Board of Trustees

The Charity is administered by a voluntary Board, led by the Chair, Robert Needham. They bring a wide skill set and broad experience to the governance of the Charity and are committed to ensuring the Charity’s provides good quality services and support to older people in Tameside.

(Members of The Board at the Strategic Workshop, February 2024)

Robert Needham retired in 2012 having had 36 years of experience in many roles, including the Management of Information Technology departments, programmes, and projects. He became a trustee of Age UK Tameside in 2013 and was appointed Chair in 2019. Robert has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Governance of organisations, which is of great value to the Charity. He is delighted to support Age UK Tameside, working to improve the lives of many older people.

Jackie Woodward has been a trustee since 2021 and is the current Treasurer. This is a role which she believes is valuable as it helps to ensure that people in her local community are able to enjoy social interaction, physical activity and access current information as they get older. As a partner in a local commercial building company, Jackie hopes her experience of running a reactive and demanding business will benefit the role. Her main aim is to support the hard work and commitment of the staff and volunteers at Age UK Tameside.

Julie Sheppeck has only recently joined the Board of Trustees, having been introduced by a fellow member. She has been involved with much fundraising over the years with several organisations, and having been a carer for a family member with dementia feels she can put that experience to good use to help others.

Peter Chester has lived and worked in Tameside for over 20 years. He is a retired Physical Education and Mathematics Secondary School Teacher, and the proud father of three children of the 90's. Peter feels that older people of today and tomorrow should be at the heart of Age UK Tameside, and wishes to invest his time, skills, experience and energy fulfilling this ambition because he truly believes that ‘No one should have no one’.

Rita Thompson became a mum in 1965 and since then has volunteered for older people’s services, beginning with the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service. She is also a Founder Member of the Richmond House Lunch Club, where she had a hands on role cooking and serving meals. Rita joined the Age UK Tameside Board in 2006 after being introduced to the Charity through friends. She feels that being a Board Member for Age UK Tameside is another way for her to fulfil her long standing commitment to the older people in Tameside.

Elaine Oates has recently become a trustee, having been introduced to the Charity by a family friend. She has a background knowledge and experience in social care.  Elaine wants to make a positive difference to the lives of older people and is looking forward to spreading the word about what Age UK Tameside has to offer.

If you are interested in becoming a Board Trustee, CLICK HERE for more information and to download the Trustee Information Pack