated leadership teams, including our Board of Trustees, Directors and Senior Management Team.
Meet the Team!
Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees, who are all based in Kent, have ultimate responsibility for the charity - ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and delivering the charitable outcomes to meet the needs of our local communities, in line with our strategic objectives.
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Dr. Gill Fargher - Chair of Trustees  |
My background Previously, I was a GP Partner in a Rochester practice for 32 years, retiring in 2019. I have held a number of other roles in addition to working as a GP including in palliative care, HIV medicine, reproductive health, safeguarding, working as a police surgeon and for the last 10 years of my career worked in health commissioning at board level. A bit about me I really enjoy music, opera, all forms of dance, especially classical ballet as an observer and salsa and Zumba as a participant. I enjoy cooking and sugarcraft in particular. I am a very keen traveller and have visited almost 100 countries. I hope to visit Antarctica very soon in a trip commemorating Sir Ernest Shackleton's last expedition "The Quest". Why I joined the Age UK Kent Rivers Board It is an honour and a privilege to use my skills, expertise and experience in supporting Age UK Kent Rivers. We aim to enable and care for our clients in leading fulfilling, valued and valuable lives and also in supporting the wonderful staff who do all they can to achieve this. |
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Susan Robinson - Treasurer / Trustee  |
I am a Partner at Kreston Reeves Chartered Accountants and Head of the Charity and Not For Profit Sector. A bit about me I enjoy travelling, although currently planning to visit more of the UK. I love to read and during the pandemic I reignited my passion for jigsaw puzzles. Why I joined the Age UK Kent Rivers Board I wanted to actively help a local charity and following a conversation with a trustee, got involved in what was then Age Concern Medway. I took a lead in merging with another Age Concern and Age UK Medway (now Age UK Kent Rivers) was born. The journey has been exciting, challenging and rewarding, and being a trustee is an honour and a privilege. I have had many roles including Chair and Treasurer, but I see my main role as helping the charity navigate troubled waters, providing an excellent service to those that need our help and supporting an incredible team of people delivering our services. |
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Julia Burton-Jones - Vice Chair  |
I have worked in writing, development and adult learning in the fields of Ageing and Dementia since graduating in Social Policy in 1987. I hold a Masters in Adult and Continuing Education and have developed and delivered training programmes for health and care workers on behalf of several national charities, before moving to my current role with the Church of England in Kent, developing spiritual care for older people through Anna Chaplaincy. I am passionate about giving a voice to older people and their carers. A bit about me I am married to the Bishop of Tonbridge and have two adult children. Through my husband's role I have lived in several parts of Kent and South East London and have enjoyed getting to know the distinctive characteristics of these communities. My roots are in the North of England, and I enjoy visiting family in Yorkshire and Lancashire. Why I joined the Age UK Kent Rivers Board I joined the board to contribute to the wellbeing of older people in our local communities, and bring my church links and dementia expertise to the organisation. Being on the board of Age UK Kent Rivers is a privilege. I am constantly amazed by the skill and commitment of our staff team, particularly through the Covid pandemic which saw them working tirelessly to ensure our older people were not forgotten. |
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Ann West MBE JP DL - Trustee  |
I am a retired Deputy Head Teacher and carry out many active roles in the community: Overseas Project Co-ordinator, Bench Chair in charge of 300 Magistrates, Non-active Kent Deputy Lieutenant (age-related), Kent Ambassador, Chatham Historic Dockyard Ambassador, Chair of Rochester Grammar School Alumni, Trustee of Rochester Grammar School, Trustee of WALT, and Trustee of THE NET. A bit about me I organise Walking Netball, enjoy walking with local groups and motorhoming. Why I joined the Age UK Kent Rivers Board I was originally asked to join the board to Chair the new committee of merged Medway Age Concerns that became Age UK Medway, and carried out this role to the full terms. I now hold a role as Trustee, supporting the charity's transition to Age UK Kent Rivers, and try to open doors and use my network of contacts for the benefit of the organisation. |
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Alan Bates OBE - Trustee  |
My work was in the construction sector as a Surveyor and Contracts Manager, then working as a Lecturer in the School of the Built Environment, and Construction Crafts in a further education college, ending up as Head of School. On retirement at 55, with a friend I formed a company in signage, graphics and exhibitions where I worked as a Business Partner until retirement at 70 years of age. A bit about me In addition to my day jobs, I was an unarmed member of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service for twenty years and was Staff Port Naval Auxiliary Officer for Thames and Medway which had six units within the geographical area and trained men and women in Seamanship, Marine Engineering, Communications and Operations. Why I joined the Age UK Kent Rivers Board I was asked by the Chair of Age UK Medway (now Age UK Kent Rivers) if I would consider becoming a Trustee, to which I agreed, and I have had a very enjoyable time, being Chair of the Board of Trustees for six years and still remaining as a Trustee. |
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Donna Terry - Trustee  |
I've worked in the social care sector for 15 years; focusing on digital transformation and operational improvement in the home care and extra care services sector. A bit about me I love the outdoors; running and walking our dog in the countryside. I enjoy cooking (and eating good food). I love trying new things, but also enjoy a relaxing day at home. Why I joined the Age UK Kent Rivers Board I really want to give something back to my local community. Having worked in the social care sector for a long time, I understand the challenges that people face and want to offer my support in helping people enjoy their days as much as possible. |
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Paul Andrews - Trustee 
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I am an Entrepreneur with much experience in IT, Radio Production and Digital Media. A bit about me I'm an avid reader and once owned and managed a motor racing team. Why I joined the Age UK Kent Rivers Board Being a carer for my aging mum, I know how much help, support and companionship our seniors deserve. I believe Age UK Kent Rivers does a superb job of doing this and I wanted to help by becoming a Trustee - I'm also part of the Remuneration Committee. |
As Chair, I aim to contribute what I can to this innovative organisation - where striving for and delivering excellent services, whilst valuing all personnel, makes it very special indeed.
