Launchpad's trustees give their time and expertise to make sure we are doing the best we can to provide vital accommodation and effective support to vulnerable people in Reading.
Current Role:
Senior Operational Support Manager, Probation Service
(Registered & Qualified Probation Officer)
Hannah Powell is a senior leader within the Probation Service, with nearly two decades of experience supporting individuals in the community and facilitating their resettlement from prison. With academic qualifications in psychology and criminology, she brings deep expertise in safeguarding, substance misuse, homelessness, domestic abuse, and working with vulnerable women.
Professional Background:
Hannah has led teams at both regional and national levels, shaping operational outcomes and strategic frameworks. She is highly experienced in developing multi-agency partnerships to address complex social issues and promote public protection and community cohesion. As a trainer within her organisation, she delivers sessions on trauma-informed practice, working with women, and effective leadership, reflecting her commitment to inclusive and compassionate service delivery.
Charity and Voluntary Experience:
A trustee of Launchpad for over 10 years, Hannah is also the founder of Alana House, Reading’s Women’s Centre, established in 2009. Her voluntary work reflects a long-standing dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals and driving positive change in her local community.
Key Skills and Areas of Interest:
Hannah’s key interests include community engagement, strategic partnership development, staff wellbeing, and shaping policy and procedures to support effective service delivery. She is passionate about creating systems that are both responsive and empowering.
Why I Became a Launchpad Trustee:
Hannah’s professional journey has brought her into close contact with individuals facing social exclusion. Motivated by a strong sense of social justice, she believes in equal access to opportunities, resources, and rights—values that closely align with Launchpad’s mission. Her role as trustee allows her to contribute meaningfully to a cause she deeply believes in.
Other Interests:
Outside of work, Hannah sings in a rhythm and blues band, enjoys live music, hiking, and open water swimming. She’s active in local community initiatives and, when not outdoors, loves curling up with her cats and a good true crime story.
Current Role(s):
Co-founder and Senior Partner, Dexter Montague LLP
Professional Background:
Bill qualified as a solicitor in 1983 with Pitmans and co-founded Dexter Montague LLP in 1987. With over 30 years of legal experience, he advises business and voluntary sector clients on a wide range of legal matters, including property, strategic and operational issues.
He leads the firm’s legal teams across commercial, property, and private client work, and has specialist expertise in landlord and tenant law, as well as mental capacity and Court of Protection deputyship.
Charity/Voluntary Experience:
Bill has a long-standing commitment to access to justice, having served as Honorary Solicitor to Reading Citizens Advice Bureau for over 20 years. He is a former Chair of the Legal Aid Practitioners Group and an active member of Reading Rotary.
Key Skills/Areas of Interest:
Legal affairs, governance, property law, strategic planning, access to justice.
Why you chose to be a Launchpad trustee?
Bill became a trustee to support Launchpad’s mission of helping vulnerable individuals, aligning with his professional and personal commitment to justice and community service.
Other Interests:
Bill is passionate about sport and music, and remains actively involved with Reading Rams RUFC, Reading Rowing Club, and Reading Symphony Orchestra.
Current Role:
Sales Director, Microsoft
Alison Wright is a senior leader in the technology sector, currently serving as Sales Director at Microsoft. With over 20 years of experience in technology leadership, she has held roles across sales, marketing, and operations, successfully building and leading high-performing teams to deliver outstanding results.
Professional Background:
Ali holds postgraduate qualifications in marketing and digital strategy, and her career reflects a deep understanding of business development, strategic planning, and operational excellence. She is known for her ability to drive innovation and foster inclusive, results-driven cultures within global organisations.
Charity and Voluntary Experience:
Ali has a strong track record of community involvement, having served as a Special Constable for Hampshire Constabulary, a panel member for Reading Youth Offending Services, and a volunteer for New Beginnings’ night shelter. Her voluntary work reflects a commitment to public service and social impact.
Key Skills and Areas of Interest:
Her key areas of expertise include technology, governance, operations, and business strategy. Ali is passionate about using her professional skills to support charitable organisations and drive meaningful change.
