Paula Gascoigne – Chief Executive
Paula has made a significant improvement to the charity’s profile, awareness and fundraising activities.
Paula’s involvement in Smile For Life began in January 2008. She manages to seamlessly engage both her systematic and professional skills with her deep desire and compassion for the charity and its beneficiaries.
For more than 20 years, Paula specialised in the Financial Services sector.
Paula started her career as an office junior for Barclays Bank. She quickly progressed through the ranks and at the young age of 24 entered the Business Management Team. As a Business Manager she was responsible for managing a portfolio of more than 300 high net worth clients; this provided invaluable experience and a first class business training.
In December 2007 a chance meeting with a client led her to Smile For Life.
After having her two children she realised she needed a new challenge and decided to move into the Financial Advice sector. She became CeFA qualified in 2004 and practised as an Independent Financial Adviser for 3 years and in 2007 her career took another change of direction when she was interviewed for the position of Smile For Life’s Chief Executive.
Paula’s spare time is spent fundraising for Smile For Life and assisting other charities, providing them with fundraising and business advice.
Outside of work Paula keeps fit by running, which she started doing 3 years ago. She completed her first road race in 2008 and in 2009 she ran the Great North Run, completing it in 2 hours 31 minutes. Paula is the Chair of her children’s school PTFA, arranging many social and fundraising events throughout the year.
Joe Carroll – Trustee
Joe is an IT professional with over 20 years business and technical experience. He is currently Senior Business Consultant with BT Global Services.
After taking part in a Smile For Life fundraising activity, Joe was very impressed with the enthusiasm of the Smile for Life team and the achievements of our organisation.
In his current role as Senior Business Consultant he is responsible for shaping business propositions, investigating business problems and proposing effective soluntions at an enterprise level. He has a huge amount of experience in designing the structure of business enterprises in terms of governance, business processes and information which will bring extremely valuable skills to our board. Joe has exceptional interpersonal skills and will be an integral member of our team.
Nigel Coates – Trustee
Nigel is a Principal Lecturer in Marketing and Programme Director at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.
Prior to joining Newcastle Business School Nigel worked in marketing / commercial management for a blue chip multinational consumer goods manufacturer and SMEs in the computer industry and the electrochemical industry.
Whilst at NBS, Nigel has undertaken applied research and consultancy for both large and small companies. He also undertakes research into Learning and Teaching.
Nigel is a governor of a secondary special school in Newcastle for children who have special educational needs. He is married with two daughters.
Margery Gledson – Chair/Trustee
Margery has worked in the financial sector since 1992.
She started her career as an insurance broker before moving into mortgage advice and qualified as an investment advisor to diploma level in all aspects of financial planning.
Margery brings a wealth of knowledge to the charity.
Her experience as an active volunteer and charity supporter provides her with excellent insight for this role, which is her first appointment as a trustee.
Dr Jan Welbury – Trustee
Jan has spent her working life caring for children and their families whose lives are affected by vulnerability and disability.
Jan is currently medical advisor to, and honorary member of, Barnados North East. Throughout her medical career she has worked in paediatrics, neonatal and child protection roles as well as being a medical adviser to regional adoption and fostering panels. Jan brings exceptional skills and knowledge to our board and we are delighted to welcome her into the position of Trustee.