Directors
Our Directing team each bring a set of unique expertise and skills to the charity, which together means they have responsibility for the day-to-day running and management of the organisation, using their versatile skillsets and experience to contribute to the charitable objectives and continue the growth and success of our service provisions.
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John Norley - Group Chief Executive Officer  |
I have been a charity CEO for over 14 years, 12 of which I have served Age UK Kent Rivers (formerly Age UK Medway) as Group Chief Executive. I have a rich background in service provision for vulnerable groups, working in this area since 1998. People describe my management style as open and engaging, and I am well known for my innovative approach to solutions in a complex and ever-changing environment. A bit about me I am an avid airsoft enthusiast, climber and kayaker (in better weather) in the little spare time I get away from raising my young family. My role at Age UK Kent Rivers As CEO I am ultimately responsible for everything and everyone in our organisation, which might sound daunting, but honestly, I have never had a more enjoyable role. The team I lead is hardworking and dedicated, and completely committed to our beneficiaries. We achieve nothing alone, but everything together. What drives me the most is the potential, everyday, to make lasting change in older people's lives through our work. |
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Claire Ives - Chief Operations Officer  |
My background I have worked in the Adult Health and Social Care sector for most of my life, starting out as a community carer when I was 18. Even when I have stepped away, I have always been drawn back to the reward that comes from supporting people live their lives. I joined Age UK Faversham and Sittingbourne in 2017 as their Dementia Services Supervisor and that's where the roller coaster began! I was lucky enough, as their Head of Client Services, to join Age UK Medway as part of our merger in 2023. Appointed as Operations Director for Faversham and Sittingbourne, the exciting journey of amalgamating our organisations continued. I was so excited to be appointed Chief Operating Officer in January 2024 and support the continued development of the now Age UK Kent Rivers. A bit about me When I am not working I love nothing more than spending time with my family and friends. I try not to take myself too seriously, I am always up for an adventure and always game for a laugh. My role at Age UK Kent Rivers As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Age UK Kent Rivers, my role involves overseeing the daily operations and ensuring that all aspects of the organisation run smoothly and efficiently. I am responsible for implementing strategies, managing resources, and leading teams to achieve the best outcomes for our beneficiaries. My duties include coordinating various departments, ensuring compliance with regulations and driving initiatives that support the wellbeing of older adults in North Kent and Medway. I work closely with the CEO and Directors to develop and execute plans that align with the mission and vision of Age UK Kent Rivers.
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Heather Woolley - Director of Client Services  |
I left my hometown of Sunderland many years ago to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) Medical Services and spent a long career working in both primary and secondary healthcare. In 1997 I moved to Kent and worked for a private sector financial services company in Gillingham and Folkstone. More recently I worked as Dementia Services Manager for Age Concern Central Lancashire and Home Support Services Manager for the Alzheimer’s Society in West Kent. I've been in my current role of Operations Director for 12 years and love the variety of the role and how it continues to grow and offer more to older people, especially in these challenging times. I have a Certificate in Management Studies, Diploma in European Business and MSc in Project Management. A bit about me In my spare time I complain that I have no spare time. Though I do enjoy renovating properties and was once featured on Homes Under the Hammer! I enjoy reading, gardening and shopping, mostly shopping! My role at Age UK Kent Rivers I am the Operations Director and Registered Manager, for two CQC registered Homecare services, in Medway and Faversham. I also line manage two Day Centres, one specialising in Dementia. All the services are incredibly busy, and we have a very hard-working, passionate and committed team, which I feel very proud to be part of. |
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Lisa Carpendale - Director of Finance  |
With a diverse career in Senior Finance, Operations and Event Management, I'm fortunate to have worked within a large variety of wonderful organisations including some of London’s leading theatres, arts and music venues and media agencies as well as international charities and a wide range of small creative UK businesses. I'm passionate about enabling positive change, being bold and innovative, trying new approaches if it means we move forward with impact and achieving our charitable aims. I fervently embrace new technology and systems which support the needs and strategic goals of the organisation, especially those with smaller teams and big ambitions. I have several years’ experience in systems development both within the finance team and other departments, helping to save time, resources, and risk in terms of data security and compliance. A bit about me I moved from London to Medway in 2018 with my husband to start a family and get a better work/life balance. I love gardening and hiking (when the weather allows), socialising with friends and catching live comedy, cabaret and theatre shows. My role at Age UK Kent Rivers As Director of Finance my role is to steer the financial strategies of the organisation, ensuring sustainable growth in support of the charity's missions and goals, providing strategic financial guidance and reporting to the CEO, Board of Trustees and Senior Managers as well as leadership and support for the finance team. |
Get in Touch
If you want to get in touch with someone on our team, click here and we will direct you to the person you need.