Trustees & Leadership Team

Jo has been chair of the Board at LAT since 2020, having joined as a trustee and director in 2019.  She works closely with the trustees and the CEO to help run an excellent organisation which delivers for people who use its services.

She started her career as a probation volunteer in 1993, and she graduated from Birmingham University in 2000 as a Lincolnshire Probation Officer, before eventually leading Probation organisations in the East Midlands.

The most rewarding part of her role is being a part of LAT’s intelligence, knowledge and understanding to deliver impact for people.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“That when you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, change happens.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“‘A stitch in time saves nine’. Honestly, I thought as a child that this was some spooky reference to time travel, later I appreciated it is about basic maintenance which is an adorable thing to focus on for part of every day.  It is satisfying, efficient and values what you have rather than doing major repairs or total change.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“I like to do ‘a stitch in time’ for health and wellbeing – so walk, read, sleep, have fun with friends and family, learn some new things, help someone out, notice it all.”

Georgia is the Company Secretary and as the Treasurer she has specific responsibility for overseeing LAT’s financial management framework and controls, reserve policy and risks around business continuity. Georgia joined the Board in 2021.

She has a BA Hons from the University of Manchester in Accounts, Finance and Social Studies, and she is a Fellow Chartered Accountant. She qualified as an auditor with a medium-sized firm of chartered accountants in 1994. She has since moved to UKAS as the Finance and Corporate Services Director and Company Secretary responsible for finance, systems, facilities, HR, and later customer services.

The idea of sharing her experience and knowledge with an organisation that is supporting the rehabilitation and resettlement of individuals and their families, making sure that they are getting fair treatment and the support they need to succeed, is what excited Georgia most about joining LAT.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Be kind to yourself, and you can never give a child too much love as a parent.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“I try and I can.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“Walk, play the piano, cycle, garden.”

Daniel Callaghan

Daniel joined LAT’s board in 2020 and is the lead trustee for safeguarding, which encompasses the safeguarding of adults, children and young people, as well as being a trauma informed organisation.

He is an Executive Primary Headteacher with a degree in Science and Education Studies. He describes LAT as a forward-thinking organisation, one that seeks to change the trajectory of those they serve, benefitting individuals and their families as well as the community and society.

Daniel says the most rewarding part of his role is witnessing at first hand the impact of the work of LAT’s incredible staff team. He says their kindness, determination and expertise are truly humbling and that it is an honour and a privilege to see how they change lives daily.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Make high-pressure decisions in low-pressure environments.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“I am an avid sports fan and love going to watch my football team, Nottingham Forest, and spending time with my family of course!”

Paul joined the LAT Board in January 2022 and he uses his business experience to support the team with growth, organisational design and people strategies.

Paul is a part-time strategic advisor to a number of organisations, supporting their growth globally and a Director of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK. Previously he had a career in retain for 40 years, almost 30 of which were at TJX Europe (TK Maxx & Homesense), where he was the Senior Vice President, Group Supply Chain Director. Having moved back to Lincoln, he welcomed the opportunity to join LAT and give something back to the community.

Paul says the most inspiring part of his role is supporting the amazing team to improve the lives of people in difficult circumstances and having the opportunity to continue to learn.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Use every event or situation as an opportunity to learn.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“Don’t worry, we can figure it out!”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“I like travel, theatre, and most sports but especially football as a long-suffering Leeds United season ticket holder.”

David joined LAT’s Board in December 2020, and he primarily focuses on governance, risk and board assurance.

He has an honours degree in pharmacy and worked in the NHS for 41 years. He undertook various senior roles, including Chief Pharmacist, Hospital Director, and Head of Governance. When he retired, he became a trustee for St Barnabas Hospice, which he has done since 2013, and he is now the Vice Chair. He has also been an Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) member for HMP Lincoln for over ten years, and he is now an IMB member for HMP Morton Hall.

He joined LAT because he was aware of the passion and commitment of the organisation in supporting the rehabilitation and resettlement of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. He also wanted to give back to society and be a part of an innovative, inspiring organisation.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Be true to yourself.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“If you always do what you always did, you always get what you always got.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“Reading, running, cycling, walking and watching football.”

Stephen joined the Board of LAT in 2023.  He has specific responsibility for compliance and sustainability issues. He brings expertise in law and business, as well as a strong academic background in environmental law and sustainability.

