Board of Trustees

What is your job role and company? Strategy Manager, Lloyds Banking Group

How would you describe your day job? In my role, I help set the strategy for the Insurance, Pensions, and Investments division of Lloyds Banking Group. I love breaking down complex problems and using data to support action.

What interests do you have or like to do in your spare time? In my spare time, I can usually be found in the gym, a yoga class or walking around the Welsh countryside.

Why did you decide to become a Trustee? I became a Trustee at Age Cymru West Glamorgan as a means of applying the skills I use in my day job to an extremely worthwhile cause. Having older relatives who have recently required additional support, I understand first-hand how important Age Cymru West Glamorgan is to the local community.

What is your job role and company? I work as the External Relations and Engagement Manager at Swansea University within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. I am also Trustee & Council Member of Swansea University, Sameera Foundation, Local Authority School Governor for Parkland Primary School and Olchfa School, Member of Council Cymru - University College Union (UCU),  Sketty Mosque & Community Centre.

How would you describe your day job? I focus on building partnerships and collaborations with a variety of stakeholders, ranging from senior executives to junior team members, both within and outside the university. A significant part of my role involves guiding and mentoring colleagues at all levels, as well as scrutinising workplace policies to ensure they are inclusive and supportive of diverse communities. I’m always striving to see the bigger picture and contribute to the long-term strategic goals of the organisation.

What interests do you have or like to do in your spare time? In my spare time, I dedicate myself to volunteering with various grassroots organisations in Swansea. I enjoy using my skills to help these organisations develop and implement effective policies and frameworks, supporting their growth and sustainability. I also enjoy gardening, listening to podcasts, and reading Tamil books to stay connected with the language. One of my ambitions is to visit as many countries as possible, and I’ve already covered about 30% of the world, though there’s still a long way to go. 

Why did you decide to become a Trustee? I decided to become a Trustee at Age Cymru West Glamorgan because I recognise the significant ageing population within the BAME community in South Wales, a group that often lacks targeted services. As a Trustee, I aim to ensure that ACWG’s services are accessible to everyone, making all residents feel that they truly belong in Wales, regardless of their background. My goal is to help navigate and bridge this gap, fostering an inclusive environment for all.

What is your job role and company? Self-employed web designer, prior to retirement

How would you describe your day job? Retired

What interests do you have or like to do in your spare time? In my spare time I enjoy seeing family and friends, especially my two very young grandchildren.

Why did you decide to become a Trustee? I became a Trustee of ACWG as I have always been a busy person and wanted to do something useful to help others when I retired. I have been very involved with helping tenants of social housing in Wales for several years, including being a Board member of a registered social landlord until recently. I have found the skills I have learnt over the years very useful in helping steer ACWG through the difficult times of the last couple of years.

What is your job role and company?  Senior Public Affairs Officer, BMA Cymru Wales

How would you describe your day job?  Ensuring the voices and experiences of doctors and medical students are heard, listened to, and acted upon by Welsh Government, politicians, and decision-makers.

What interests do you have or like to do in your spare time?  I enjoy playing golf and watching sport, exploring the countryside with my wife and making jams and other preserves from the fruit in our garden.

Why did you decide to become a Trustee?  Having lived, studied, and worked in the area for more than a decade while having an interest and knowledge in both health & social care and political engagement, I wanted to use my skills and networks to support an important local cause and ensure older people and their families are able to access the help and advice they need.

Born in 1950 in London and raised in Barry, Jamie comes from a large, diverse family rooted in Black Barbadian and Welsh white working-class ancestry. His grandfather arrived in South Wales in 1906, shaping Jamie’s values of family, equality, and community. Embracing change and challenge, he became the first in his family to earn a degree, the first Director of a local government ethnic minorities department, the first BME appointee to the South East Regional Development Agency, and the first Black Councillor on Southampton City Council.

Jamie’s lifelong commitment to community spans voluntary work, leadership roles in charities supporting elders, women, and people with disabilities, and international development projects connecting diaspora communities. Over 40 years, he has been an activist tackling racial harassment, advising the UK Government and Local Government Association, and consulting on equality and diversity.

Since 2015, Jamie has focused on heritage projects in South Wales and Southampton, uncovering “invisible histories,” including Black and Arab merchant sailors from WWII and the 1918–21 race riots. A radio broadcaster for over a decade, he hosts shows on Unity 101 and Hot Gold. Living in Maesteg, he joined Age Cymru West Glamorgan to support older people amid shrinking local services and funding.

A bit about who I am
I’m a born-and-bred Pembrokeshire girl from a farming family, with a strong work ethic and a love of community baked in from the start. After many years living in England and building my career in social housing, I returned to Pembrokeshire just before the pandemic—perfect timing for rediscovering muddy boots and coastal walks, not so great for house renovations though!

My relevant experience
I’ve had the privilege of working with both large and small housing associations across England and Wales, leading customer-facing services and the teams who deliver them. My passion lies in making sure everyone has access to a home that’s not just a roof over their head, but a place to live, thrive, and feel secure. I bring a mix of strategic management experience and frontline insight, having worked across service delivery, community engagement, and operational leadership.

Why I chose to become a trustee for ACWG
After moving to Pontardawe, I was keen to find a way to support the communities around me. Having previously worked for an Age Cymru brand partner in an Information and Advice role, I knew just how vital this charity’s work is. When I saw that Age Cymru West Glamorgan were looking for volunteer trustees, it felt like the stars had aligned.

That earlier role didn’t just shape my professional perspective—it influenced personal decisions too. My partner and I found ourselves asking, “What do we need to keep living well and independently as we get older?” (Spoiler: it’s not just good coffee, wine and a sea view, though those help.) That experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the kind of support ACWG offers and the difference it makes.

I hope to bring my management knowledge and service delivery experience to help ACWG continue to thrive. I’m a firm believer in the saying, “It’s the life in your years that count, not the years in your life”—and I think that beautifully reflects ACWG’s ethos.

And yes, I do try to live by that motto. I’ve recently joined the Rock Choir (still working on hitting the high notes), started learning Spanish and digital photography (not simultaneously, thankfully), and I’m steadily ticking off my bucket list of bands and artists I want to see live. Add in dog walks, pink hair and a healthy dose of curiosity, and you’ve got a snapshot of me.

I’m thrilled to be part of the ACWG team and look forward to working alongside you all to support our communities with compassion, creativity, and a touch of humour.