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Meet the Team

Our Trustees

Charity trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. Trustees must make sure that the charity’s assets and resources are used only for the purposes of the charity. They must make sure that the charity is administered effectively and run in accordance with its governing document, charity law and all other laws and regulations that affect its activities.

  • Chair of Trustees: Tony Morris

    I have been a Trustee with Age UK for the past three years and was honoured to be appointed Chair in late 2025. Now retired, I spent my entire career working in private businesses of all sizes, including running my own company. My experience spans manufacturing, sales and marketing, and logistics, progressing to senior leadership roles running businesses. Earlier in my career, I completed an MBA at Bradford Business School. I live with my wife and our two Golden Retrievers in Kebroyd near Ripponden. I enjoy keeping active through squash, golf and bridge, and I like to fit in the occasional day’s local fishing when time allows. I have three sons and five grandchildren, so life is happily busy.

    I am privileged to work alongside such a committed team of staff and volunteers. The work they do every day makes a real difference to older people in our community, and I am committed to supporting and championing all that we do to promote the wellbeing, independence and quality of life of older people.

  • Pete Spark

    I joined the Board in March 2016 after working with Age UK C&K as part of my company’s Community Involvement as I was interested in the welfare of older people. I am now retired from my role as Financial Controller at Cummins Turbo Technologies in Huddersfield where I was primarily responsible for Finance support to the Global Turbocharger Supply Chain organisation.

    Outside of work I enjoy travelling, walking, reading fiction and listening to music. I am married with two daughters, one of whom works in IT for the NHS in Manchester and the other is a lawyer in London.

  • Charles Young

    My reasons for wanting to become a trustee of Age UK is to give something back to our local community by working alongside a Board that share the same core values and ambitions in helping to make a real difference to the lives of older people.

    Having spent four years as a Samaritan, 10 years as a Magistrate I now, as a volunteer driver help lonely elderly people to get out and about more independently.

    Prior to retiring I worked for an international company with responsible for their UK service operation.

    My wife and I moved to Halifax in 1984 and have always been ‘keep fit’ enthusiasts enjoying playing squash, skiing, and walking.  Socially we enjoy eating out with friends and visits to the theatre.

  • Munaf Patel

    I became a Trustee in 2021

    I have extensive experience of working within the care profession supporting vulnerable people and disadvantaged communities in Bradford, Leeds, Kirklees and Calderdale.  Over the years, I’ve worked in a number of roles ranging from a frontline Social Worker in Bradford to undertaking a more strategic function as a Head of Service for Leeds City Council.  I also have extensive experience of working in the voluntary sector, having spent 6 years as a Project Manager with Action for Children.  In my current role, I am Director of Home Instead in Calderdale and the Spen Valley, supporting older people to remain living at home by providing them with care packages suited to their needs. 

    I am a family man with 3 grown up daughters, who has recently been introduced to the joys of being a grandparent. 

    In my spare time, I enjoy playing 5 a side football and go to the gym, although not as often as I should!

  • Leanne Gibson

    I joined the Board of Trustees in March 2023.

    I am a Solicitor at Ramsdens Solicitors – a Yorkshire based firm which specialise in a variety of different legal matters. I specialise in Court of Protection work - particularly the management of property and financial affairs for elderly and vulnerable clients under a Lasting Power of Attorney or Deputyship. My role is to ensure clients are safeguarded against financial crime, investigate and restore the estate where financial crime has taken place prior to appointment and to strategise where there are complex financial matters. The overall aim is to help our clients live happily and comfortably.

    I am also on the committee for the Professional Deputies Forum which aims to support and contribute to the work of professional deputies and those who work alongside them on matters concerning vulnerable adults who lack or have limited mental capacity.

    I lived in Newcastle for my university years, but I am a Yorkshire girl at heart and quickly moved back to the area after I graduated!

  • Debbie Robinson

    Debbie Robinson brings over 38 years of experience working in the NHS. She has spent her career helping to improve care for people in their local communities, especially in GP services and community health.

    Debbie has worked in senior leadership roles across West Yorkshire. She focuses on making services easier to use, more joined up, and fair for everyone. She is passionate about helping people stay well, live independently, and get the right care at the right time.

    Debbie joined the Board of Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees in late 2025. As a Trustee, she wants to support older people to live happy, healthy, and connected lives. She cares deeply about reducing loneliness and making sure people feel valued and heard.

    Debbie believes in working closely with local organisations and communities. She brings strong experience in planning services, leading change, and working in partnership.

    Debbie is married, has two grown daughters, and is now enjoying the delights of being a grandparent. Outside of her professional life, she values time with family, staying active, and being part of her local community.

  • Sakina Rhodes

    I Joined the Board of trustees in March 2025.

    I started as a Volunteer for Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees as a befriender in 2019, which gave me valuable insight into the vital services the charity offers.

    I’m passionate about helping others and committed to supporting older people during these difficult times. As someone who was born locally and has over 20 years of experience working directly with clients, I understand the issues many older people face at the moment. My background includes roles with other Age UK’s, work for the local council in housing, and at a debt charity. As a trustee, I believe my skills and experience align closely with the values of the charity, and I’m confident I can make a meaningful contribution.

    I am a mum so in my spare time we like going to the cinema, theme parks or the cat café.

  • Steve Brennan

    I became a Trustee at the beginning of 2026.  I have worked in the public sector for 34 years, with the majority of this within local NHS and local authorities across West and South Yorkshire.  I have previous experience as a Trustee with the Overgate Hospice in Calderdale. 

    In my roles I have always valued the work of the voluntary and charitable sector and the important role they play in supporting people and communities.  I hope that I can use my experience and knowledge to support the work of Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees.

    I live in Huddersfield and I am married with 2 sons. 

Our Senior Team

  • Rachel is the Chief Executive of Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees, bringing together strategic leadership with a practical, people‑first approach. A qualified accountant, she combines financial clarity with a strong commitment to delivering services that genuinely improve the lives of older adults.

    Known for her steady judgement and collaborative style, Rachel builds strong relationships with staff, partners, and the wider community.

    She looks forward to spending quality time with family and friends.

  • Carol Rodmell is Deputy Chief Executive for Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees.

    I come from a background of telecommunications where I was Head of  Services including, Health & safety, Quality and HR.  Then I went on to own my own telecommunications company. I became a befriending volunteer in 2013 and then in 2014, took a part-time role within the Admin team.

    I live in Halifax with my husband Jonathan and my 15 year old son Ethan. Ethan often volunteers for Age UK and is a regular in our bee costume at the summer fayres!

    In my spare time I love to spend time with family and friends, especially Mum. Hobbies include running and walking Ruby, my dog.