Victoria Lofthouse - Trustee Victoria joined the Children's Links and Linking Up Boards in 2022. Expand Victoria is an experienced, qualified social worker and manager with nearly thirty years’ experience working with vulnerable individuals who present with complex needs in diverse and multi-cultural environments within the UK and International Development. Victoria is currently employed by LPFT CAMHS and manages a multi-disciplinary team. Victoria's previous employment has been with the NSPCC, Metropolitan Police Service (leading on an innovative crime prevention early intervention program) and third sector homeless organisations, in addition to volunteering and working for NGO’s in South East Asia. She has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, policy and guidance related to the field of child welfare. Victoria attained a BA (hons) in Applied Community Studies and also achieved a distinction (MSc) in Social Work from Lincoln University
Rachel Aylmer - Chief Executive Officer Rachel became Chief Executive of the Children's Links Group in April 2022. Expand Rachel has overall responsibility for creating, planning, implementing, and integrating the strategic direction of Children's Links to improve the lives of children, families and communities. Rachel joined the Children's Links team over 20 years ago, having previously worked as an accountant and a primary school teacher. During her time at Children's Links, she has been involved in services for children and workforce development as well as leading the strategic direction of the charity. She is passionate about delivering high quality services and promoting the importance of play
Ms Rachel Croft - Trustee Rachel Croft has 18 years of experience within the learning and skills sector. Expand Rachel Croft has 18 years of experience within the learning and skills sector and is currently employed by the Department of Education. Outside of work, Rachel is a keen swimmer and enjoys reading and is looking to carry out some further volunteering work. She joined the board of Children’s Links in December 2012.
Mr Al Wright - Trustee Al Wright joined the Board of Trustees for Children's Links and Linking up in November 2016. Expand Al believes that being a Trustee with Children's Links Group is giving him the opportunity to use his corporate and SME technology skillset to compliment Children's Links' wealth of Charity Sector experience. His experience is allowing him to contribute to shaping the delivery of a range of innovative services on a national scale.
Jessica Firth-Brown - Trustee Jessica joined the Children's Links and Linking Up Boards in 2022. Expand Jessica is a solicitor partner within the family department of local solicitors Sills & Betteridge. She specialises in domestic abuse and children matters. She came to know of the work of Children’s Links through the Contact Centres and so applied to become a trustee. Jessica has two young children who very much enjoy their visits to the Toy Library!
Hayley-Anne Bradbury - Trustee Hayley-Anne joined the Children's Links Board in 2023 Expand Hayley joined the board of Trustees in February 2023 Her experience is broad and vast having worked as a practitioner for over 20 years, working with families to improve their lifestyles and chances. She has worked for local authorities and in school settings, her expertise lies within education, safeguarding, early interventions and behaviour support. She volunteers as a Governor at her daughter’s secondary school, supporting the school to improve children's education. Her career history demonstrates that she is passionate about opportunities and life chances for children, young people, and their families, engaging as a professional to ensure every family has a chance
Dr Katie Ruane - Trustee Katie joined the board of trustees for Children's Links in August 2022. Expand Dr Katie Ruane is a practitioner psychologist, who works as a senior educational psychologist in a local authority. This role sees her applying organisational and leadership psychology to achieve change for families at a strategic level. Katie also has previous experiences as an associate governor and university tutor. Katie has worked with children and their families for over 16 years, striving to promote positive outcomes for all. She believes in equity, inclusion and community-led support, which aims to listen to, hear and empower those who may find themselves in vulnerable situations.
Dr Jonathan Wainwright - Trustee Jonathan joined Children's Links and Linking Up Boards in 2022. Expand Dr Jonathan Wainwright is currently on a career break and still acts as a visiting tutor to the university where he was until recently, employed was head of social sciences. Jonathan has a background in organisational development having worked in both private and public sectors before moving into academia. His research interests are in leadership in the early years and currently acts as a governor in two local primary schools.