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.
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.
HR People and Development Manager- Tracy Francis
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I’m originally a Mancunian (I know……don’t hold it against me) who moved across to West Yorkshire in 2022.
My very early career was in community development and childcare provision for Manchester City Council (MCC). I changed career in my mid-twenties and joined the HR (in the olden days – Personnel!) Team again with MCC – over my 21 years there I provide HR support at various levels to the Education Department, Children’s Services, and finally Adult and Social Care Service. I also completed my Post Graduate Diploma in People Management (CIPD 7). I left MCC and worked in the private sector as a HR and then People Advisor for a Student Accommodation Company for just over 7 years. Soon after moving to Luddendenfoot I saw a brilliant opportunity to work for Next Step Trust as HR and People Development Manager and I joined in May 2023.
My children are now all grown up – so it’s just the two Chihuahua’s (Poppy and George) and husband at home now. I love reading, travelling as much as possible, knitting, crochet, sewing, playing piano (badly), yoga and running 5ks (breathlessly). I’m also lucky enough to have 6 grandchildren.
It’s been really exciting learning about, and working at Next Step Trust – it’s given me the opportunity to set up our HR/People Team and I have great ambitions to make sure that NST has the best people, doing the best job to give our Next Steppers their best days!
Deputy Operations Manager- Verity Cleary
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I started working with TNST back in 2018 and have worked in various roles over the years, most recently I took on the role of Deputy Operations Manager. I can safely say no single day at TNST is ever the same, something I enjoy thoroughly. I am incredibly proud to work at NST where we don’t just follow our dreams, we chase them!
Day Service Coordinator- Vicky Weatherhead
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I joined TNST as a support worker 11 years ago, then went on to become a Lead Support Worker. As TNST developed, I successfully interviewed for the position of Day Service Coordinator. I oversee the day service with the support of the Lead Support Workers. In recent years I have become part of the interview panel and a member of the Service Development Group.
Assistant Day Service Coordinator- Harriet Daniel
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I joined TNST back in 2009. It has been a fun and interesting fifteen years with no day ever the same! It’s a real privilege to have been part of TNST’s journey from such small beginnings to the fabulous service that we are today. During my time at Next Step, I have progressed through several job roles including Support Worker, Activity Lead, Lead Support and more recently, Assistant Day Service Coordinator. A highlight of my time was completing the Leeds half marathon with my Next Step team mates.