We are governed by a Board of Trustees who act in a voluntary capacity to oversee the management of Your Trust.
The Board set and pursue the vision, mission and values of the organisation, ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations, and supervises the Chief Executive.
Join our Board of Trustees
We’re currently seeking new Trustees that can help guide and shape the future development of our dynamic charity. We would really like to hear from people who have strong connections in their community and understand the borough of Rochdale. It is not essential to have prior Board level experience, as training will be given. For full details and to apply, please click here
David Gelsthorpe (Chair)
David is Curator of Earth Science Collections at Manchester Museum where he leads exhibitions, decolonisation work, teaching, public programmes and facilitates research on the collection. David has a PhD in palaeontology, but enjoys all aspects of museum work. He first got to know the Trust when working as a partner on the Dippy on Tour exhibition and programme.
In addition, he is a trustee of the Natural Science Collections Association (a national charity that promotes natural science collections and those who work with them) and a panel member for the Arts Council England Accreditation Panel.
Anjum Ahmed
Anjum Ahmed is an experienced business executive, fulfilling roles including Commercial Director and Marketing Director with national retailers in the consumer and the business to business sectors.
He has extensive experience in business strategy, marketing, communications, pricing, understanding consumer behaviour and digital transformation. He also has experience as a Trustee of Pensions Scheme.
Anjum was born and bought up in Rochdale and attended local schools, Castleton (Primary), Thornham (Middle) and Balderstone (High). He has a keen interest in the physical health and the benefits of exercise, with a desire to increase community participation. He enjoys running, cycling, swimming and is the Vice Captain of Rochdale Harriers running club. He also particularly enjoys the social and community aspect of Parkrun, both as a runner and volunteer.
Zulf Ali
Details and photo to follow
Justin Axon
Justin is a passionate and driven senior leader at Redwood School and has previously had roles within Rochdale Local Authority’s ‘Children with Disabilities’ and ‘Education, Health and Care’ teams.
Justin has been working with children and young people with additional needs and/or disabilities and their families for over 18 years. He has a wealth of experience working in a range of settings, from early year’s childcare providers (nurseries, playgroups and preschools), to primary, secondary and post 16 educational settings, as well as evening, weekend and school holiday activity providers. He is passionate about accessible, inclusive, and sustainable opportunities for all.
Justin is a strong, creative and conscientious individual who calls upon his extensive background to foster great relationships, deliver success and growth.
Cilla Baynes
Cilla has worked for over 45 years in the arts, in the North West, London and other parts of the UK. As a first generation SE Asian immigrant, she discovered at an early age the power of creativity to help shape identity, expression and life. Cilla trained in Theatre and Drama in Education and is known for her work as a pioneer of innovative arts production with diasporic and marginalised communities
Cilla recently retired as Creative Director/CEO for the Manchester based Community Arts North West (CAN) which she co-founded in 1978 and where she went on to lead the development of one of Britain’s major refugee arts programmes, Exodus. Launched in 2005, with its diverse and sustained programmes it has been hugely influential in creating voice, expression and cultural profile for communities new to Britain.
Throughout her life time Cilla has also been involved in the creation of training and development initiatives, encouraging and supporting new generations of emerging artists and companies in the region.
Gillian Bishop (Vice Chair)
Gillian Bishop is an experienced and highly skilled leader working across the public, private and charitable sectors over the past 30 years. She has extensive experience of leading large scale change, improvement and transformation within organisations, systems and places. Gillian has held Chief Executive and senior Executive positions in local government, central government, public-private partnerships and charities.
Gillian is currently Chief Executive of North West Employers (NWE), an organisation which is part of the NW local government community and owned by the 36 Local Authorities and 2 Combined Authorities in the NW. She leads the organisation to build a stronger and more connected public sector in the NW, creating a region that has the capacity and capability to grow, respond to and deliver in the ever changing policy context.
She is also an experienced Board member and Non –Executive Director. She holds roles on Local Authority Trading Companies, Charities, and Health Bodies using her experience, skills and expertise to support the growth and development of these organisations.
Gillian is a qualified Executive and Team coach and an experienced facilitator of senior teams and Executive Boards.
Gillian is active in her local community as a qualified volunteer swimming teacher at her local swimming club, safeguarding lead for two parish churches, and volunteering with coaching support to the local football team.
Councillor Adam Branton
Adam Branton is the elected member of Rochdale Borough Council representing Wardle, Shore, and West Littleborough. An entrepreneur in the educational industry, Adam has developed apps, songs, and a private tutoring business that serve the next generation of children.
With over 12 years of experience as a senior leader and classroom teacher in primary education, Adam has a robust background in educational management. He is skilled in assessment, educational technology, English, and strategic planning. Adam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Leicester.
Chris Davison
Chris is a Manager in the Deal Advisory team with accountants KPMG.
Having trained with the firm as a Chartered Accountant, Chris has subsequently progressed to become a licensed Insolvency Practitioner, typically advising firms who encounter financial or operational issues that need to be resolved, often within high pressured timescales. Working across a range of sectors in both the public and private sector, Chris’ recent assignments include advising a North West NHS Trust regarding cash management and cost reduction plans and the restructure of a national high street retailer.
Prior to life in professional services, Chris studied Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University and was a national level swimmer and latterly coach at Rochdale Aquabears.
Celia Makin-Bell
Celia has 30 years experience of working in the arts and cultural sector.
She is Head of Trusts and Foundations and Diversity Lead at Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Prior to this, she was Managing Director of Attitude is Everything, a national charity which aims to improve deaf and disabled people’s access to music and live events and has also worked for Arts Council England and Manchester-based SICK! Festival in senior roles.
She also worked for 15 years as a cultural consultant and trainer specialising in interim management, research and evaluation, fundraising, organisational development, business planning and project management for the not for profit and public sectors.
Keith Maddock
Keith is a retired leisure professional with nearly 40 years experience working in the leisure industry.
His most recent role was as the Director of Neighbourhood and Wellbeing for LiveWire Warrington Community Interest Company. Prior to that he managed Leisure Centres across Warrington.
Driven by providing high quality local services that residents are able to enjoy and to encourage participation in a range of opportunities in order to promote a healthy lifestyle.
His goals will be to support people across Rochdale with services providing innovative programmes that provide maximum health benefits and access to learning.
He enjoys swimming and is keen to support the swim academy that provides an essential life skill that everyone should have the opportunity to learn.
Keith played a key role working in partnership with Education, Cheshire Police and local churches providing a range of evening activities for young adults.
Paul O’Neill
Details and photo to follow
Councillor Sameena Zaheer (Labour)
Sameena is Labour Councillor on Rochdale Borough Council.
If you have any queries regarding our Board or you wish to contact them, please click here to contact our Company Secretary