Meet our trustees

Cordell is Chief Executive of CCP. Cordell’s background is in community development and he is currently CEO of CCP, with a mission to prevent homelessness, strengthen families and promote independence and rights. Driven by a desire to create positive social impact, he firmly believes we can all add value by doing something extra, every day that will create a fairer and richer society for all. In addition Cordell is a Director of Aspire Gloucestershire and the Child and Family Learning Trust as well as being a school governor for two primary schools. He enjoys spending time with his family and being actively involved in the local community.

Emma Griffiths

Emma is CEO of Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum (FOWA). FOWA is the charity that supports the Arboretum’s Vision to be a world leader in trees, inspiring people through education, participation and conservation – connecting people with trees to improve the quality of life. Prior to this Emma was, for 8 years, CEO of Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS) which is a county wide charity providing high quality affordable counselling to children, families, adults, couples schools and workplaces. GCS are also a training organisation and train counsellors to post graduate level. Before working at GCS, Emma worked intensively at a therapeutic community for children at both residential care and senior management level. Emma then went on to re-train as a teacher and has taught Health & Social Care, Leadership and Management and Early Years in Further Education. Emma holds a Master’s in Business Administration and has a keen interest in governance. This combined with her varied experience of the VCS in Gloucestershire led her to wanting to be involved with the GVCSA as Trustee.

Abdul Mulla

Abudl is Senior Manager Personalised Care with NHS England. Abdul has over 30 years’ experience of in working in community, health and social care settings. He is currently working as a senior manager with NHS England covering the South west region. Formally a CEO of a health charity and a Healthwatch in Blackburn (Lancashire) for 12 years, he worked in local government developing community development projects and involving community in major regeneration schemes as well as a youth and community worker for 10 years. Abdul has spent over 20 years in governance roles in a voluntary capacity which include primary schools, high schools and special schools. Becoming chair of a CVS and a board member of a large social landlord as well as a member on the Lancashire Police Crime Commissioners Panel. Passionate about giving people a voice, in particular those who are most vulnerable and on the margins of society.”

Jenny Hopkins

Jenny is a former CEO of GDA, the Gloucestershire charity supporting deaf people. Jenny now works as a charity consultant and director of Penleaf, whilst at the same time studying for a PhD. She has been a VCS Alliance trustee since late 2018 and, as a trustee, specialises in strategy and governance issues.

Ali McGukin

Ali has been a trustee for many years and is able to use her knowledge to support and guide our team. Ali has broad experience both as a clinical specialist in the NHS and also in IT, primarily delivering solutions to NHS healthcare providers in the secondary and mental health sectors. She is also a Trustee for Lydcare, a small charity based in Lydbrook delivering a Voluntary driving service, Lunch Clubs and Wellbeing and Benefits Advice to those in need within the Forest of Dean. Her main responsibility is to establish new channels of funding to support our benefits advisor ensuring that all recipients receive their correct benefits entitlements. Ali is keen to support the move to the delivery of care and wellbeing provision for all citizens within Gloucestershire utilising both statutory, voluntary and social enterprise partnerships.

James Brown

James is the Director of Communications, Engagement and Involvement at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.  James has a wealth of senior leadership experience, across national and international organisations, where he has led on improving staff experience, building community partnerships with voluntary and charitable groups, and delivering public involvement and consultations to ensure local voices shape how services are provided.

Janette Vizard

Janette is Grants & Social Value Officer for Bromford. Janette has a demonstrated history of working in the non-for-profit and charitable organisations. Supporting Charities across Gloucestershire to obtain grant funding and to support improvements in Governance.