Board of trustees
Search Newcastle’s trustees and staff team bring together a wealth of knowledge of issues affecting older people in Newcastle.
Jenefer Bell,
Jen joined Search as a volunteer in November 2020, a trustee in Jan 2021 and has taken on the role as Chair....
Jen joined Search as a volunteer in November 2020, a trustee in Jan 2021 and has taken on the role as Chair from July 2021. She has recently retired from a varied career in Further Education which included lecturing in technical ICT, managing a range of curriculum and delivering Student Services which included responsibility for Safeguarding.
Ruth Taylor,
Vice Chair Ruth Taylor is a senior project worker for the Pendower Good Neighbour project in....
Vice Chair Ruth Taylor is a senior project worker for the Pendower Good Neighbour project in Benwell. For over 11 years she has been working in the west of Newcastle and is a resident of Benwell. Ruth has been on the Board of Trustee since 2008.
Catherine Winfield,
Catherine joined our board in 2021
Keith Williamson,
Keith is a retired chartered accountant who joined Search as a Treasurer in March 2018. He has....
Keith is a retired chartered accountant who joined Search as a Treasurer in March 2018. He has decades of experience supporting companies and organisations with their financial needs. He is currently also a Trustee for two other charities in the North East.
Frank Lai,
Frank joined our board in March 2023. He is an academic working at a North East university...
Frank joined our board in March 2023. He has teaching, research, leadership and professional development roles at a North East university. He is a scholar of cognitive sciences, dementia care and caregiver research. Frank is an occupational therapist by training, and has extensive experience as a frontline service provider, service manager, training officer, and administrator in different healthcare and social care settings over the world. Frank’s international background and experience support organisations’ process and resources management, service planning and development, and programme evaluation. Currently, Frank is the trustee of a charity organisation in support of the population facing social inequality in Newcastle and he is an honorary advisor of an older Chinese people network of the North East.
Linda Woodcock,
Linda has been part of the Search team since 2002, when she first became a Search Friend. Over the years, her involvement has grown from trustee to volunteer receptionist, giving her a unique understanding of Search and the people it supports..
Linda values Search’s strong community presence and its commitment to helping people across Newcastle, particularly those experiencing difficult times and facing challenges in the local community. She is passionate about the difference Search makes and enjoys being part of an organisation that offers practical support, care and a welcoming presence to so many people. With more than two decades of involvement, Linda brings a wealth of experience, dedication and a genuine commitment to Search and the community it serves.
Emma Donaldson,
Emma joins as a trustee in Spring 2026...
Emma joins as a trustee in Spring 2026. Emma works in place-making within the social housing sector but has worked for many years supporting Newcastle residents in a variety of capacities and has a background in financial inclusion. Emma lives and grew up in the Outer-West of Newcastle but has worked across the city and region and is passionate about celebrating our people and communities. Emma is passionate about social justice and equality and loves music, books, travel, dogs, and heritage.
Michael Scoular,
Could you become a Trustee?
We have an exciting opportunity for two new Trustees to join us in developing the next stages of the organisation’s work. You will be a joining a team of seven trustees who come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
We are keen to hear from people who have a business background and experience within financial and commercial sector. You don’t need trustee experience but be prepared and able to offer governance and leadership to guide the organisation’s strategic development.
For more information download further details or get in touch with for an informal chat.
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