Board of Trustees
West End Refugee Service is governed by a board of 8 trustees who willingly give their time and skills to steer the charity, to ensure that it supports, empowers and delivers positive change in the lives of people seeking asylum and refugees living in our area, in accordance with the charitable objects set out in its constitution.
This group of trustees collectively possesses a wide range of skills, experience and characteristics which bring a welcome diversity of age, race, gender, training, profession and outlook to its decision making. Skills include HR, accountancy, business management, charity governance, pastoral experience, communications and, importantly, brings the voice of lived experience of the UK asylum system to the heart of WERS’ strategic governance. We celebrate diversity and look to increase it as the board membership evolves.
WERS trustees work together in a consultative way, considering and respecting all points of view as they work towards consensus in their decision-making. Their diversity of backgrounds and skills are brought together in a common commitment to the vision, mission and values of WERS. For further details, see our public information on the Charity Commission website.
Alice Mason - Chair of the Board of Trustees
Alice’s journey with WERS began with a deep-rooted passion for refugee advocacy and support. With nearly a decade of experience working in conflict zones and within the UK refugee sector, Alice's dedication to empowering refugee communities is unwavering. Her extensive background in development and community engagement has equipped her with the skills needed to drive positive change.
Prior to joining WERS, Alice held various leadership positions in the voluntary sector for over 30 years, including five Chief Executive roles in small to medium-sized charities. Her collaborative approach to leadership, as well as pragmatic outlook and strong strategic focus, has earned her recognition as a valuable charity leader. .
Chris Millman - Trustee Treasurer
Chris has lived in North-East of England and worked in and from Newcastle upon Tyne for over 30 years as an IT Project Manager. Overseeing large scale contracts, mainly in the UK public sector, he holds responsibility for the profit and loss of those contracts and presenting financial and management accounts.
Chris and his family have also been involved for over 20 years with the Deaf Education through Listening and Talking charity - DELTA. As a Trustee, he became Honorary Treasurer, and set up the financial management and accounting systems for the charity, working with trustees, charity commission and companies house. Chris joined the board in 2019.
Bridget Wigham - Trustee Secretary
Bridget worked for 15 years as a business analyst and project manager on transformation projects, before leaving to have a family. While working for BT she volunteered with the BT Volunteering Scheme and gained recognition for linking the skills an individual developed through the scheme to their professional development and working roles.
Bridget has always volunteered since being at school, before having children she was a lead regional volunteer for Make A Wish UK and most recently she was a member of the board of trustees of Rosie's Corner, a children's clothes bank. Bridget’s grandparents fled persecution and began their life in the UK as refugees. Working with WERS fulfils an ambition to work more within the region to help refugees and asylum seekers.