Stephen has a background in criminal defence litigation, having represented clients across a wide range of cases, particularly in the London area. He describes LAT as an organisation that makes a real difference in people’s lives, offering crucial support during times of significant stress and uncertainty.

Stephen says the most rewarding part of his role is hearing first-hand accounts of how LAT’s staff have helped individuals in difficult circumstances. He finds the impact of the team’s work both inspiring and humbling.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“Never give up.”

What’s your favourite motto?
“Fortiter in Re, Suaviter in Modo” – Strong in Action, Gentle in Manner.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
“I enjoy cycling and exploring the countryside.”

Alison is LAT’s Chief Executive. She works with the trustee board and is responsible for ensuring LAT delivers its strategic plan, within budget, whilst achieving the mission of the organisation.

After graduating with a first-class honours degree in Social Policy, she joined the Lincolnshire Probation Service and was responsible for managing its employability provision. This, along with studying for a master’s degree in Social Policy and Criminology, made her realise that criminal justice was an area she was passionate about.

She was most excited to join LAT as she felt as if it was the perfect opportunity to make a difference. She says working in the voluntary sector gives unparalleled freedom to design and shape services, and that is what gets her out of bed each day. She also says working with such a great team is the most inspiring part of her role, and their constant commitment and tenacity to positively change lives amazes her.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Be authentic.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“Wise people talk because they have something to say, fools talk because they have to say something.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“Travelling and spending time with family, ideally by the coast, and baking.”

Adelle is the Head of Custody Services; she oversees the operational management of LAT custody contracts in police stations and prisons within our contract area. She also offers support to staff within the same portfolio with their roles. 

Within her role Adelle identifies gaps in service provisions and develops solutions to create opportunities to overcome these. It is these challenges, alongside working with staff doing the day-to-day operation, that helps Adelle to work smart and make a difference to the community.  

Adelle has over 10 years’ experience working within the criminal justice sector, predominantly within Police Custody and Prisoner Transportation. It is using this experience to make a difference on a variety of projects that makes her role at LAT enjoyable.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Find what you feel passionate about and make it your job that way you will never work a day in your life.” 

What’s your favourite motto?

“If you work in an organisation you don’t believe in it becomes stressful, if you work in an organisation you do believe in it becomes a passion.” 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, dog walking, upcycling and gardening.”

Claire is the Head of Community Services and is responsible for supporting the teams delivering services across Lincolnshire and Humberside. She joined LAT as she was inspired by the charity’s ethos and, genuine passion of everyone, and is excited to see first-hand how people overcome their challenges to live full lives. 

She gained a master’s degree in Charity Leadership and has worked in the charitable sector for 20 years, including senior management roles in a local grassroots charity and a national housing charity for people with convictions. 

“The most rewarding part of my job is knowing my contribution has made a tangible difference. This is especially true when the work I am involved in is having a significant impact on people’s lives, bringing hope and a confidence that the future can be good.” 

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Treat other people the way that you want to be treated.”

What’s your favourite motto? 

“We meet no ordinary people in our lives.”

 What do you like to do in your spare time?

“I read copious amounts of books, walk the dogs and try my hand at DIY.” 

Peter is Head of Business Services, supporting Alison, Adelle and Claire, alongside the Board.

Previously he was a civil servant, before working in senior leadership roles in prisons and then, briefly, in the NHS. Peter joined LAT in 2020. He says he was excited about joining LAT as he’d admired the organisation since first coming into close contact with its work in 2012. He says it’s a great privilege to now be a member of the team. Peter says that the most inspiring part of his role is working with Alison, Adelle and Claire, and the amazing Board of Trustees.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“A professional is someone who does the little things well.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“’The truth will do’ as in the answer to the question ‘What should I say?’”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“I read novels and play with cats (these are not compatible activities).”

Joanna Abdulla is the Family Engagement Manager at Lincolnshire Action Trust (LAT), overseeing teams across four prison sites.

In her role, Joanna ensures each team member is fully supported, enabling them to deliver impactful, compassionate services to prisoners and their families. Her responsibilities include weekly site visits, leading supervisions and team meetings, and attending senior management meetings both within LAT and across the prison estate working closely with governors, custodial managers and other prison staff. She also encourages strong links with external agencies to secure additional support for families who need it most.

