Colette has worked in the charity sector for more than 25 years, with a particular interest in connecting arts, education and volunteering both locally and nationally, and has advocated for DEI initiatives in Europe. In 2023, Charity Times recognised Colette as one of 12 women in the UK making an impact in the charity sector in support of equity, diversity and inclusion in governance.

Colette is currently Sector Support Manager at Community Foundation North East, guiding charities towards successful trustee recruitment and brokering pro-bono consultancy from the private sector.

Previously, Colette was Chair of Youth Action Network, National Council for Voluntary Youth Services and Grey College Advisory Board at Durham University. Colette is currently Chair of Fagus Anstruther Memorial Trust and Vice Chair of Charity Hall of Fame.

Tracy is NHS GP Practice Manager, West End Family Health. Tracy has worked in the healthcare and voluntary sector for 15 years, taking responsibility for leadership and governance for medical and community services, maintaining a focus throughout on equal access to healthcare for those less able to access it easily.  In addition, Tracy helped to establish and grow West End Family Health CIC, a collaboration of practices who came together with voluntary sector organisations explore new ways of working to improve the wellbeing of people living in Newcastle.

Peter was Chief Executive at Azure Charitable Enterprises for 21 years (having previously worked in a variety of manufacturing businesses). Azure provided services to people with disabilities (support for living, training, job finding and placing disabled people in work with other employers and within Azure’s own trading businesses). He was a member of the Bank of England Commercial/Industrial Liaison Panel for many years and was twice Chairman of the Northumbria branch of British Institute of Management. A governor of Northumberland College for 3 years he then served as Chairman for a further 14 years. Peter also served on the Further Education Funding Council.

Busola is currently the Senior Administrator and HR Lead at The Angelou Centre, where she focuses on strengthening people management, staff development, and organisational systems to support women and children from the Black and racialised communities. Prior to this, she spent over a decade managing Success4All, a local education charity, where she had the privilege of working alongside children and young people across the North East, celebrating their creativity, resilience, and talent.

With a background in Psychology (MSc) and Drama (BA), Busola brings a creative and people-centred approach to her work. Connected Voice is her first trustee role, and she is proud to support its mission and amplify the voices of those often unheard.

Amanda currently works as the Research Centre Manager at St. Oswald’s Hospice.  She has worked for over 20 years primarily with public sector organisations (NHS, universities, further education colleges, local authorities); third sector entities (charities, community interest companies); and commercial businesses (pharmaceutical, medical tech., engineering).  As such, she has significant experience in cross-boundary working.  Separately, Amanda also specialises in coaching and supporting organisational and team development.

Salha is currently Artistic Director at Teakisi.  She is a social entrepreneur, gender equality, empowerment champion and a self-taught blogger with multiple skills that she has acquired over the last 15 years. Fuelled by passion for empowering and promoting African girls and women, their voices, equality and diversity, she considers herself a “forever student,” eager to both build on her academic foundations in Sociology and Politics, while staying in tune with the latest digital and in person strategies that will amplify the voices of African women, her local community and those of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities.

Sam has 15 years’ experience in public health, occupational health and wellbeing, performance sports, and voluntary sector - managing multidisciplinary teams in some of the most competitive and complex environments in the world, including internationally in the UK, USA, Malta, France, and India. With cross-sector experience including; elite professional sport, private sector, public health, public sector services, universities, and healthcare charities – including work with member organisation Newcastle United Foundation. Sam has made contributions to research and large scale projects featured in reputable media outlets including; The Independent, The Guardian, The Athletic, BBC News, BBC Match of the Day, and ITV News. Currently Sam works for Macmillan Cancer Support (one of the UK’s biggest healthcare charities) as National Health and Wellbeing Manager.

Keith was appointed onto the Connected Voice board in February 2023 for his financial expertise and breadth of experience as a trustee in the VCSE sector. Keith is now retired from a distinguished career as a Chartered Accountant, and has previously been President of the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants. Keith has served as a trustee on the board of local charities including Northern Stage, and is currently a Non-Executive Director of Tyne Theatre and Opera House, and a trustee of a national LGBTQ+ support charity.

Elaine has worked in the charitable sector since 2004 and has a vast experience of supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people.  She is currently the Chief Executive Officer at Tyneside Women's Health supporting women to improve their mental health and emotional wellbeing.  Elaine is a trained and qualified counsellor and is an experienced charity leader.

Hannah has a BSc in Environmental Science and has over 10 years’ experience working in sustainability and environmental management. Hannah is currently Sustainability Manager at Newcastle University, leading on development and delivery of sustainability projects and action plans to address the climate and ecological crises, and create a more sustainable future.

Hannah is passionate about all areas of sustainability and environmental justice. She has a keen interest in engagement and education for sustainability, as well as incorporating decision making on environmental and social issues within investment strategies to bring about positive change.

Peter has worked with charities and social enterprises for most of his career. Most recently as a freelance consultant, and before that in senior positions at the Social Investment Business and the National Lottery Community Fund. 

In earlier roles he volunteered in a homeless charity, worked for previous incarnations of Connected Voice, researched the first guide to grant making trusts in the region, supported the development of the Tyne and Wear and Northumberland Community Foundation and worked in regeneration. He has served on several governing bodies including Alcohol Concern, the Millfield House Foundation, Healthwatch Newcastle and two employee ownership companies, and he has chaired the BBC Children in Need Regional Committee.