Huge congratulations to our new chief officer Helen Newman

We are pleased to announce our new chief officer Helen Newman. She takes over from Mark Robinson who has decided to step down as chief officer after nineteen years of valued service.

Helen joined Age UK Barnet in 2011, in 2013 she became Neighbourhood Services manager and was appointed deputy chief officer a year later.

And now Age UK Barnet’s trustees believe Helen’s skills and experience put her in a great position to meet the challenges ahead.    

‘Mark is a hard act to follow but I am delighted to have this opportunity to lead the wonderful team of staff and volunteers at Age UK Barnet as we begin this exciting new chapter in our long history in the borough,’ says Helen. ‘We are looking forward to building further on our success providing activities and a range of services for older people and enabling them to make the most of later life.’

A little bit about Helen…

Originally from Yorkshire, Helen came to London to study French and German at Kings College. Before joining Age UK Barnet, she worked as a journalist for 20 years and has lived in Barnet since 1996.

Helen is chair of governors at a primary school in the borough and an active member of St. John’s Church in Friern Barnet where she can occasionally be seen cooking at the lunch club.

She is 50, married, with a son at university and outside work she enjoys walking her dog, spending time with family and friends, cooking and travelling. She is also an avid reader and part of a book club.