Who we are

Lisa Atkins - Advocacy Business Manager

Lisa has worked for the Advocacy Alliance since 1997 originally as Administrator, then Office Manager. Lisa was appointed as Manager of the Alliance in July 2009 and is responsible for ensuring the sustainability of the organisation. Lisa is a dedicated and committed professional who cares deeply about the work we do and is passionate about the organisation, its staff and volunteers.

Kerry Pickaver - Administration Assistant

Kerry joined the Advocacy Alliance in 2003. She is a highly experienced and dedicated member of the team. Kerry has a friendly and approachable manner and is described in glowing terms by all who know her.

Helen Booth - Administrative Assistant

Helen has a wealth of experience working in administration. She is approachable and friendly, dedicated and enthusiastic. Helen is one of the newest members of the team and is looking forward to ensuring people who are vulnerable have opportunity to tell services about what they want.

Yvette Jo Caunt - Training and Volunteer Co-ordinator

As Yvette's titles suggest, she does two different jobs for the Alliance. As Volunteer Co-ordinator, Yvette recruits, trains and supervises volunteers within their chosen roles within the Alliance. Yvette also delivers the training for the National Advocacy Qualification, advocacy awareness and specific training to new staff and to other organisations interested in learning about advocacy. Yvette has been with the Alliance since 2003. She initially worked with us as a volunteer citizens advocate and then joined us as a full time advocate in 2006. She is supportive, friendly and very passionate about what she does.

Martyn Illingworth - Funding and Quality Co-ordinator / Clerk to the Trustees

Martyn joined us as a citizen advocate, providing support to people who would not (under current funding agreements) receive any advocacy support. Martyn has an extensive legal background and is passionate about the work he does. He also undertakes teaching, consultancy work, and audits for various organisations and agencies. In addition to this, Martyn administers our projects, and is responsible for ensuring contractual compliance. Martyn also is the Clerk to the Trustees, and is responsible for advising and assisting the Management Committee.

Sally Smedley - Advocate

Sally is an advocate on the Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment Team. She also provides a drop in Advocacy Service at Portland College and for people detained under the mental health act. Sally joined the team in August 2009. She is enthusiastic and dedicated to ensuring vulnerable people have an opportunity to have a say in their lives.

Anne Marie Gardiner - Advocate

Anne Marie joined us in January 2010. She has significant experience of working with people who have multiple needs. She currently works with people who have learning disabilities, physical disabilities/sensory impairments or who have multiple and profound learning disabilities

Sue Hales - Project facilitator

Sue is a new member to the team. She is a highly experienced advocate who is dedicated to ensuring vulnerable people have a voice. Sue is a project facilitator on our 'Together we can' project funded by Comic Relief.

Sophie Shaw - Project Facilitator

Sophie is a new member to the team, working as a project facilitator on the new Comic Relief funded 'Together we can project. She is dedicated to ensuring the project is a success and as many vulnerable people as possible have the opportunity to speak out about issues important to them. Sophie also works as an advocate on our Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment project, where she is dedicated to ensuring that people who may be exlcuded and overlooked have their voices heard.