TEAM MEMBERS
We value having people from different backgrounds and with diverse experience in our workforce. Our team are passionate about making a positive difference; this is reflected in our work, empowering people to develop the skills and confidence to regain control. Our values are what unite us as a team of people, working together to achieve our mission. At SUMMIT we are proud of our team’s dedication and their commitment to support the people we work with.
Gaynor Jarrett
Chief Executive Officer
Gaynor has worked for the organisation since 2010 and is a fully qualified advocate, and holds the IAQ, IMHA, Care Act, City and Guilds TAQA assessor and C&G PTLLS Level 4, teacher and trainer.
Tania Drummond
Receptionist
Tania has worked for the organisation since 2014 and has successfully completed her C&G Level 2 ‘Introduction to Advocacy’. Tania supports other people with a learning disability as a peer advocate.
Thomas Vousden
Advocate/Facilitator
Tom started working as a Bridge Builder for the organisation in 2011 and as a qualified advocate having obtained his IAQ and Care Act unit in 2016. Tom is a qualified teacher and trainer.
Edith Milne
Advocate/Facilitator
Edith is a qualified Advocate and began working for the organisation in 2010 and has her IAQ, IMHA and Care Act unit. Edith is the administrator/facilitator for AB4D.
Rachel Sandford
Advocate/Facilitator
Rachel started working as a Bridge Builder for the organisation in 2009 and in 2011 started work as an advocate. Rachel holds the IAQ, IMHA and Care Act unit.
Glynis Grove
Advocate/Facilitator
Glynis Grove has worked for SUMMIT since 2011 and is a fully qualified advocate having obtained her IAQ, IMHA and Care Act unit. Glynis works across West Essex facilitating AB4D groups.
Annabel Bowman
Advocate/Facilitator
Annabel has enjoyed working within the social care sector for many years, Annabel has worked with older people and held the position as deputy manager within a supported living service for adults with a learning disability. Annabel started her career in Advocacy back in 2004 and over the years has obtained her IAQ,IMHA, ICAA and has worked as a IHCA for several years. SUMMIT was pleased to have Annabel back to the team in 2020.
Vicky O'Sullivan
Project Co-ordinator
Vicky ran her own mobile business for several years before having a change in career and becoming a foster carer. Vicky joined the team in 2009 and put her interpersonal skills to good use. Vicky is an experienced self-advocacy facilitator, she has developed and produced SUMMIT’s easy read recourses. Vicky is also a fully qualified advocate.
Linda Embleton
Health Advocate
Linda has worked as a community social welfare worker for the past 15 years, supporting vulnerable adults with poor mental health and individuals experiencing difficulty in their life.
Nick Leatherbarrow
Advocate/Facilitator
Nick Joined the SUMMIT team in 2020 providing Health and Community Advocacy to vulnerable residents.
Nick has a long and distinguished career as a Martial Artist and Holistic Fitness instructor and ranked number 2 in the world for Full Contact Weapons.
Nick has spent many years working within the Voluntary Sector providing Citizens Advocacy to vulnerable residents.
Jackie Coburn
Advocate/Facilitator
Jackie has supported vulnerable adults within a variety of social care settings for many years, before moving into a role within the housing sector for over 9 years. Jackie brings an array of knowledge in these areas to SUMMIT. Since joining SUMMIT in 2017 Jackie has become a qualified advocate having obtained her IAQ and Care Act units.
TRUSTEES
SUMMIT has a board of 8 Trustees who bring a wide variety of skills, knowledge and expertise to the organisation. Being a Trustee can be rewarding and enjoyable. It is a great way to be involved in a community or cause which matters to you. Our Trustees come from all walks of life and being a Trustee can help you change your community for the better, learn new skills or use your existing skills. At its heart, being a trustee puts you at the centre of the action for the organisation you are involved in. Our Trustees ensure that SUMMIT has clear goals and strategies, that action to achieve those goals is being taken and that SUMMIT meets its legal and financial obligations.
Graham Thornton
FCA Retired, Chair
Graham is the Chair of the Trustee board and became a Trustee in 2005. Graham works tirelessly for the charity and has a hands on approach. Through Graham’s leadership the organisation has thrived and adapted to change.
Robert Smith
ACMA ACIS, Treasurer
Bob has been a Trustee for the organisation for many years. As the Treasurer he ensures financial clarity and accountability for the organisation.
John Hobley
Trustee
John was a headmaster of a special needs school and joined the organisation in 1999 as a Senior Advocate and team manager.
John became a Trustee on his retirement in 2014 and brings grass roots experience to the table.
Maureen Goddard
Trustee
Maureen has been a Trustee for many years and was the former Chair of the Trustees. Maureen brings knowledge of the local demographic and has a great understanding of the needs of our beneficiaries.
Des Exworth
M.B, CH. B, Trustee
Des brings a medical background to the board of Trustees. His working knowledge of the local area and its challenges assists the organisation in supporting and identifying the most vulnerable in the local community
Mike Beardmore
M.B, CH. B, Trustee
Mike was a GP in the Tendring area and on his retirement became a Trustee of the organisation. Mike brings a wealth of practical knowledge of health and well-being issues.
Adele Bird
Trustee
Adele worked for the organisation as an Independent Advocate and became a Trustee on her retirement in 2014. Adele brings a working knowledge of the sector to the Trustee board.
Alistair Blake
Trustee
Ali is a Managing Director of a Digital Media Company. He brings a range of skills and talents to the charity and will be able to advise and inspire new ways of communicating using digital solutions.
David Percival MBE
Trustee
David is a career UK diplomat turned business leader, now based in Frinton on Sea.
David brings many years of experience of charity governance and leadership, as a Board member of the British Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, and with his work for the Deloitte Foundation in China.