Meet the Founder

John Caudwell

We are extremely proud to have John Caudwell as our founder and patron.

After becoming one of the UK’s most successful business leaders, through the creation and eventual sale of Phones 4U and the rest of his mobile phones empire, John is now one of Britain’s most influential and prolific philanthropists. A signatory of the Giving Pledge, he has committed to donating 70% of his wealth to good causes during or after his lifetime.

In autumn 2022, John heard about a charity that was in financial trouble and about to disappear. Its demise would have meant the loss of a vital service helping hundreds of at-risk young people. He couldn’t ignore the situation so, despite his already massive philanthropic commitments, John decided to step in and give those affected youngsters a fighting chance of a better life and brighter future by founding Caudwell Youth.     

In addition to the charity’s start-up costs, John generously matches 33% of all our income, covering most of our day-to-day administration and management costs. This ensures we can maximise the impact of additional fundraising.

Meet our SLT

  • Amanda Batten

    Amanda Batten

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE

    Motivation: I’m passionate that more young people get the support they need to make decisions that are right for them. I believe in mentoring as a really powerful model. So, I'm really excited by the opportunity we have as a charity to make a huge difference to young people’s lives.

    Favourite Film: The Breakfast Club

    Favourite Snack: Flapjacks

    Pets: A one-year-old golden retriever, two rather elderly cats and some chickens.

  • Karen Ironside

    Karen Ironside

    PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR

    Motivation: The ability to bring together a highly talented team that together creates incredible impact and changes the trajectory of young lives.

    Favourite Film: Goodbye Lenin

    Favourite Snack: Masala Dosa

    Pets: 2 Cats! One is desperate for attention and then attacks when you give it, the other is desperate for attention but too shy to allow you to give it to her!

  • Charlie Dixon-Prior

    Charlie Dixon-Prior

    OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

    Motivation: My drive is to support as many young people as we can. I truly believe in the mentoring model and that it can support everyone at different stages of their life.

    Favourite Film: 500 Days of Summer

    Favourite Snack: Crisps and dip!

    Pets: Otis the Dachshund cross Toy Bulldog is a frequent participant on teams calls and is also known for his cheeky behaviour!

  • Jake Brown

    Jake Brown

    MARKETING & IT DIRECTOR

    Motivation: I love the rippling effect we can have by getting involved with young people early in life, changing their futures into adulthood and the lives of those around them.

    Favourite Film: Gladiator / Saving Private Ryan, choosing one is too difficult!

    Favourite Snack: BBQ, slow cooked anything

    Pets: Lily the chocolate Labrador is always asking for non-stop belly rubs.

  • Lisa Ball

    Lisa Ball

    SUPPORTER ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR

    Motivation: Having spent 20 years working in the charity/not-for-profit sector working with young people I’ve loved every minute of it. The opportunity to be involved with Caudwell Youth from inception was too good to be true

    Favourite Film: Pulp Fiction; awesome film, awesome soundtrack and who doesn’t love a bit of Tarantino?!

    Favourite Snack: Any kind of ‘chips and dips’ combination, nachos, veg sticks and hummus, pitta and tzatziki.

    Pets: Half Labrador, half dufus! As is typical for a Labrador, he will eat ANYTHING.

Meet the Team

  • Alisha Roda

    Alisha Roda

    Motivation: The ability to be able to help a young person reach their full potential and watch their journey! I can provide them with opportunities to overcome challenges, fostering hope and creating a positive impact on their future.

    Favourite Film: Jumanji

    Favourite Snack: Oreos and Chilli Heatwave Doritos!

    Pets: Unfortunately, no pet at the moment but I’m huge dog lover.

  • Caroline Presho

    Caroline Presho

    Motivation - Having worked in primary schools for many years I have seen first hand that not everyone has the opportunities they deserve in life. I am passionate about helping young people achieve their goals and reach their potential and working at Caudwell Youth will allow me to do this.