Why I Became a Launchpad Trustee:
Ali is motivated by a desire to support those facing hardship in her local community. Her experiences in public service and volunteering have deepened her understanding of social challenges, and she sees Launchpad as a powerful platform to help people rebuild their lives.
Other Interests:
As a working mother, Ali is a strong advocate for diversity in tech and co-chairs Microsoft’s Family Employee Resource Group. She enjoys gardening, travelling with her family in their campervan, and spending quality time outdoors.
Current Role:
Business Analysis Team Lead, Portfolio Lead – Asset Management, Transport for London
Fiona Hammond leads business analysis and portfolio strategy within Transport for London’s Asset Management division. With over 20 years of experience in business and IT delivery, she has contributed to large-scale transformation programmes valued up to £1 billion, working with major organisations including Fujitsu, Sage, Vodafone, and TfL. Fiona is also a qualified Life Coach, bringing a holistic and people-focused perspective to her professional and voluntary work.
Professional Background:
Fiona’s career spans complex programme delivery, strategic business analysis, and leadership across both public and private sectors. Her expertise includes procurement, asset management, client and supplier performance, and risk management. She is known for her analytical rigour, strategic thinking, and ability to lead cross-functional teams through change.
Charity and Voluntary Experience:
Fiona has served for five years as a Lead Marshal for the Reading Half Marathon, coordinating with emergency services and race command to ensure safe and successful events.
For over a decade, she has also supported the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre Fundraising team, particularly over the pandemic to help increase vital funds, across events as varied as the London Marathon, bingo evenings, Santa runs and charity balls.
Key Skills and Areas of Interest:
Her key areas of expertise include business analysis, strategy, procurement, asset management, risk management, coaching, and property development. Fiona is passionate about using her skills to drive positive change and support community-focused initiatives.
Why I Became a Launchpad Trustee:
Fiona is deeply aware of the growing economic pressures and the increasing prevalence of housing poverty. She joined Launchpad to be part of the solution, supporting a charity that offers vital housing and support services to those in need. She is committed to helping Launchpad grow its impact and provide more people with the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Other Interests:
Fiona is an avid traveller, having visited 34 countries. She enjoys singing with Rock Choir, walking at high altitudes, exploring historical sites, and practising yoga.
Current Role(s):
Labour Councillor for Southcote Ward, Reading Borough Council
Professional Background:
Deborah has worked across the community, public, and private sectors since the age of 15, holding a wide variety of roles including kennel maid, PA, civil servant for the MOD, Finance and Network Manager, and welder. Her diverse career reflects her adaptability and deep-rooted commitment to serving others.
She has been a Labour Councillor for Southcote since 2006 and has held civic leadership roles including Worshipful Mayor of Reading for the 2011/2012 and 2018/2019 terms, and Deputy Mayor in 2022/2023.
Charity/Voluntary Experience:
Deborah is a long-standing supporter of community facilities and charities. She volunteers as a school governor and chairs SITE, a local initiative promoting digital inclusion. She is also a trustee of No5 Young People, a local been counselling and mental health support charity.
Key Skills/Areas of Interest:
Community engagement, governance, public service, education, digital inclusion.
Why you chose to be a Launchpad trustee?
Deborah is passionate about offering the best possible support to vulnerable people in Reading and believes in empowering young people to lead fulfilling lives.
Other Interests:
Deborah enjoys swimming, walking, reading detective novels, and doing crosswords. She is a proud mother of five and grandmother of eight.
Current Role: Retired
Ian Haslam retired in 2012 after a distinguished 32-year career in the oil and gas industry, where he worked as an explorationist with companies including GSI, Getty Oil, Texaco, BP, and British Gas. His work took him across the globe, including postings in Egypt and Italy. Ian holds a degree in Earth Sciences from Leeds University.
Professional Background:
Throughout his career, Ian specialised in technical exploration before moving into management, where he led large, geographically dispersed teams. His professional expertise includes technical audit, operations, project and budget planning, risk evaluation, strategic planning, and critical analysis.
