Directors

Chris Frost - Director Merton Voluntary Service Council

MVCS: MVSC was set up in 1984 and I was the first full time employee. MVSC has grown considerably since that time and I'm still here enjoying the changes and challenges to my role!

Background: Before joining MVSC I spent 10 years working in the voluntary sector (including setting up a Volunteer Bureau) and prior to that had worked in the private sector in HR management. My career has also included social work. I was involved in developing play groups which gave me a real insight into the huge range of skills and expertise people have that often go untapped in local communities and how, with a bit of support, people can literally change their lives and those of their families.

I have been active in the voluntary sector for over 30 years. I have been a volunteer for many groups ranging from mental health to drug and alcohol services as well as being a Trustee of a number of organisations employing paid staff. I moved to Merton 10 years ago and am very active in my local community with involvement ranging from my local residents association to Chairing the Board of Governors of my local primary school.

Background:

Hilary Garner - Director Kingston Voluntary Action

KVA: I am responsible and accountable to the Executive Committee for the overall management and development of Kingston Voluntary Action. I have been the Chair of the South London CVS Partnership and continue to actively promote this sub-regional activity wherever appropriate.

Background: I have worked in the Voluntary Sector for over twenty years in both a voluntary and paid capacity with a very broad range of groups. I have extensive experience in management of projects dealing with disadvantaged populations both in Glasgow and in London. I have developed and established organisations that are responsive to local need within a strategic context. Examples of past work include The Kilburn Irish Youth Project, a scheme to support newly emigrated young Irish people, The HIV Response Projects helping those affected by HIV/Aids and Richmond & Kingston Accessible Transport enabling disabled people affordable transport.

I spend my own time painting (trained in Fine Art), singing in a band, gardening two allotments and have a passion for good cooking, fine wine and friends.

Steve Phaure - Chief Executive Croydon Voluntary Action

CVA: Currently Chief Executive at CVA, I have worked in or around the London CVS network since volunteering at MVSC in 1987. With stints at Merton Race Equality Council, London Voluntary Service Council and Camden Healthy Cities, I returned to my hometown of Croydon in 1997, fifteen years after leaving for university in Liverpool. I now have my sights set on 2007 - CVA's centenary year!

Sue Robson - Director Sutton Centre for the Voluntary Sector and Chair of SLCVS Partnership

SCVS: I have been in post as Director of Sutton CVS since July 2002 and previously as Deputy Director for five years.

I spent the first ten years of my working life in Housing in a variety of Local Authorities, moving on to senior management positions in large Housing Associations for ten years before joining a homelessness agency in Central London and getting more directly involved in community development work and in training and developing staff and volunteers in smaller community organisations.

After many years of commuting I took the opportunity to work in Sutton, where I have lived for twenty five years, when I successfully applied to join SCVS in 1997. I have been able to enhance my understanding of voluntary and community groups through my own volunteering activity over the past thirty years as a hands on volunteer and as a trustee for a variety of voluntary and community organisations across London.

David Sidonio - Chief Executive Richmond Council for Voluntary Service

RCVS: David Sidonio was appointed as Chief Executive in February 2007.

David is very excited about working in what he sees as a strong organisation with a reputation for delivering high-quality infrastructure support to the local voluntary and community sector in Richmond.

David has worked in a number of management roles over many years in the voluntary sector in London. He was previously Chief Executive with Age Concern in Wandsworth and was Assistant Director at Chelsea Social Council (CVS). He also held a Director post within Dial-a-Rides.

When appointed, David said:

"My commitment is to a strong, well-resourced, user-led voluntary sector and I am looking forward to meeting you and working with you all over the coming months."

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