Our People

Dr. Gill Fargher - Chair of Trustees

As Chair, I aim to contribute what I can to this innovative organisation - where striving for and delivering excellent services, whilst valuing all personnel, makes it very special indeed.

My background

Previously, I was a GP Partner in a Rochester practice for 32 years, retiring in 2019. I have held a number of other roles in addition to working as a GP including in palliative care, HIV medicine, reproductive health, safeguarding, working as a police surgeon and for the last 10 years of my career worked in health commissioning at board level.

A bit about me

I really enjoy music, opera, all forms of dance, especially classical ballet as an observer and salsa and Zumba as a participant. I enjoy cooking and sugarcraft in particular. I am a very keen traveller and have visited almost 100 countries. I hope to visit Antarctica very soon in a trip commemorating Sir Ernest Shackleton's last expedition "The Quest".

Why I joined the Age UK Medway Board

It is an honour and a privilege to use my skills, expertise and experience in supporting Age UK Medway. We aim to enable and care for our clients in leading fulfilling, valued and valuable lives and also in supporting the wonderful staff who do all they can to achieve this.

Susan Robinson - Treasurer / Trustee

There is a great need to support the elder person in Medway and there are a lot of challenges ahead. All the the time I can help with this journey I want to stay involved.

My background

I am a Partner at Kreston Reeves Chartered Accountants and Head of the Charity and Not For Profit Sector.

A bit about me

I enjoy travelling, although currently planning to visit more of the UK.  I love to read and during the pandemic I reignited my passion for jigsaw puzzles.

Why I joined the Age UK Medway Board

I wanted to actively help a local charity and following a conversation with a trustee, got involved in what was then Age Concern Medway. I took a lead in merging with another Age Concern and Age UK Medway was born. The journey has been exciting, challenging and rewarding, and being a trustee is an honour and a privilege.

I have had many roles including Chair and Treasurer, but I see my main role as helping the charity navigate troubled waters, providing an excellent service to those that need our help and supporting an incredible team of people delivering our services.

Julia Burton-Jones - Vice Chair

I enjoy working alongside a committed team of senior staff and trustees where I see constant responsive development of services to better the lives of older people in Medway.

My background

I have worked in writing, development and adult learning in the fields of Ageing and Dementia since graduating in Social Policy in 1987. I hold a Masters in Adult and Continuing Education and have developed and delivered training programmes for health and care workers on behalf of several national charities, before moving to my current role with the Church of England in Kent, developing spiritual care for older people through Anna Chaplaincy. I am passionate about giving a voice to older people and their carers.

A bit about me

I am married to the Bishop of Tonbridge and have two adult children. Through my husband's role I have lived in several parts of Kent and South East London and have enjoyed getting to know the distinctive characteristics of these communities. My roots are in the North of England, and I enjoy visiting family in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Why I joined the Age UK Medway Board

I joined the board to contribute to the wellbeing on older people in Medway and bring my church links and dementia expertise to the organisation.  Being on the board of Age UK Medway is a privilege. I am constantly amazed by the skill and commitment of our staff team, particularly through the Covid pandemic which saw them working tirelessly to ensure our older people were not forgotten.

Ann West MBE JP DL - Trustee

I am proud to be a part of such a well run organisation caring for the older folk in Medway and beyond.

My background

I am a retired Deputy Head Teacher and carry out many active roles in the community: Overseas Project Co-ordinator, Bench Chair in charge of 300 Magistrates, Non-active Kent Deputy Lieutenant (age-related), Kent Ambassador, Chatham Historic Dockyard Ambassador, Chair of Rochester Grammar School Alumni, Trustee of Rochester Grammar School, Trustee of WALT, and Trustee of THE NET.

A bit about me

I organise Walking Netball, enjoy walking with local groups and motorhoming.

Why I joined the Age UK Medway Board

I was originally asked to join the board to Chair the new committee of merged Medway Age Concerns that became Age UK Medway, and carried out this role to the full terms.  I now hold a role as Trustee, and try to open doors and use my network of contacts for the benefit of the organisation.

Alan Bates OBE - Trustee

I continue to be a Trustee as it is rewarding to be part of the supporting needs of the elderly of Medway in later life.

My background

My work was in the construction sector as a Surveyor and Contracts Manager, then working as a Lecturer in the School of the Built Environment, and Construction Crafts in a further education college, ending up as Head of School. On retirement at 55, with a friend I formed a company in signage, graphics and exhibitions where I worked as a Business Partner until retirement at 70 years of age.

A bit about me

In addition to my day jobs, I was an unarmed member of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service for twenty years and was Staff Port Naval Auxiliary Officer for Thames and Medway which had six units within the geographical area and trained men and women in Seamanship, Marine Engineering, Communications and Operations.

