Current Projects

Meet Team VIY

We’re progressive. We’re all about collaboration. We’re flexible. We’re inclusive. We’re a passionate bunch.

The VIY values lived and breathed by every member of Team VIY, including our Trade Mentors. If you’d like to join our mission, check out the roles we’re recruiting for here. Alternatively you’ll find Mentor roles here and opportunities to volunteer with us here.

The Team

Tim Reading CEO & co-founder Tim has 20 years experience of creating and growing cross-sector social action projects, and a background in engineering
Ed Sellwood COO & co-founder Ed has 15+ years experience of managing and delivering community and grassroots youth-engagement programmes
Jennie Arthur Head of Programmes Jennie has 15 years in the sport sector and believes strongly in how volunteering positively impacts people’s lives
Dee Dee Whelan Senior Programme Director Dee Dee has extensive experience developing community projects in the UK and overseas and is a qualified physiotherapist
Ciara Grogan Programme Director Ciara’s background in the sport sector brings with it a passion for helping young people and communities to flourish
Matt Mellor Programme Manager – North Matt has extensive experience managing and implementing community based projects, seeing young people thrive
Alex Berwick Data & Impact Officer Alex is passionate about helping VIY evidence their impact as effectively as possible
Sue Johnson Skills Manager Sue ensures all our young people are given the opportunity to achieve the skills & knowledge to gain qualifications
Karen Lilley Mentors Manager Karen has 20+ years project management experience, leading on building refurbishment projects and volunteering services
Ash Pembery Youth Progressions Manager Ash’s 8 years in youth & education demonstrates his passion to empower others to gain vital opportunities they deserve
Hannah Denny Communications & Partnerships Manager Hannah’s skill and passion brings together impact, storytelling and partnership management to grow VIY’s voice
Katie Booth Programme Manager – East Midlands Katie’s experience at the heart of youth and community engagement is growing VIY’s impact in her region
Jordan Clarke Project Manager – West Midlands With 10+ years in construction & project management, Jordan’s now passionate about developing the next generation
Graham Blackburn Project Manager – South Graham is a health & wellbeing specialist tackling inequalities and the impact it has on communities and young people
Mick Lotus Project Manager – East Mick has 40+ years in the construction industry and is now helping young people start their journey
Danny Hawkins Project Manager – North West Danny’s looking to help as many young people get the right start in life and helping develop their skills and futures
Steve Skinner Project Manager – North East Steve’s extensive experience in both construction and education is paired with a passion to develop the next generation
Hazel O’Keefe Youth Engagement Co-ordinator Hazel brings superb passion, energy and drive to support young people in the most inclusive way possible
Joseph Yohannes Youth Engagement Co-ordinator – East/South Jojo is a Social Psychology graduate turned VIY volunteer, now full team member, passionate about helping create change
Carly Harrison Youth Engagement Co-ordinator – East Mids Carly brings passion and drive to our East Midlands region, with experience to help young people take positive steps
Gemma Torr Youth Engagement Co-ordinator – North Gemma is passionate about youth work, with a background in education, outreach, recruitment, training and assessment
Alisia Grant Progressions Executive Alisia’s recruitment background comes with a love for helping others, creating more inclusive/sustainable communities
Jess Bailey Youth Engagement Co-ordinator – West Mids With her youth work and psychology experience, Jess drives positive impact for young people who need VIY the most.
Dave Clyne Construction Manager Dave has 20+ years of project management experience mainly in the commercial construction fit out industry
Yasmin Abu Bookkeeper
Stuart Richmond Partnerships Lead Stuart has a wealth of partnership sales and management experience working with rights holders, agencies and brands

Advisory Board Members

VIY’s senior management team is supported by an advisory board currently comprising four members, all of whom have considerable personal experience of VIY’s work and activities and, between them, cover areas of key relevance to VIY including social action, education and vocational skills, and the DIY sector/building trade.

Natalie Cramp Consultant & Strategic Advisor Former CEO of Profusion and COO at The Careers & Enterprise Company, a previous VIY partner and supporter
Matthew Gaunt Business Growth Consultant Matthew was VIY’s client for five years whilst Brand & Marketing Director at DIY and home improvement retailer Wickes
Michael Osbaldeston Senior Advisor, City & Guilds City & Guilds is the world’s largest skills body and has underpinned VIY’s skills offer to young people since 2012
Carrie Deacon Independent social innovation strategist Formerly of innovation foundation Nesta, a long-term supporter of VIY’s organisational growth and development
I’d like to find out more about becoming a mentor
I work with young people who would benefit from VIY
I have a potential project and I’d like to find out more