Meet our Board
Tim Edwards | 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.
Neil Dawson
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.
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.
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.
Joe Martin
Joe has worked across both the charity and public sectors, bringing experience from organisations including The Prince’s Trust, Citizens Advice, and Genomics England. His background provides valuable insight into supporting people and communities, and he is committed to helping organisations create positive and lasting social impact.
Outside of his professional life, Joe enjoys spending time watching football, cooking, and walking. He values the opportunity to stay active, connect with others, and explore the local area.
Rob Craddock
Rob brings experience from the higher education sector and psychology research, alongside a lifelong commitment to volunteering that began at the age of 14. His knowledge of people, communities, and social issues supports his contribution to the strategic direction and governance of VAST. He has also previously served as a Trustee of Staffordshire University Students’ Union.
Rob has a keen interest in psychology and the social sciences, and enjoys exploring new ideas through reading. Away from work and volunteering, he loves baking and gaming, interests that allow him to balance creativity, learning, and relaxation.
Sophie Barber
Sophie joined the VAST Board in March 2026 and brings extensive experience from both the public and voluntary sectors. A Royal Navy veteran, she has lived and worked in communities across the UK and has seen first-hand the difference that strong, connected communities can make to people’s lives. Sophie currently works within the NHS, focusing on inclusion and improving experiences for both colleagues and patients, and is passionate about helping people reach their potential and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Alongside her role as a Trustee, Sophie volunteers as an Ambassador for a Community Interest Company that promotes female inclusion in sport, leads an Armed Forces Community Group, and serves on both her local Royal College of Nursing branch committee and the Royal College of Nursing’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. In her spare time, she enjoys discovering new places, hiking, kayaking, and following Port Vale FC home and away.
Mike Stubbs
Mike has extensive experience in finance, fundraising, and project management, having spent much of his career working in finance and in local government. A serving councillor for more than a decade, Mike is passionate about public service and community engagement. One of his career highlights was spending 13 years as an officer in the RAF Reserve, where he led a local Air Cadet squadron and supported sports development for the Royal Air Force Cadets. Mike also serves on the Grants and Fundraising Committee of the RAF Club and is Vice Chair of the Values and Principles Board of the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network.
Away from his professional life, Mike volunteers as a sports reporter for Moorlands Radio and is Race Director for a local Junior Parkrun. A keen sports enthusiast, he enjoys following a wide range of events, from cricket and motorsport to football and women’s sport.