Joanna’s professional journey began in childcare. After qualifying with a Diploma in Nursery Nursing in 2001, she built a successful career across various settings, including primary schools, nurseries, soft play centres and a children’s hospital ward, and she even ran her own nursery for five years.

She joined LAT in 2023 with a deep personal connection to the work, having experienced at first hand the challenges faced by families of those in prison.

Joanna was inspired to join LAT by the opportunity to support families during one of the most challenging times of their lives. Having experienced the impact of imprisonment in her own childhood, she felt driven to offer the kind of support her family never had.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“My late father once told me, ‘Joanna, you need to take this job in the prison, you were made for this, and it will be the best thing you’ve ever done.’ He was absolutely right. This job changed my life.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“Things happen for a reason; it may not seem that way now, and the reasons aren’t clear, but in time they will be.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

 “I’m a big family person and love spending time with my large extended family. When I need a bit of ‘me time,’ you’ll find me in the baking corner of my kitchen, experimenting with new recipes or baking up some family favourites.”

Zoe Chaloner is the Resettlement Services Manager covering LAT resettlement services at both HMP Lincoln and HMP Morton Hall.

Zoe’s career started as Team Leader in a residential setting which involved supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs as well as staff training. She then spent nine years working within apprenticeship training programmes supporting others to become the best care staff to help make a difference to vulnerable people’s lives, before joining LAT in January 2024.

Zoe says the most exciting part of joining LAT was being able to work alongside others who share the same passion she has for supporting people to achieve their best. She says there is no better feeling than knowing your contribution to someone’s life has had a positive impact.

She considers the most rewarding part of her role is being able to make a difference to people’s lives by taking small steps and seeing what impact this makes.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Never judge a book by its cover.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“You miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t take.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“I like to practise spirituality and mediumship. I am a very social person, and you will usually find me with friends, family and being out and about with the dogs!”

Amy is Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion (CJL & D) Manager. Her job is to coordinate, manage and develop LAT’s Liaison and Diversion Service across Lincolnshire, and to manage the CJL & D team to ensure a consistent, high-quality service is delivered to individuals in police custody.

Amy completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University and has almost completed a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology at the University of Lincoln. She has volunteered with vulnerable individuals in both Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, as well as overseas in Sri Lanka, and worked as a CJL & D practitioner before her promotion to manager in April 2023.

The most inspiring and rewarding part of Amy’s role is supporting the practitioners to change the lives of others and be able to make an impact on the criminal justice system.

What excited you most about joining LAT? 

The opportunity to work with vulnerable individuals, and advocate for them when they have no-one else.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“You cannot fill from an empty cup.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“This too shall pass.”  

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“I love to travel when possible, or I spend my days outdoors with loved ones on long walks or at the beach”

Serena is LAT’s Employability Manager and her role is to support her team to enable them to do their job effectively whilst also meeting contract targets. She undertakes case work at HMP Whatton and HMP Stocken, supporting individuals on the CFOe employability project to overcome barriers and get closer to the securing work.

Serena is a University of Lincoln graduate, having studied Criminology and Social Policy after having her children and completing various access courses.

After finishing university, she worked for NCHA as a housing support worker for a new housing project for young people in Grantham, before joining LAT as an employability tutor, working in HMP Stocken, HMP Ashwell and in the community. After this, she went to work for East Lindsey District Council as a housing support worker on a local community project for a short time to gain more experience. She then re-joined LAT in 2011 as a senior employability practitioner in custody, before becoming Employability Manager in custody and the community.

Being able to work with the client group is what excites Serena about working at LAT, and supporting her team and seeing clients achieve their goals is the most rewarding part of her role.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“To keep my head down and mouth shut (I do manage it sometimes!).”

What’s your favourite motto?

“It is what it is.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“Gardening, travelling, reading, skiing, cycling, sailing, cooking and drinking gin.”

Connie Pickard is the Business Services Manager. Her responsibilities include managing the Business Services Team, doing daily office tasks and admin and supporting the Executive Team.

Connie graduated from University with a BA Hons degree in History. For the last eight years, she has worked in the events industry, experiencing different elements of festivals and venues.

What Connie was excited by most when joining LAT was the challenge of something different, exploring a sector that she has never been involved in before and making a difference in the community. The most rewarding part of Connie’s role is noticing the small differences that she can make in the day-to-day.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Why fly to the moon when you can reach for the stars?”