    Favourite film - This question has really discombobulated me so I'll have to give a top 3.....in no particular order....The Lost Boys, The Shawshank Redemption and Romuald et Juliette.

    Favourite snack - It has to be crisps!

  • Claire Burns

    Claire Burns

    Motivation: My motivation for working in Caudwell youth is helping young people turn their lives around. I believe that intervention can positively influence the future of young people and provide them with coping mechanisms to navigate challenging times.

    Favourite Film: Top Gun

    Favourite Snack: Kinder Bueno

    Pets: Tizer is our 11 year old Labrador Retriever who enjoys long walks and collecting sticks. Alfie is our 1 year old kitten who is always up to mischief. He and Tizer have a love/hate brotherhood.

  • Ella Kane

    Ella Kane

    Motivation: I was once a young person who could have benefited from some additional help, so I'm very excited and grateful to be working with Caudwell Youth and use my skills, knowledge and lived experience to make a difference to the lives of young people.

    Favourite Film: I can't pick one but I love Marvel films, anything fantasy or Sci-fi

    Favourite Snack: Picky food - anything with a dip - olives, crisps, crackers, cheese, anything pickled.

    Pets: I have two cats called Penny and Otis. Penny is my little shadow and loves a cuddle and Otis likes to play hard to get but really is just as needy.

  • Faye Coulter

    Faye Coulter

    Motivation: Working in the third sector has been a dream of mine for the longest time. I am happy to be able to work for a cause that will empower and support young people to flourish into the best version of themselves. Being a mentor myself, I know the importance of these services and the real impact they can make in a person’s life - who wouldn't want to be a part of making that positive change!

    Favourite Film: Goodfellas

    Favourite Snack: Mum's homemade cheese flan!

  • Gabriella Bryne

    Gabriella Bryne

    Motivation: To positively motivate and encourage individuals onto a path where they can become the best version of themselves, instilling confidence and security in their choices and life plans.

    Favourite film: The Prince of Egypt

    Favourite snack: Apple and cheese

  • Gemma Bracken

    Gemma Bracken

    Motivation: I've worked in the charity sector for the last 5 years and love how much charities help and support people when they need it most and I'm passionate about helping children and young people achieve their full potential.

    Favourite film: Look Who’s Talking

    Favourite snack: NYC Cookies

  • Harriet Mace

    Harriet Mace

    Motivation: We’ve all had times in our lives where we could've done with someone cheering us on. I love being part of an organisation where championing and advocating for young people is at the heart of everything we do.

    Favourite film: About Time

    Favourite Snack: Am I too old to say cheesestrings?

    Pet: I have a Spaniel called Bentley with paws the size of my hands and a hairdo to make anyone jealous. He works as a foot warmer 9-5 and likes to steal socks in his spare time.

  • Lucy Jones

    Lucy Jones

    Motivation: To help change young people’s futures for the better.

    Favourite Film: Forest Gump

    Favourite Snack: Cheesy Doritos

    Pets: Stormy loves any dog no matter the size and definitely has little dog syndrome!

  • Jayde Fotiadis

    Jayde Fotiadis

    Motivation: I wanted to work with Caudwell Youth to help to create more safe and happy futures for young people, joining a team of people who care about creating positive changes, giving young people an opportunity to explore the world again, through fresh eyes. Therefore, playing a key role in shaping future generations.

    Favourite Film: Breakfast at Tiffany’s

    Favourite Snack: Sweet popcorn and Revels

    Pets: I have a pet cat called Rocky… we’re usually inseparable!

  • Katie Lane-Griffin

    Katie Lane-Griffin

    Motivation: I love getting to know the young people, and the amazing volunteers, and working together to help the young people achieve their goals.

    Favourite Film: So hard to pick… but probably the Harry Potter movies (please don’t ask me to pick my favourite of those...)!

