Teams

Helen is the Volunteering and Participation Manager for National Museums Northern Ireland where she is responsible for development of volunteering strategy and practice within the organisation. After graduating from University of Ulster with a degree in fine and applied art in 2002, Helen began volunteering within the community arts sector with a diverse range of groups, such as Belfast Travellers, various older people’s groups and youth groups within disadvantaged areas. It was through this experience that she became passionate about what well managed volunteer involvement could bring to organisations and the people they support. Helen has worked as a volunteering development professional for 13 years with organisations such as Barnardo’s, Volunteer Now and Action on Hearing Loss where she successfully led the organisation through the Investing in Volunteers standard. She has an interest and experience in topics such as organisational culture change and leading beyond your authority, having recently explored both as a Common Purpose alumni. Helen also brings experience and knowledge of writing and embedding strategy, influencing, partnership working and networking skills.

Lucia has a diverse background having been a practitioner within homelessness services and with young people in care for over 12 years. Lucia developed, embedded and currently leads Volunteer SU (the student volunteering department) at Queen’s University Belfast Students’ Union, supporting students to tackle local/global inequalities through engaging in meaningful social action and volunteering opportunities. Working within this arena requires innovation, efficiency and adaptability. Lucia’s knowledge and experience lends itself to the areas of safeguarding, youth & community engagement, volunteering best practice and event/project management and she values the opportunity to share her expertise. Lucia is on Volunteer Now Enterprises Ltd's Board.

Kieran joined the Board of Volunteer Now Enterprises Ltd in 2019. Kieran has worked in the training and employment field since 1990 having graduated from the University of Wales with a BSc degree in Mathematics. He joined the Cedar Foundation as Employment Development Officer in 1996 before moving to his current position as Head of Employability Services in 1998. Kieran has responsibility for a range of services across Northern Ireland aimed at helping people with disabilities to develop employability skills, secure and maintain employment or get involved in the community. Kieran is Co-Chair of the Supported Employment Solutions (SES) partnership and represents Cedar on a number of key strategic bodies including the Board of the Northern Ireland Union of Supported Employment.

Stephen joined the VNE Board of Directors in December 2017. Stephen is the Procurement Manager for Northern Ireland Electricity Networks.  His role is to oversee the delivery of purchases including construction works, professional services and materials with an annual expenditure of over £150m.  Having previous worked as a chartered quantity surveyor managing various types of commercial, residential and educational developments before specialising in procurement.  He has wide experience in developing purchase strategies, implementing change management, and delivering best value sustainable results that comply with legislation. Stephen is on Volunteer Now Enterprises Ltd's Board.

Roisin Timlin

Training & Development Officer

Roisin is an experienced trainer within Volunteer Now and delivers safeguarding training, online support and good practice guidance for volunteer involving organisations.

Alice O’Boyle

Business Development Coordinator

Alice has a range of experiences within the voluntary sector and through her time with Volunteer Now has gained vast experiences in the development and delivery of training to meet ongoing needs. Alice is committed to delivering excellence and ensures that the VNE offer is a quality service.

Julie-Ann Ashe

Communications & Impact Officer

Julie-Ann works behind the scenes with Lynne and Kate to ensure that our information, promotional materials and communications are reflective of our work and meets the needs of our members. Measuring the impact is also key and Julie-Ann will be working with Lynne to highlight the positive impact that we make as an organisation.

Lynne Jardine

Communications & Impact Officer

Lynne works behind the scenes with Julie-Ann and Kate to ensure that our information, promotional materials and communications are reflective of our work and meets the needs of our members. Measuring the impact is also key and Lynne will be working with Julie-Ann to highlight the positive impact that we make as an organisation.