What’s your favourite motto? 

“Take each day as it comes.”

 What do you like to do in your spare time?

“In my spare time I enjoy reading, going out and about with my family and loved ones, and walking the dog, ideally on a beach.”

Mandy is LAT’s Finance Manager. Her main duties include monitoring all areas of finance, from preparing accounts ready to be audited to ensuring all projects remain within budget and funds are spent in line with the agreed contracts.

She has been employed by the charity since April 2019 and has really enjoyed how varied the role is and the different challenges that arise when working for a charity. She says LAT’s ethos and values have inspired her and given her a much better understanding of the different challenges people face in society, and how, with a little help the future can be changed for the better.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Treat others as you wish to be treated and always be kind.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“You only live once! No, you only die once, you live every day.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“I am a very busy mum of two teenagers, but when I do get some time, I love to go walking and running with our rescue dog Charlie.”

Rob is CRS Manager for the Personal Wellbeing Service and Women‘s Services, and he provides leadership and support to three hard-working teams across Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire.

Rob started at LAT in 2005. Since then, he has worked in probation, in prisons and in police stations providing support across various projects. He has also established volunteering projects and delivered training and group work to clients, staff and volunteers.

Being able to help others in a world where every day is different is what excited Rob the most about joining the charity. He was also excited about having the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives. He says the most rewarding part of his role is when he sees someone he helped previously and sees how much they have progressed.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Reach out for help. We all need it. Also stop and celebrate success.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“Do and be what makes you happy!”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“Walking, camping, outdoors. Travel when I can. Eat good food too!”

Sarah joined LAT in 2017 and is now the Family Engagement Manager for HMP Hull and HMP Humber. This includes managing the family engagement workers and family support workers across both prisons. She is very passionate about supporting and leading such a positive team, with service delivery and best practice high on her agenda. Sarah also supports both sites with family days and overseeing of complex caseloads.

Sarah has a variety of qualifications; Level 3 counselling, mental health awareness, NVQ 2 in customer advice and NVQ Level 4 in IA&G (Information Advice and Guidance). She is also qualified at Level 4 in teaching adults.

Sarah had 19 years of experience within the prison setting as an Operational Support Grade where she focussed heavily on visits, booking in and explaining processes and procedures to families and significant others when they arrive at the prison.

The most inspiring or rewarding part of Sarah’s role is supporting families and prisoners, especially when it’s their first time in custody and at the most critical time in people’s lives. Being a point of contact for support, information and guidance. Now Sarah is a leader, she enjoys sharing her experience, knowledge and skills with the team to ensure they are providing good service and best practices.

What excited you most about joining LAT?

“Supporting families and prisoners throughout their journey, especially those who have never had any experience in the criminal justice system, providing advice and guidance! Also joining an organisation whose values are akin to mine.”

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Treat people how you wish to be treated! From my father.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“Don’t look back, you’re not going that way. The only time you should look back is to see how far you’ve come.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“Spending time with my family and friends. Lots of laughter! My favourite places are waterfalls!”

Gill is the Senior Support Worker at HMP Stocken, where she leads LAT’s families team in creating a warm, welcoming and supportive environment for both prisoners and their families. Her role involves offering practical help, guidance and advocacy, with a focus on building trust and fostering positive, life-changing relationships.

Gill joined the Lincolnshire Action Trust (LAT) in 2018, bringing with her a wealth of experience from a long and successful career in the early years and childcare sector. She also spent many years as a lecturer, teaching on a BSc degree professional skills module and specialising in all aspects of early childhood development.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Gill’s work is the opportunity to build caring and trusting relationships with those she supports, knowing these connections can truly transform lives.

Gill was initially excited by the opportunity to apply her transferable skills from her previous career to support children and families. Once in post, she quickly saw the profound impact that family support and engagement work can have on every aspect of a family’s life.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

 “Some of the best advice you will ever get comes from your gut instinct.”

What’s your favourite motto?

 “Mistakes are learning opportunities – don’t let any go to waste!”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

 “Family is very important to me, so I love spending time with my family and grandchildren. Together we cook, eat, play and learn.”

