We are proud to have an experienced and committed team at Guildford Action with a very low turnover. From the 12 staff we employ, over half have been with us over 10 years. With a ‘there is always a way’ attitude the team don’t give up on anyone, regardless of how challenging the situation is. Always happy to go the extra mile. Working within our strength based model we have built relations with those who are hardest to reach over the years and have harvested respectful and fruitful working relationships.
Our dedicated team of 7 trustees have a wealth of experience. The diverse board offers expertise in local government, governance, marketing, fundraising, finance and social research.
Joanne Tester – Chief Executive
I have been fortunate to have worked for Guildford Action for 20 years. During this time I have worked across all projects in different roles. Having grown up in Guildford and with my family still here, I have a particular passion for the town and our people, particularly those most marginalised. I’ve often said I’ve seen it all at Guildford Action, but then a new challenges pops up to surprise me. Outside of work, I have two children I love football and all sport.
Matthew Johnson – Chair
Matthew was treasurer for many years before taking over the role of chair in 2020 . When he’s not worrying about the sustainability of the charity he is employed as an HR professional and has worked across a variety of different industry sectors. He lives in Guildford and is the proud owner of a classic VW campervan.
Emma Robinson
A former British Army Captain, Emma has worked in the voluntary sector for 15 years and is currently the Information Systems Manager for a Central London charity. Her private sector experience includes planning and project management roles at Tyne Ship Repair, Eurotunnel and Deutsche Telekom.
Alastair Taylor
Alistair is a Chartered Surveyor of some 30 years standing, specialising in commercial property development and Investment projects. He is also a director of a ‘waste to energy’ company, evolving innovative technical solutions to convert household waste into electricity.
Nigel Wilkinson
Nigel is a retired design technology teacher, now doing DIY jobs for others. He is passionate about helping the homeless in Guildford, and his volunteering work in this area includes organising the bacon rolls feeding the homeless on Sunday mornings. He is also an enthusiastic course fisherman taking some of Guildford Action’s service users out on trips to the lakes as part on their on-going activities.
Veronica Nkwocha
Veronika works for the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in Guildford where one of her key responsibilities is to identify the impact of welfare reform on individuals and families. She has lived in the Guildford area since 2005 and is acutely conscious that changes in circumstances can lead to dire straits for some people in the borough – something that Guildford Actions works hard to address.