Our People

Dr. Gill Fargher - Chair of Trustees

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.

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.

Susan Robinson - Treasurer / Trustee

There is a great need to support the elder person in our local commuities and there are a lot of challenges ahead. All the the time I can help with this journey I want to stay involved.

My background

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.

Julia Burton-Jones - Vice Chair

I enjoy working alongside a committed team of senior staff and trustees where I see constant responsive development of services to better the lives of older people in Medway, Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley, Faversham and Sittingbourne.

My background

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.

Ann West MBE JP DL - Trustee

I am proud to be a part of such a well run organisation caring for the older folk in Medway, Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley, Faversham and Sittingbourne, and beyond.

My background

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.

Alan Bates OBE - Trustee

I continue to be a Trustee as it is rewarding to be part of the supporting needs of our local elderly communities in later life.

My background

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.

Donna Terry - Trustee

The senior leadership team are really great in their roles and it's great to see their passion and ongoing drive!

My background

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.

Paul Andrews - Trustee

The fantastic team the runs the organisation so successfully, they are innovative, inspiring and so understanding of needs of senior people.

My background

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.

Jan Stanton - Trustee

For me, being a part of the essential services we are providing, is what drives me in my role as a Trustee for Age UK Kent Rivers.

My background

I am a local solicitor specialising in Family Law and Wills and Probate, and a retired part-time Family Court Judge.

A bit about me

I love scouring Charity Shops, and I can cook a pretty good curry!

Why I joined the Age UK Kent Rivers board

The charity is now not only one of the largest providers of later life services in North Kent, but also one with a great vision for the future needs of this sector.

John Norley - Group Chief Executive Officer

I am proud to lead a staff and volunteer team here at Age UK Kent Rivers which gives its best, every time, in every interaction we have with our beneficiaries. We have achieved a great deal together, and we have much still to do to improve the later lives of older people in the local communities we serve, and encourage everyone to Achieve their Life's Fullness.

My background

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.

Claire Ives - Chief Operations Officer

I'm passionate about making a difference and think it's so important to advocate for our older generation, who deserve so much more! I am proud of what we deliver and see the impact of our services improving people's lives and wellbeing every day.

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

Heather Woolley - Operations Director

What drives me is that we can, and do, make a difference and we don't stop looking for ways to improve upon what we do, no matter how hard it gets.

My background

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.

Nick Chamberlain - Director of Commercial Development & Corporate Services

As the charity's Director of Commercial Development and Corporate Services, it is my privilege to work with a fantastic Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team, all of whom share the same ambition - to ensure Age UK Kent Rivers is delivering precisely the services and support needed to enable older people and adults with learning disabilities to Achieve Life's Fullness.

My background

Throughout my career in the finance, care, and health sectors, my focus has always been on marketing and business development, and the wealth of knowledge and experience I've built during that time shapes everything I bring to my role at Age UK Kent Rivers.

A bit about me

Whether watching or playing, sport and exercise has always been a big part of my life. And, having now hung up my football boots, I instead enjoy setting myself challenges, usually involving lots of walking, and the occasional mountain!

My role at Age UK Kent Rivers

As Director of Commercial Development and Corporate Services, I am responsible for the charity's non-service-connected income streams, and have a broad range of responsibilities. Some, one would associate with the approach of a traditional charity, in Fundraising and Retail. Others, undoubtedly reflect the extremely innovative approach to its work taken by Age UK Kent Rivers, with the bar and restaurant functions at the charity's Clarendon Royal Community. On both sides, the aim is the same - to generate income which wholly supports the charity's extensive and invaluable work supporting its beneficiaries.

Lisa Carpendale - Director of Finance

I am thrilled to work alongside such a wonderful group of people at Age UK Kent Rivers who are all equally passionate about ensuring the charity delivers its services to the highest standard, enabling a better quality of life for older people in the communities we serve.

My background

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.