Interim CEO

Age UK York currently have 2 Interim Chief Executive Officers whilst we recruit for a new pemanent CEO. They have both written a bit about themselves and their backgrounds.

Jo Bell

I have worked in health and social care for over 30 years, including as a District Nurse, Inspection Manager and Dementia Lead North for CQC, more recently as Head of Provider Services and Dementia Lead for City of York Council. In the past 3 months I have worked with Age UK York undertaking project working prior to starting as interim CEO (Community) at the start of November.

I have completed a range of academic studies including a B.HSc in health studies, and an MA in Public Policy and Management at The University of York, the focus for my studies has been on Older people and supporting them in the community using evidence based practice, and working with staff teams to embed evidence based practice.

My core values include being person centred, collaborating effectively, and achieving the best possible outcomes for people.

Valerie Bowden

I qualified as an accountant whilst working in practice as an auditor specialising in unusual and problematic financial systems. In that time I also prepared or audited lots of charity accounts. In 2008 I moved to business and worked in manufacturing, construction and not for profit companies sorting out their finance systems.

In the last year I worked as interim Finance Director for Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington before coming to work as interim Finance Director for Age UK York in February.

I’m passionate about creating effective systems and processes whilst mentoring and training the staff. The aim is for the smooth running of the Charity so that the managers and front line heroes can concentrate on what is really important - providing services and support to the older people of York.