Two sister organisations
Foundation Futures is made up of 2 sister organisations.
All of our Education Programmes are delivered by Foundation Futures Community Interest Company (08859480) and all of our Community Based Programmes are delivered by our charity Foundation Futures CIO (1188809). Both organisations produce their own accounts.
Trustees of Foundation Futures CIO
Craig Bankhead
Chair
Appointed 2014
Our chair, Craig Bankhead has been involved with Foundation Futures since its inception back in 2014. With a background in education and, for the past 15 years, charity management, Craig is able to offer his support to the vital work undertaken by Foundation Futures. Craig is currently the Chief Executive of Gateshead Older People’s Assembly and is a board member of four organisations across the north east, including Foundation Futures. Craig has stated that his continued involvement with Foundations Futures comes from being regularly inspired by the excellent work carried out by the team and the difference they make to so many people’s lives.
Phil Davison
Appointed 2014
Phil is a solicitor and Partner at Sintons LLP, specialising in compensation claims for individuals who have suffered life changing injuries. Phil has been active as both an Advisory Board Chair, and latterly a Trustee for Foundation Futures since 2014.
Phil has always believed that everyone should have an equal opportunity to achieve their potential, but in order to do so, students need to have the insight and confidence to see what can be done, and to have targeted support to overcome the obstacles in their path. Sadly, many aren’t able to achieve this within mainstream education.
That is the fundamental reason he supports the specialist teaching skills and the practical help provided by Foundation Futures. Phil said he has seen first-hand how working closely with schools, local education authorities and enlightened businesses has literally transformed the lives of so many young people. These young people could not see a clear future for themselves, or how they may fit into the world beyond school, but with the programmes offered through our Alternative Education support, he has seen students gain the skills and confidence needed to take their next steps.
Phil has stated that “I am proud to be associated with an organisation that not only offers young people real hope for a better future, but also provides them with the vision, the skills and the confidence to be their best selves”
Karen Williamson
Appointed 2020
Karen is the founder and managing director of Delivering Differently, a business growth and transformation consultancy specialising in family owned SMEs in the North East. Whilst she has many years of retail expertise the skills are transferable, very driven by the results of her clients and she problem solves through coaching/mentoring to enable each senior team.
She has been a keen supporter of Foundation Futures since the founding days, however she really became involved after finishing her corporate life and aiding the team to update the 4 year strategic plan.
Karen has stated that “I enjoy supporting the organisation through my trustee role, the work the team do continuously with energy and passion is often life changing and supports communities and students. I am immensely proud to be connected”.
Karen has been a valued member of our Board of Trustees since 2020.
Andrew Hall
Appointed 2023
Andrew began his career as a joiner at 16, before quickly becoming a Site Manager. His determined mindset encouraged him to establish his own construction company, where he learned about the basics of business.
Deciding to change his focus to the fashion e-commerce industry after meeting his wife Alice, Andrew demonstrated his ability to adapt and thrive in any field. As an Operations Director for a fast-growing company, he has effectively utilised his skills.
In 2020, he co-founded Rowen Homes, which has since expanded to a team of 50 employees. Andrew, as Managing Director manages operations, change management, and loves solving problems through creative thinking.
“I’ve always believed in giving people the opportunities to make positive change within our businesses and that’s exactly what Foundation Futures do in the communities they work. I love to use my experiences and contribute to this amazing charity"
We were delighted when Andrew joined the Board of Trustees in February 2023.
Ellie Roberts
Appointed 2017
Ellie Roberts is an Educational Psychologist, working primarily in Newcastle and North Tyneside schools. A key part of her work life is to provide advice and guidance to schools so that they are able to effectively support vulnerable children and young people.
Ellie has stated that “when I first heard about Foundation Futures from a colleague, I was inspired by their innovative approach to supporting the engagement of some of the
most challenging students in our region. Their trauma-informed, attachment-aware approach provides these students with the nurture, compassion, empathy and understanding that has been missing in their school lives. Where previously these most vulnerable students have experienced isolation and exclusion, with Foundation Futures they are accepted and included. The outcomes speak for themselves. Foundation Futures has provided a much-
needed resource”.
Ellie is committed to supporting the “dynamic, creative Foundation Futures team
as their journey continues”.
Ellie has been a valued member of our Advisory Board and latterly Board of Trustees since 2017.
Xander Burbidge
Appointed 2020
Xander is a partnerships manager for the Alan Turing Institute, working to help ensure AI works for communities and society. Previously, they worked at Newcastle University, working with partners to drive diversity into computing apprenticeships, and boost coding skills. In their spare time, they also volunteer as director for the People’s Theatre in Heaton.
Xander has been a valued member of our Board of Trustees since 2020.
Lee Smith
Appointed 2023
Lee has a wealth of experience working with young people in the North East. He currently works for Newcastle United Foundation as Community Learning Manager.
Lee’s experience is built up of leading a Prince’s Trust Team programme working with over 200 young people giving them the skills, knowledge and behaviours to get back into the jobs market both for Newcastle United Foundation and TyneMet College. He also worked in a care home for 7 years which specialised in looking after both children and young adults with autism and challenging behaviour, a role which provided opportunities to teach basic life skills, give life changing experiences, and everything in between.
Lee has stated “I first came across Foundation Futures in 2016 whilst working alongside the Director of Youth and Community engagement, Jennie who had Links with Co-founders Sue and Chris. Inspired by the Charity’s values, amazing work in the community and in schools and passionate staff I reached out to see if I could become more involved! I am excited about the prospect of helping and supporting this amazing Charity in any way I can”
We were delighted to have Lee join our Board of Trustees in February 2023.
Meet the Team
We provide safe faces & safe spaces to help transform lives.
We are a small but mighty team. We have 2 hard working buildings which are used 5 days a week. As a small team we are used to being multi-taskers. We are all trained to work across all of our programmes
.jpg)
