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 nine years within the Housing Maintenance division and is currently a Customer Success Manager. Her central role enables her to work closely with local contracts across the UK, enabling her build strong, positive relationships and a wide-reaching network of colleagues throughout the business. This role also gives Alison the unique ability to influence activity across teams and strengthen cohesion between Mears’ social value agenda and the work of the Mears Foundation.

Alison is deeply committed to charitable fundraising and has a strong track record of taking on demanding challenges in support of good causes. In 2018, she joined Scottish colleagues to raise £3.5K for St Andrews Hospice by completing her first big hike Ben Nevis. In June 2021, she tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, completing it in 12 hours and 35 minutes and personally raising £1,275 for the Mears Foundation. Her dedication has continued when she has taken on 3 virtual London Marathons, a the UK 3 Peaks (Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike) separately over 3 years, further demonstrating her passion for giving back.

As a trustee of the Mears Foundation, Alison is committed to its continued growth and the vital support it provides to vulnerable communities across the UK. Her contributions, both operationally and personally, reflect her belief in making a meaningful difference through every opportunity she takes.

‍

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.

Martin has been with the Mears Group for over eighteen years and heads up the procurement team for the business. In this role he holds key relationships with the Mears supply chain and is instrumental in promoting the Foundation and the work we do, gaining their support and securing additional income. Many of the Mears main suppliers are now friends of the foundation and continue to support where they can.

His support for the Foundation is not just through his day to day role but through his fundraising over many years. Martin and a team of six colleagues completed the Hadrian’s Wall challenge walking through the night and he has recently spearheaded an amazing social value project on Holy Island to update and re furnish the buildings where school children go for residential weeks.

Martin is a keen fisherman, loves his walking and takes time to relax in his allotment.