Chief Executive – Preet Sandhu
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I completed my M.Phil in English Literature at the University of Delhi where I worked for four years as a lecturer before moving to Mumbai.
I then moved with my husband to England in 1999, our aim was to travel and work abroad for five years!
I decided to do some voluntary work to consider alternative career options and volunteered with Barnardos and Rochdale Gateway Leisure Ltd. This led me to being offered a Research & Development position at Rochdale Gateway Leisure Ltd. I worked at Gateway for 12 years – my responsibilities changed during this time. Initially I developed and then managed the Inclusion Service – I then went on to be the Operations Manager for the organisation. I completed my Leadership and Management qualification through Paradigm and the University of Lancaster. I also completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Challenging Behaviour from Cardiff University in 2012.
The years at Gateway were extremely interesting and a lot changed in Social care provision during this time. I lead the development of a new day service; carers support group and the housing related support service as well as other developments within the organisation.
I was the Practice Educator for B.A. and M.A. students from the Greater Manchester universities, this gave me the opportunity to interview students for the courses and to work with the university on their placements.
I enjoy travelling with my husband and son and enjoy outdoor pursuits including walking, scuba diving and cycling.
I joined the Board of Trustees and the Grants Committee at The Community Foundation for Calderdale in January 2022.
As the CEO of The Next Step Trust, I have experienced first-hand the impact the CFFC can have on local charities and more specifically the disabled residents of Calderdale. CFFC’s commitment to enabling charities and not for profit organisations like the NST to support the most vulnerable in our communities and supporting their progress has been inspiring.
As a Trustee of the Foundation, I will be privileged to further enhance their work by influencing the strategic direction and grant making and offering insight from the perspective of the voluntary sector; people with learning disabilities; minority communities. It is both an exciting and challenging time for us all and I am excited to be a part of CFFC’s journey through it.
Operations Manager – Helen Lane
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I was born in Devon and moved to Calderdale in 1976 with my family. I have one adult son.
My career has consistently been within the health and social care and educational setting. I enjoy working alongside many professionals, carers and individuals of all ages. I have worked at the Next Step Trust since 2008. I thoroughly enjoy my post participating in the Trust’s development and growth. We have four centres now and many individuals who access the support service. We provide a parent’s forum and invite guest speakers to attend. I enjoyed networking as I am a real people person.
My continued ambition and drive is to contribute in helping make a positive difference to people’s lives by applying a person centred approach. I have many great colleagues I work alongside and I am currently studying to continue my professional development. I have also gained much experience from my life too. I have many interests and hobbies including property restoration, period architecture, local history and local pictures of the past.