Meet the team

Appointed as CEO of The Almshouse Association in 2018, Nick has worked in the Charity Sector for the last 20 years, leading a charity support organisation prior to joining the association. A chartered surveyor, his past career also includes many years with the National Trust as a Property Manager, leading and evaluating European grant programmes for DEFRA, supporting charities and rural businesses.

“Our role is to deliver the best service for our members and to raise the profile of the almshouse model. I will raise the profile of almshouses, almshouse charities and The Almshouse Association, both politically and publicly, ensuring the almshouse model is recognised for its great beneficial impact on the lives of residents, and building on its great history and traditions. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to support our members develop the thousand year legacy of almshouses and expand, improve and hand on better than we found it.”

Nick holds a principle role in Governance – working closely with government representatives, the All Party Parliamentary Group for Almshouses and other interested parties, to ensure that almshouse charities do not suffer from the unintended consequences of existing and emerging government legislation.

In his spare time, Nick enjoys walking and sailing as well as being a trustee of a number of small charities and playing (although he says – not well) in a local (very) amateur folk band.

Julian was previously Public Relations Officer of Coutts Bank and then managed his family’s equestrian business for a number of years. Initially he joined the Association on a part-time basis to undertake a fundraising campaign and subsequently was appointed as the charity’s Deputy Director.

Today Julian is Head of The Almshouse Association’s Member Services, a role to which he brings many years of experience gained within the almshouse movement. Supporting almshouse charities gives Julian great satisfaction, especially the wide range of issues that member charities present day-to-day.

Outside the Association Julian is President of The Association of British Riding Schools. His other passion is music and a number of his compositions have been given public performances. In 2021 Julian was awarded a Fellowship of The Royal Society of Arts.

Mike is a Chartered Accountant and during a career of over 40 years he has worked in practice and, also in industry for listed public limited companies and for smaller organisations in a variety of Group Controlling and Finance Director roles.

For many years Mike enjoyed playing cricket and football, although, he says, rather more enthusiastically than skilfully. Now he is more likely to spend his free time pottering around in the garden or watching his beloved local football or cricket teams.

Mike is also currently a Trustee and Treasurer at Citizens Advice Wokingham and also is the Independent member of the Wokingham Borough Audit Committee.

After finishing her PhD in monastic history at the University of Bristol, Alice joined the University of Bath Institute for Policy Research where she worked on research related to the welfare state, and religious and political policy.

At The Almshouse Association, she is the Policy and Engagement Manager, working on government policy relating to the aims of the Association. Outside of work, Alice enjoys long walks with her dog, visiting National Trust sites and tending to her vegetable garden. 

Angela joined the Almshouse Association in January 2023 having previously spent many years working as a PA at C-suite level.  Prior to joining the Association Angela worked for BSRIA in the UK and MWH Recovery in New Zealand, both of which sit within the built environment sector.  Angela spent 8 years living in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she witnessed the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 that destroyed much of the city and surrounding areas.  During her time with MWH Recovery, Angela developed additional skills in project management helping to start rebuilding the city.

At The Almshouse Association Angela works as Office Manager/PA to Nick Phillips, CEO.  Her role is both diverse and demanding but extremely rewarding and enjoyable.  In Angela’s own words “working for The Almshouse Association fills me with a great sense of pride and personal achievement.”

In her spare time, Angela enjoys drawing, painting, and walking her Springer Spaniel, Milo.

Karen joined The Almshouse Association in 2018, originally working as a contractor to project manage a new website build. Her role grew and she joined the team permanently in 2019 overseeing all marketing communication and material for members, The Almshouse Association website content, the quarterly Almshouses Gazette publications, the annual report, branding and social media accounts.

Prior to joining the Association Karen worked for 17 years at CTS Logistics working alongside the Managing Director to build the company from a small haulage firm to a multi-million, multi-modal specialised transport business embracing a number of roles along the way including General Manager, ISO Quality Manager, marketing, communications and tender bids as well as policies, procedures, insurance, accounts and payroll. She has also worked for LEGO, Electronic Arts and NSA in marketing roles.