Why I joined the Age UK Medway Board

I was asked by the Chair of Age UK Medway if I would consider becoming a Trustee, to which I agreed, and I have had a very enjoyable time, being Chair of the Board of Trustees for six years and still remaining as a Trustee.

Donna Terry - Trustee

The senior leadership team are really great in their roles and it's great to see their passion and ongoing drive!

My background

I've worked in the social care sector for 15 years; focusing on digital transformation and operational improvement in the home care and extra care services sector.

A bit about me

I love the outdoors; running and walking our dog in the countryside. I enjoy cooking (and eating good food). I love trying new things, but also enjoy a relaxing day at home.

Why I joined the Age UK Medway Board

I really want to give something back to my local community. Having worked in the social care sector for a long time, I understand the challenges that people face and want to offer my support in helping people enjoy their days as much as possible.

Paul Andrews - Trustee

The fantastic team the runs the organisation so successfully, they are innovative, inspiring and so understanding of needs of senior people.

My background

I am an Entrepreneur with much experience in IT, Radio Production and Digital Media.

A bit about me

I'm an avid reader and once owned and managed a motor racing team.

Why I joined the Age UK Medway Board

Being a carer for my aging mum, I know how much help, support and companionship our seniors deserve.  I believe Age UK Medway does a superb job of doing this and I wanted to help by becoming a Trustee - I'm also part of the Remuneration Committee.

John Norley - Group Chief Executive Officer

I am proud to lead a staff and volunteer team here at Age UK Medway which gives its best, every time, in every interaction we have with our beneficiaries. We have achieved a great deal together, and we have much still to do to improve the later lives of Medway's older people, and encourage everyone to Achieve their Life's Fullness.

My background

I have been a charity CEO for over 12 years, with a rich background in service provision for vulnerable groups since 1998. People describe my management style as open and engaging, and I am well known for my innovative approach to solutions in a complex and ever-changing environment.

A bit about me

I am an avid airsoft enthusiast, climber and kayaker (in better weather) in the little spare time I get away from raising my young family.

My role at Age UK Medway

As CEO I am ultimately responsible for everything and everyone in our organisation, which might sound daunting, but honestly, I have never had a more enjoyable role. The team I lead is hardworking and dedicated, and completely committed to our beneficiaries. We achieve nothing alone, but everything together.  What drives me the most is the potential, everyday, to make lasting change in older people's lives through our work.

Heather Woolley - Operations Director

What drives me is that we can, and do, make a difference and we don't stop looking for ways to improve upon what we do, no matter how hard it gets.

My background

I left my hometown of Sunderland many years ago to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) Medical Services and spent a long career working in both primary and secondary healthcare. In 1997 I moved to Kent and worked for a private sector financial services company in Gillingham and Folkstone. More recently I worked as Dementia Services Manager for Age Concern Central Lancashire and Home Support Services Manager for the Alzheimer’s Society in West Kent. I've been in my current role of Operations Director for 12 years and love the variety of the role and how it continues to grow and offer more to older people, especially in these challenging times. I have a Certificate in Management Studies, Diploma in European Business and MSc in Project Management.

A bit about me

In my spare time I complain that I have no spare time. Though I do enjoy renovating properties and was once featured on Homes Under the Hammer! I enjoy reading, gardening and shopping, mostly shopping!

My role at Age UK Medway

I am the Operations Director and Registered Manager, for two CQC registered Homecare services, in Medway and Faversham. I also line manage two Day Centres, one specialising in Dementia. All the services are incredibly busy, and we have a very hard-working, passionate and committed team, which I feel very proud to be part of.

Nick Chamberlain - Commercial Director

The world never stands still, and the search for better ways to achieve greater outcomes is continuous. Striving for such innovation and improvement is embedded within the culture of Age UK Medway, and to be a member of the Senior Management team tasked with driving that aim is hugely rewarding.

My background

Throughout my career in the finance, care, and health sectors, my focus has always been on marketing and business development, and the wealth of knowledge and experience I've built during that time shapes everything I bring to my role at Age UK Medway. As the charity's Commercial Director, it is my privilege to work with a fantastic Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team, all of whom share the same ambition - to ensure Age UK Medway is delivering precisely the services and support needed to enable older people throughout the Medway towns to Achieve Life's Fullness.  

A bit about me

Whether watching or playing, sport and exercise has always been a big part of my life. And, having now hung up my football boots, I instead enjoy setting myself challenges, usually involving lots of walking, and the occasional mountain!

My role at Age UK Medway

As Commercial Director, I am responsible for the charity's non-service-connected income streams, and lead the hard-working Fundraising, Retail, and Commercial teams as they raise vital funds towards our support for older people.