The Mears Foundation is guided by four key principles:
• Improving the lives of people in communities across the UK
• Building stronger, more connected communities
• Providing career and skills opportunities for those who need them most
• Making a positive impact on the environment
We work with groups and individuals who share our values, helping people become stronger, more confident, and self-reliant by providing opportunities and skills.
Heather is an accomplished Charity and Community Manager who has built a career on creating impactful opportunities to raise funds and support national/local charities and community projects.
She joins us from nPower where she headed up their communities team and worked across the group’s 10,000+ staff to raise thousands of pounds for good causes with an exciting fundraising programme.
Christine is an internationally experienced senior business strategy, marketing and communications specialist. As CEO of consultancy firm, Little Dipper, she conceives and delivers innovative and award-winning international strategies, initiatives, programmes and events for clients in the public and private sector. Christine is also Chair at Advance, one of the UK’s leading frontline charities working with women and children experiencing domestic abuse and involved in the criminal justice system and a Non-Executive Director at the International Association of Broadcast and Media.
Christine is an Emmy® award winning producer, a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts, an Honorary Fellow of the British Institute of Interior Design and in 2016 was awarded Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the creative industries in the UK.
Jude has always been involved in community & charity projects since she was a Brownie. She has fund raised for a number of charities including the Cotswold Care Hospice, Cancer Research and Children in Need. She has taken part in a variety of community projects including creating a 'Magic Garden' for the Stepping Stones Playgroup and rejuvenating the "Lost Garden" at Dursley Primary School.
Jude was inspired to do even more volunteering on a international project, undertaking improvement works at the Hopes and Dreams Community Village in Sri Lanka and since played a large part in getting The Mears Foundation set-up. Jude co-project managed The Mears Foundation's second international project in Benoni, South Africa and played a big part in the organisation of subsequent projects at Sithabile Child and Youth Care Centre, South Africa.
Diane has been involved with social value and community-based activities since starting her career with Mears in 2012. She has developed particularly strong links with local schools and with Age UK Rotherham and is passionate about the work they achieve together.
Providing information and guidance to young people on careers and the world of work is hugely important to Diane as she sees this as a vital step in creating the workforce of the future.
Paddy has raised money for several charities completing a range of activities including the 2012 London Marathon and Skydiving. Paddy's background is event management and he also holds media experience in working for three Premier League football Clubs.
In the past two years Paddy has organised events for Myeloma UK, The Stiliyan Petrov Foundation and Ward 19 for Birmingham Heartlands Hospital raising over £10,000.
Alison has worked for Mears for 6 years within the Group Marketing Communication and Customer Success Team. Being part of a central function has been hugely beneficial and has meant Alison has formed positive relationships, establishing a good network with a wide range of colleagues across the business. In her role Alison has the ability to influence the activity and drive the cohesion between the Group social value work and the Foundation, as Mears strive to be the leading socially responsible business.
She raised £3.5K with Scottish colleagues during the 2018 Ben Nevis hike for St Andrews Hospice. In June 2021, Alison completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in a commendable 12 hours 35 minutes, personally raising £1275 for the Mears Foundation. In 2023, she conquered the virtual London Marathon and Ben Nevis challenge, showcasing her dedication to giving back.
As a trustee of the Mears Foundation, Alison is dedicated to its growth and the support it provides to vulnerable communities across the UK.
Drawing on his experience as an electrician and trades representative, Liam acts as an essential link between frontline staff and senior management, ensuring that their concerns are not only heard but also translated into action. Liam's continuous promotion of the foundation within the company increases its visibility and connection among employees; therefore boosting its impact. In addition to his employment at Mears, Liam volunteers as an academy coach at Spennymoor Town. His passion for community involvement extends beyond just the office.