Outside of work, Karen has become a keen allotmenter (is that a word?) specialising in sloe gin production – ‘Karen’s Sloe Potion’, as well as being a dog-loving social butterfly and enthusiastic wine drinker.

Gerry is a professional marketer and corporate fundraiser with over 25 years of experience gained in the IT sector and the charity sector. She has a broad range of marketing, communications, and sales skills developed in senior executive managerial positions in the UK and in a European context. Her charity experience spans corporate fundraising and account management experience across a broad range of charities including Sue Ryder and the NSPCC.

Gerry has been working for The Almshouse Association since 2020 in a PR and Engagement capacity, supporting projects including The Almshouse Association Awards, Royal Visits, Regional Meetings, Friends of and events including Members Day and our exclusive networking events. She has a passion for almshouses and enjoys supporting our members and is working closely with local and regional press to develop the awareness of the almshouse movement.

Ali joined the Member Services in December 2024, bringing extensive experience in office management and customer services across various industries, including marketing health products, airline cabin crew & health spa services.

Ali loves the outdoors, walking her cockapoo dog, kayaking and open-water swimming.  She has a passion for photography and travel when she gets the chance.

Fenella joined The Almshouse Association in July 2022 having previously spent 35 years working in the corporate pensions industry.

Fenella looks after our loans and grants programme, working closely with Mike Drake, Head of Finance and Jacqueline Smith, Finance Officer. She enjoys supporting our member charities who are focused on improving or building new almshouses. The case studies that are received on the completion of each project are a testament to the great work of trustees who give generously of their time and are looking to improve living standards for their residents.

Outside of work, Fenella enjoys being outdoors and staying active through gardening, walking, running and playing golf (badly!). She also has a passion for travelling and loves exploring new places.

David Burton is a highly experienced banking professional with more than 8 years of valuable experience at NatWest Bank and the Co-Operative Bank. His expertise spans various aspects of banking operations, including customer service, account management, and financial planning.

Within his current role for the Association, David plays a vital role in researching and identifying grant opportunities. He is responsible for crafting and submitting grant proposals, cultivating relationships with donors, coordinating fundraising initiatives, and overseeing the management of the donor database. His dedication to these tasks ensures the organization’s financial stability and growth through successful grant acquisition and donor engagement.

Beyond his professional pursuits, David loves being a part of his local football team. Whether engaging in friendly matches with friends or participating in local leagues, he fully embraces the camaraderie and competitive spirit that football offers. His passion for the sport reflects his commitment, teamwork, and pursuit of excellence, traits that extend beyond the workplace and into all aspects of his life.

Susan joined the Almshouse Association Members Services Team in 2019 having previously been in the education sector for many years.

Susan’s role includes organising the Association’s seminars for trustees, clerks and wardens, overseeing the Christmas Fund and administering our Panel of Consultants.

In her spare time, Susan is in a local quiz team. She also enjoys many arts and crafts and exploring National Trust properties.

“Hello, I’m Jacqueline and I joined the Almshouse Association as a Finance Officer in 2023.  I have responsibility for all the day to day operations in the Accounts department. 

I have previously worked in similar roles in the IT and Direct Marketing industries, however, this is my first opportunity to work for a charity.  I’m really looking forward to learning more about our member charities and the services we offer. 

When I’m not at work I enjoy walking, running, theatre trips and spending time with my family.”

Harriet joined The Almshouse Association in August 2023, having previously been a Clerk for an almshouses charity for 7 years.  Prior to this she was a Development Manager and Project Manager at Heathrow, for 16 years; the last 4 years were spent focusing on the integration of the new Terminal 2 into the operational environment.  Prior to this she was a Security Trainer, also at Heathrow and a catering Manager.

She loves running and is a member of the Chiltern Harriers AC.  In the last couple of years, she has completed the full Moonwalk twice, The Three Peaks Challenge, London Marathon and several charity 50km Ultras, along with many other races.  She loves her garden, travelling to explore the world, it’s history, sites and the food it has to offer.  She enjoys cooking for her family and friends, trying out new ingredients and recipes, as well as eating out, being spoilt with well cooked meals, different ideas and socialising.