    Favourite Snack: KitKats

    Pets: I have 3 dogs… 2 puggles (pug x beagle) - one called Bella, and one called Reggie – and a dalmatian called Heidi! Their favourite thing to do is bark at every single person that walks past the window!!!

  • Liam Ablewhite

    Liam Ablewhite

    Motivation: To utilize my finance background and skills to offer strategic guidance and support, ensuring the efficient management of the charity’s resources to maximize their impact and reach as many young people as possible.

    Favourite Film: 12 Angry Men or 2001: A Space Odyssey

    Favourite Snack: Cheese Toasties!

  • Megan Marskell

    Megan Marskell

    Motivation: I would have really benefited from having the input of youth workers when I was younger, so to be in a position to help young people like myself is so rewarding. Caudwell make a real difference to the lives of young people and I’m so grateful to be part of that.

    Favourite snack: Savoury is definitely a cheese board and sweet is 100% brownies

    Pets: My roommate is a fluffy cat called Furonica, that the vet thinks is called Veronica as I was too embarrassed to correct them. Furonica is also a boy, adding to the confusion at the vets!

  • Kim Knights

    Kim Knights

    Motivation: I simply want to make a positive difference to a young person’s life . Access to help has never been easy and in a post-covid world, it is harder which makes the charity’s work even more invaluable.

    Favourite Film: I like so many it is difficult to choose. However, one of my go to films is Pride.

    Favourite Snack: Cheese, cheese and maybe even more cheese.

    Pets: We have a menagerie...two chihuahua crosses (who think they run the house), one vizla cross, one cat (who does run the house!) and two horses . Respectively named Fergus, Winnie, Nala, Frank, Olive and Elsie.

  • Michalina Wegierska

    Michalina Wegierska

    Motivation: I’ve been passionate about supporting young people’s mental health needs ever since my own lived experience as a teenager. That’s why I’m super excited and grateful to be working with CY to do exactly that, make a real difference in my local community. I’m also an advocate for person-centred approaches when working with individuals, so I couldn’t agree more that the model will empower young people!

    Favourite Film: Inception (2010)

    Favourite Snack: Brownies

    Pets: I have no pets at the moment, but I’m a huge dog lover.

  • Natalie Forecast

    Natalie Forecast

    Motivation: I am passionate about helping people achieve their potential and overcome the barriers that they feel hold them back.

    Favourite Film: Love Actually

    Favourite Snack: Cheese and crackers

    Pets: Bella, Reggie (puggles) and Heidi (dalmatian)

  • Rapha Pinas

    Rapha Pinas

    Motivation: Caudwell Youth’s focus on youth development allows me to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of young individuals.

    By joining their team, I can actively contribute to fostering a supportive environment where young people can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

    This not only provides a sense of fulfilment but also allows you to contribute to the community by empowering the next generation.

  • Sandie Roberts

    Sandie Roberts

    Motivation: Passionate about young people and supporting them to a better future.

    Favourite Film: The Holiday

    Favourite Snack: Crisps or yogurt coated peanuts!

    Pets: Cute, food monster, funny, annoying, love them!

  • Sana Mahmood

    Sana Mahmood

    Motivation: To equip young people with the skills and tools necessary to go after their dreams and create a better future.

    Favourite film: Coraline

    Favourite snack: Choc donuts

  • Sarah Lawrence

    Sarah Lawrence

    Motivation: I wanted to work for CY as I had an incredible Youth Worker when I was younger and she helped me to succeed, I hope that I can be that person for the young people that I work with.

    Favourite Film: Monsters Inc/Any Harry Potter film

    Favourite Snack: Haloumi Cheese

    Pets: Smudge the Cat who thinks she's a dog!

  • Scarlett Fymruk

    Scarlett Fymruk

    Motivation: Because life can be hard sometimes, and not everyone has the same access to opportunities that others have. Sometimes, we just need an extra person in our life to help us realise our potential and experience more that life can give to us.

