Meet our Board
Neil Dawson
Chair
Neil has been on the VAST Board for over 25 years, and Chair since 2006, testament to his contribution to our organisation and his knowledge, skills, and experience.
He’s had a varied cross-sector career having served as a Councillor for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, a foster carer for over 20 years, governor at two schools, and Director of at City Learning Trust. A Trustee at a number of charities and volunteering with several community groups and schools, Neil was awarded a well-deserved MBE for voluntary activity in 2021.
Outside of all this, Neil enjoys lots of walking. He’s also a proud Valiant and an environmental activist.
Tim Edwards
Vice Chair
Tim has been on the VAST board for a number of years now and his cross-sector experience, passion for local communities, and strong connections to Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire only reinforce his commitment to the area.
Following his work with a local housing association, Tim now works as an independent consultant, supporting a range of projects in housing, skills, and regeneration. Tim recently led on a cross-sector national group to establish a new apprenticeships support programme.
Tim is dedicated to the voluntary sector and local communities, and his contribution comes in many forms, particularly his Trustee roles for not just one, but four different local voluntary organisations.
John Farrar
Treasurer
A charity finance leadership veteran of 30 years, John is currently Director of Resources at YMCA North Staffordshire, a Director at Sanctus CIC, and Trustee for Emmaus North Staffordshire.
He’s passionate about community empowerment, making him a perfect fit for the VAST board.
Lover of Stoke and Soul, John’s a fervent Stoke City supporter, he enjoys soulful music (both as a listener and DJ), and a good beer in a fine, interesting pub.
Bruno Ornelas
As an adviser at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Bruno provides advice on homelessness and rough sleeping across the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North West.
Using his experience from a number of management and leadership roles in the local voluntary sector, he’s been able, amongst his many accolades (and even awards!), to lead on various strategic initiatives around housing accessibility in Stoke-on-Trent, safeguarding, and to tackle homelessness across the city.
Outside of work, Bruno is great believer in the power of ‘unconditional positive regard’ to bring communities together and has a passion for people and social justice.
Cathy Jones
Since finishing her degree, Cathy has served as Chief Officer at three local charities, helping each one to increase services and develop a fulfilling positive environment for volunteers.
Cathy is a strong advocate for the voluntary sector and since joining the VAST board, she’s also taken on a Trustee role with Stone Community Hub.
Cliff Hathaway
Before retiring, Cliff was a civil servant specialising in marketing, PR, and all things communications. Following this, Cliff joined Saltbox where he was in a community engagement role providing housing support and working with older people to help them maintain their independence in their own home for as long as possible.
Cliff is now Vice Chair at the North Staffs Pensioners Convention, using his comms experience to produce important newsletters, and he volunteers with the local talking newspaper.
Hayley Goodwin
Hayley is a practicing solicitor at a local firm specialising in corporate and charity law. This is where she first became involved with VAST. The knowledge of charity law and previous board experience she brings to our board of trustees not only adds value to our work, but also to our mission, aims, and charitable objectives.
When she does get some spare time, Hayley likes to spend time with her family, working out at the gym, reading a good book, and going on skiing trips.
Mel Dunn
Having worked in or around Stoke-on-Trent for the last 20 years, Mel has worked in both the voluntary and statutory sectors as a social worker, staff nurse, commissioner, and charitable services provider.
No stranger to the voluntary sector, Mel’s volunteered since she was 16. She has a huge passion for our sector, the positive impact it has on local communities, and the value of partnership working to drive positive change, overcome barriers, and fulfil the aspirations of purpose led organisations and their beneficiaries. An advocate for equality, social justice, and inclusion at every level, Mel continues to serve communities through Trustee roles.
Enjoying all that life has to offer, Mel enjoys reading, cooking and running and exploring the outdoors having recently completing the 214 Wainright Fells and running the occasional half-marathon.
Pooja Batta
Pooja joined the VAST board in 2023 and brings her extensive VCSE and public sector experience with her. Having worked in universities supporting students with careers and employability advice, Pooja has worked on both community and international development projects.
Pooja’s passion for communities is evident through her various volunteering roles in hospital radio, community safety and resilience, and family support.
When she has the time, Pooja enjoys travelling, learning new languages, growing veggies, and playing the ukulele.
Simon Harris
During Simon’s 39 year career with Citizens Advice Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, 22 of them were as the charity’s Chief Officer, so his strategic and developmental experience within the sector speaks for itself. His skills and knowledge in HR, finance, governance, strategy, and risk management are an asset to the VAST board.
As a well-known advocate for the voluntary sector, Simon is a founding member of the Voluntary Sector Chief Officers Group (VSCOG). VSCOG is a peer-support network for VCSE leaders across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. He has also held a number of Trustee positions with local organisations.
When he has the time, Simon loves to travel, go to the theatre, or read a good book.
Suzanne Roberts
Suzanne was born in Stoke but studied in Manchester. After ten years away, home was calling and she returned with a law degree and a decade of experience under her belt.
After working for a national sight loss charity, Suzanne founded Staffordshire Sight Loss Association in 2017. Now Chief Executive Officer, Suzanne is working hard at a strategic level to deliver community-based services and social opportunities across North Staffordshire.
When not working, Suzanne loves to head out to heritage sites with her partner and son, watching Stoke City, and practicing yoga. She also loves a bit of community fundraising!