Charity and Voluntary Experience:
Ian has been actively involved in the voluntary sector for many years. He has supported The Prince’s Trust, Sue Ryder, and Launchpad, both as a volunteer and trustee. He founded the Railway Action Group, which evolved into Mend the Gap, an environmental grants body where he now sits on the Steering Group. Ian also serves as a trustee for two wildlife organisations: Chair of South Stoke (CIO) and Vice Chair of The Trap Grounds in Oxford.
Key Skills and Areas of Interest:
Ian brings a wealth of experience in governance, strategic planning, project oversight, and environmental advocacy. His skills span technical and operational domains, with a strong focus on leadership, risk management, and community engagement.
Why I Became a Launchpad Trustee:
Ian believes that everyone deserves a safe and stable home as a foundation for a fulfilling life. He supports Launchpad’s mission to provide this essential support and is committed to helping the charity grow its impact.
Other Interests:
Ian is passionate about environmental issues and community-led initiatives. He continues to be involved in local campaigns and enjoys spending time in nature.
Current Role(s):
Brand Content and Influence Manager, VodafoneThree
Professional Background:
Amy has over 10 years’ experience in digital communications, working across the technology, telecoms, and startup sectors in both in-house and agency roles. She currently leads brand content and influence at VodafoneThree, where she also manages a digital skills programme and podcast supporting small business owners.
Charity/Voluntary Experience:
Amy has been a committed volunteer with Launchpad for over seven years, serving as a Charity Ambassador and supporting numerous events and community engagement activities.
In addition, she is a trustee of Berkshire Scouts, where she serves on the County Trustee Board, helping to guide strategic decisions and ensure high-quality Scouting experiences for young people in the county.
Key Skills/Areas of Interest:
Digital strategy, communications, brand development, community engagement, youth support.
Why you chose to be a Launchpad trustee?
Amy became a trustee to deepen her involvement with Launchpad and contribute her professional expertise to a cause she has supported passionately for many years.
Current Role:
Vice President, Global Agency Partnerships – DoubleVerify
Phil Jones is a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience, including more than 18 years in digital marketing and media. He has held senior leadership roles in regional and global account management, sales, and business development, most notably spending over a decade at both Google and 3M. Phil holds a degree in Business Studies, along with postgraduate qualifications in Marketing (CIM) and Digital Marketing (IDM).
Professional Background:
Phil’s expertise spans strategic partnership development, negotiation, digital marketing, adtech, sales management, and team leadership. He is known for his ability to drive growth, build strong client relationships, and lead high-performing teams across complex global markets.
Charity and Voluntary Experience:
Phil has contributed his skills to the charitable sector through roles such as Media Manager for Great Ormond Street Hospital and marketing partnerships with Guide Dogs for the Blind. His work reflects a commitment to using his professional strengths to support meaningful causes.
Key Skills and Areas of Interest:
Phil’s core competencies include marketing, fundraising, operations, and communications strategy. He is passionate about applying these skills to support organisations that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Why I Became a Launchpad Trustee:
Phil has a long-standing passion for mentoring and supporting young adults from underprivileged backgrounds. Drawing from his own life experiences, he understands the value of having someone who believes in you. As a Reading resident, he sees firsthand the challenges facing the homeless community and joined Launchpad to help drive scalable, impactful support for those in need.
Other Interests:
Phil enjoys spending time with his family and two daughters, travelling abroad, running, and attending live music gigs.
Current Role:
Stephen Poland has built a career in the business sector, with a particular focus on car parking and property. His experience includes involvement in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) and new-build housing, giving him a strong foundation in housing legislation and tenant management.
Professional Background:
With over a decade of experience, Stephen brings valuable insight into property operations and housing law. His work has combined practical business knowledge with a commitment to improving housing standards and tenant experiences.
Charity and Voluntary Experience:
Stephen has supported Launchpad both as a volunteer and trustee. While he has not held other formal charity roles, his dedication to community support is reflected in his ongoing involvement with Launchpad.
Key Skills and Areas of Interest:
Stephen’s key strengths include housing legislation, tenant management, and strategic oversight. He is passionate about using his experience to support effective governance and operational delivery within the charity sector.
Why I Became a Launchpad Trustee:
Stephen believes that everyone deserves a safe and secure place to live. He joined Launchpad to help reduce homelessness and support those in the local community who need it most.