    Favourite Film: Pursuit of Happiness

    Favourite Snack: Pistachios (got to be salted and roasted)

    Pets: Bobby the 1 year old Cavapoo (post groom, he doesn’t always look this smart)

  • Sundesh Hemraj

    Sundesh Hemraj

    Motivation: I believe supporting Young People to identify and develop their own strengths and abilities allows them to achieve their potential; enriching theirs and the lives of those around them. Caudwell Youth allows me the privilege to support the mentoring of specialist skills, wisdom and strategies that volunteers can offer young people struggling to find their place.

    Favourite Film: This is a tough one as I have many separated by Genre and Decade - I really enjoy movies! I will give my top go Toos as I cannot pick an actual one: Dawn of the Dead, Devil's Advocate, Aliens, Star Wars (all), The Matrix, The Lost Boys, The Warriors, Fight Club, Trainspotting, Shaun of the Dead and Worlds End.

    Favourite Snack: Cheesy Nachos - especially on Friday night when my children and I watch shows together on Netflix.

    Pets: I have always wanted to welcome a German Shepherd into the family, but have never had the time it would to care for them.

  • Tracie Mills

    Tracie Mills

    Motivation: I love being part of an organisation that makes a difference and improves young people’s lives.

    Favourite Film: The Godfather

    Favourite Snack: Sesame seed bagel with strawberry jam

    Pets: I have 2 cats, Poppy loves finding sunspots in the garden and sleeps all day. Vinnie has been nicknamed ‘Ninja Cat’ as he likes to hide behind the sofa and jump on your legs as you walk by!

  • T Mali

    T Mali

    Motivation: Providing a platform for guidance and positive support for young people in need.  

    Favourite Film: Malcom X by Spike Lee

    Snack: Edamame

    Pets: None currently, but I grew up with dogs in the family.

  • Wendy Millgate

    Wendy Millgate

    Motivation: I believe all young people should have access to support if they would like it and even a small amount of support can have a huge impact for some, just by knowing someone is there for them. I love their optimism and never stop learning from them.

    Favourite Film: Marley and Me

    Favourite Food: Cheese and lots of it!

    Pets: Poppy the Cockapoo. Nearly 13 now but still mistaken for a puppy

Meet the Trustees

  • Almarene Fredrick

    Almarene Fredrick

    Trustee Board Office: Trustee

    Trustee Specialism: Human Resources and Charity Management

    Human Resource Consultant, Eilieah HR Consultancy

  • Carolyn Pollard

    Carolyn Pollard

    Trustee Board Office: Secretary

    Trustee Specialism: Charity Governance

    Company Secretary, Rightmove Plc

  • David Canfield

    David Canfield

    Trustee Board Office: Treasurer

    Trustee Specialism: Financial Management

    Former Director (retired 2023), Broughton Holdings Limited

  • Debbie Denyer

    Debbie Denyer

    Trustee Board Office: Chair

    Trustee Specialism: Volunteering and Charity Management

    Executive Coach, Coach the Difference, Ltd

  • Kate Flounders

    Kate Flounders

    Trustee Board Office: Trustee

    Trustee Specialism: Safeguarding and Whistleblowing

    CEO, Safeguarding Association

  • Gladis Arujo

    Gladis Arujo

    Trustee Board Office: Trustee

    Trustee Specialism: Strategy

    Executive Partner & Chief Supply Chain Officer, Prodensa

  • Matt Yates

    Matt Yates

    Trustee Board Office: Trustee

    Trustee Specialism: Legal and Risk

    General Counsel, Whitbread

  • Sarah Masotti

    Sarah Masotti

    Trustee Board Office: Trustee

    Trustee Specialism: Technology and Strategy

    Digital Transformation Lead, Google

  • Sharon Kennedy

    Sharon Kennedy

    Trustee Board Office: Trustee

    Trustee Specialism: Marketing

    Employee Engagement Consultant, Engage & Prosper.

Our SLT and Trustees

June 2023 - 2 year Strategy meeting

Meet the pets