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 of experience managing community and grassroots youth programmes, specialising in finance management.
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
Alex Berwick Data & Impact Officer With expertise in data and impact measurement, Alex is passionate about helping VIY evidence their achievements
Sue Johnson Skills Manager Sue brings extensive experience as a Skills Manager, helping young people gain skills and knowledge for 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 10+ years in comms and building partnerships drives her to grow VIY’s impact
Jamie Ward Communications Officer Jamie leverages 4 years of comms and creativity to spotlight VIY’s impact on communities and young people
Matt Mellor Programme Manager – North Matt has extensive experience managing and implementing community based projects, seeing young people thrive
Danny Hawkins Project Manager – North West Danny applies project management expertise to help young people develop skills and build strong futures
Gemma Torr Youth Engagement Co-ordinator – North Gemma is passionate about youth work, with a background in education, outreach, recruitment, training and assessment
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
Rachel Scothern Project Manager – East Midlands Rachel’s experience in construction projects and charities brings her two areas of expertise together in her region
Casey Gulliford Youth Engagement Co-ordinator – East Midlands With a background in SEN and youth engagement, Casey’s knowledge & skills create a positive impact on our young people
Owen McCavana Programme Manager – West Midlands With 15 years in programme management and youth work, Owen blends expertise in construction and charity to drive change
Jess Bailey Youth Engagement Co-ordinator – West Midlands With her youth work and psychology experience, Jess drives positive impact for young people who need VIY the most
Jordan Clarke Project Manager – West Midlands With 10+ years in construction & project management, Jordan’s now passionate about developing the next generation
Alisia Grant Progressions Officer – West Midlands Alisia’s recruitment background comes with a love for helping others, creating more inclusive/sustainable communities
Graham Blackburn Project Manager – South Graham is a health & wellbeing specialist tackling inequalities and the impact it has on communities and young people
Mick Loftus Project Manager – East Mick has 40+ years in the construction industry and is now helping young people start their journey
Joseph Yohannes Youth Engagement Co-ordinator – East/South Jojo is a Social Psychology graduate turned VIY volunteer, now full team member, passionate about creating change
Darren Barnes Project Manager – North East and Yorkshire Darren has worked in construction his whole life and now enjoys sharing his experience with others
Hazel O’Keefe Youth Engagement Co-ordinator Hazel’s experience with young people shapes inclusive opportunities that help them thrive
Meera Semplay Youth Engagement Coordinator – South Meera’s passion for helping others stems from her experience with charities both in the UK and abroad
Alan Dalton Lead Mentor – South Alan, our longest-serving multi-trade mentor, is a skilled carpenter dedicated to youth skill-building.
Kate Kerr Lead Mentor – South Kate, a skilled painting and decorating expert, helps young people build practical skills and confidence.
Alex Halford Lead Mentor – East Midlands Alex, a skilled joiner and carpenter, empowers young people with trade skills, drawing from his skatepark background.
Paul Davies-Bloomfield Lead Mentor – North West Paul is an experienced multi-trade specialist, passionate about helping young people achieve their goals.
Adrian Llewellyn Lead Mentor – West Midlands Adrian, a skilled joiner and carpenter, uses his SEN experience to foster youth development through hands-on learning.
Dale Bray Lead Mentor – London Dale combines art, design, and carpentry expertise to transform spaces and equip young people with future skills.
Andy Ball Lead Mentor – South With 40+ years in construction, Andy brings expertise across trades, delivering exceptional craftsmanship and insight.
David Goode Lead Mentor – Norfolk David is a multi-trade mentor, teaching young learners practical skills and opening doors to construction career paths.
Dom Hudson Lead Mentor – Norfolk Dom, a skilled carpenter and joiner brings extensive experience in multi-trade projects, to create lasting solutions.
Jamie Turner Lead Mentor – East Midlands Jamie, a multi-trader skilled in IOSH Risk Assessment, plastering, and other trades, empowers others through mentorship.
Simon Kitson Lead Mentor – North Simon, a long-serving mentor and trades professional, helps young people build skills for successful careers.
Dan Munn Lead Mentor – London/National Assessor Dan is a skilled carpenter and assessor, mentoring young people through skill-building projects
Dave Clyne Construction Manager Dave has 20+ years of project management experience mainly in the commercial construction fit out industry
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 five 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 Natalie is a Partner at commercial data firm JMAN Group, and former COO, Careers & Enterprise / Director, Team London.
Matthew Gaunt Chair, VIY 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
Caroline Brooks Head of Physical Activity Caroline has over 20 years of experience in the sports industry and has been an informal VIY champion for many years.
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