Other Interests:
Outside of work and charity, Stephen enjoys long walks with his two-year-old border terrier, Otto. He’s a keen golfer and a loyal, long-suffering Reading FC supporter.
Current Role:
Finance Manager, Derma Reading
Anna Bailey is a Chartered Accountant with a strong track record in senior finance leadership roles. Currently working part-time to balance professional life with raising her young family, she has also made space to contribute through voluntary work, driven by a desire to give back to her community.
Professional Background:
Anna’s career spans a range of finance leadership positions, where she has developed deep expertise in financial management, audit, and risk assessment. Her professional approach is grounded in precision, integrity, and strategic insight.
Charity and Voluntary Experience:
This is Anna’s first trustee role, marking a meaningful step in her commitment to community engagement. Motivated by a desire to make a tangible difference, she brings her financial acumen to the charitable sector with enthusiasm and purpose.
Key Skills and Areas of Interest:
Anna’s core strengths lie in finance, audit, and risk management. She is passionate about applying these skills to support good governance and sustainable growth within the organisations she serves.
Why I Became a Launchpad Trustee:
Having grown up in Reading and recently returned after living abroad, Anna is now raising her three children in the town she calls home. She joined Launchpad with a belief that life is about more than work, and a desire to use her professional expertise to support a cause that strengthens her local community.
Current Role(s):
Solicitor and Partner, Clarkslegal LLP
Professional Background:
Antony qualified as a solicitor in 1988 and has spent his entire career practising in Reading, specialising in dispute resolution. He has extensive experience across a broad range of contract and commercial matters, including property, construction, landlord and tenant, regulatory issues, and health and safety. His work is characterised by a pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach and the ability to quickly assimilate complex legal and factual issues.
Charity and Voluntary Experience:
Antony’s commitment to community involvement began during his student years and has continued throughout his professional life. He has volunteered in adult literacy support and served for several years as a school governor in primary education. He has also been a long‑standing trustee of Open Hand Open Space, an artist‑led charity based at The Keep on Oxford Road, providing affordable studio space, exhibitions and education programmes.
Key Skills and Areas of Interest:
Antony brings strong analytical skills, problem‑solving expertise, and significant experience in conflict resolution. As a business owner, he is actively involved in people development, financial management, and navigating regulatory frameworks. He is particularly interested in applying his legal and governance knowledge to support effective organisational oversight.
Why I Became a Launchpad Trustee:
Antony is motivated by a desire to use his skills and professional experience to help strengthen and develop the vital work carried out by Launchpad. He is committed to supporting an organisation that provides life‑changing support to people across Reading.
Current Role(s):
Associate Solicitor, Osborne Clarke LLP
Professional Background:
Dan holds both a Graduate Diploma in Law and a Master’s in Law & Business, and has built his legal career specialising in construction projects and dispute resolution.
His work focuses on advising clients on building safety, regulatory obligations, and the effective management of construction‑related risks. He brings a considered and pragmatic approach to his practice, supporting a wide range of stakeholders across the construction and housing sectors.
Charity and Voluntary Experience:
Dan has been involved in charitable activity throughout his career, including serving on – and later chairing – a charity committee at a previous employer. He also regularly advises homebuilders, social housing provider, and registered providers, giving him meaningful insight into the challenges facing the housing sector and the communities it serves.
Key Skills and Areas of Interest:
Dan’s key strengths include building safety, regulatory knowledge, and housing law. He is particularly interested in using his expertise to support strong governance and ensure safe, secure living standards within the housing sector.
Why I Became a Launchpad Trustee:
Dan has seen close friends experience homelessness and understands the vital role that charities like Launchpad play in helping people rebuild their lives. His personal connection to the cause motivates his commitment to supporting Launchpad’s mission and contributing his professional skills to its work.
Other Interests:
Dan enjoys reading, hiking, and cooking in his spare time
We are always interested to hear from people who’d like to be involved with Launchpad as a trustee. Get in touch with us if you’d like an informal chat about what the commitment of being a trustee involves. Email: enquiries@launchpadreading.org.uk