Roxanne Chambers is LAT’s Senior Women’s Service Practitioner; her role is to support the Women’s Service team in providing a holistic and dynamic support package for women in the criminal justice system across Greater Lincolnshire.

During the previous 10 years to this Roxanne held management positions in early years settings and wraparound care for children in several schools around Lincoln. This is where Roxanne’s passion for safeguarding and support began, and her roles involved ensuring each child had a safe space and was happy to have their own voice. During this time Roxanne completed her Early Years Educator NVQ and started her six-year safeguarding pathway.

When joining LAT in 2021, Roxanne was most excited by the passionate and supportive team which really helped her transition from the educational setting into criminal justice sector. She says she couldn’t see herself working anywhere else now!

For Roxanne the most rewarding part of her job is working with women and promoting empowerment of all women. She believes that the women supported by LAT are some of the strongest and most passionate people you will ever meet. Their strength to overcome so many barriers is truly inspiring.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

 “When you are long gone, people will not remember the car you had or how many bedrooms your home has – they’ll remember the kind of person you were. Always be kind and passionate to others.”

What’s your favourite motto?

 “Behind every great woman… is another great woman.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

 “I love swimming in any form. I’ll swim in the sea, a pool, a lake… even a puddle if its big enough! I also enjoy cooking for my friends and family, listening to music, going to gigs and walking my dog!”

Kerah Lee is a Senior RECONNECT Practitioner.  She currently works on the RECONNECT service, holding a case load that supports individuals serving a sentence at HMP Lincoln, and then following them into the community to ensure clients can navigate and access vital support services post-release. As a Senior Practitioner, Kerah also supports her team to make sure that they feel safe and confident in their work to be able to deliver a high-quality, responsive, and cohesive service for the clients.

Kerah studied Law and Criminology at Lincoln University. Shortly after graduating, she started to volunteer for Lincolnshire Action Trust in the Departure Lounge at HMP Lincoln. She moved into her first paid role with LAT in 2020 and has worked on different projects based at HMP Ranby and HMP Lincoln.

Kerah loves that LAT is a non-judgmental organisation and strives to see the best in people. She says her colleagues at LAT are inspiring and that empowering people is the charity’s bread and butter.

What inspires Kerah most is her clients. She wants to be the best she can be to ensure that she can provide the high level of service that her clients deserve – seeing the difference is what makes it so rewarding.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Having to take a break and ask for help is a strength, not a weakness!”

What’s your favourite motto?

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“I love to spend time with my friends and family.”

Ruth Middleton is a Senior Women’s Support Practitioner for Women RISE; her role is to support the running and development of the RISE project alongside case working with clients.

RISE is a women-specific service which aims to support those who are at risk of entering or re-entering the criminal justice system.

Ruth has a degree in Childhood and Youth Work Professional Studies and previously designed and managed her own project on the East Coast to support vulnerable people to move forward in their lives.

What she was most excited by when joining LAT was the company ethos and the opportunity to build a women’s centre model in Lincolnshire.

What inspires Ruth most in her role is having the privilege to watch women’s journeys and be a part of their story.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“The best piece of advice I have ever been given was by a colleague, who told me to ‘choose what you give oxygen to’ and this is now something I use as my motto.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“I spend my spare time in the garden; I’m by no means an expert but being outside in nature feels great!”

Paige Thornalley is a Senior Personal Wellbeing Practitioner; her role is to support and supervise the Personal Wellbeing Team, as well as provide support and guidance to clients who are going through a challenging time to help them to make positive changes and improve their wellbeing.

Paige completed a psychology degree before joining LAT in 2021 as a Personal Wellbeing Practitioner and she has since progressed to Senior Personal Wellbeing Practitioner in 2024.

What excited Paige the most about joining LAT was the opportunity to have a positive impact on people’s lives helping them to become happier versions of themselves. Also, the varied role means no two days are the same.

The most inspiring and rewarding part of Paige’s role is witnessing the strength of the men who have spent time in the criminal justice system. After putting so much hard work into transforming their lives, it’s such a special moment when she sees them laugh and smile for the first time. Paige feels honoured to be able to watch their progression and celebrating their successes is rewarding for both them and her.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Push yourself to do things that are outside of your comfort zone.”

What’s your favourite motto?

“Be kind to your mind”

What do you like to do in your spare time?

“I enjoy going to the gym, cooking, spending time with family and spending time outdoors.”