Our Team

In addition to our staff team we have a wonderful team of volunteers.

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are truly the backbone of Fusion, and we couldn’t run the centre without them. We have 85 registered volunteers with 72 currently active. Their input into the management and running of the organisation is invaluable as is the generosity shown by giving their time to support Fusion and the community.

Each new volunteer completes an induction and compulsory training, is assigned to a member of staff based on their interests and is given a clear role description for their specific volunteering responsibility. Volunteers are supported to develop their skills, confidence, communication and connections as part of their volunteering journey. All volunteers are encouraged to try different types of volunteering across Fusion and in some cases to apply for new staff positions and/or trustee vacancies. Since 2020 we have deliberately grown our volunteer team to increase community ownership of Fusion, to improve community input into our activities and to offer more local volunteering opportunities for people wanting to feel connected and involved.

We love our volunteers and the passion and expertise they bring to our work. Our volunteer retention levels are very high, which we think demonstrates how valued and empowered our volunteers feel.

There are various volunteer roles at Fusion including Activity Lead, Admin, Coffee Shop Assistant, Driving, Fundraising, Events Coordination, Reception, Social Media, Marketing & Promotion.

If you are interested in volunteering at Fusion contact enquiries@fusionhlc.org.uk or pop into the centre to find out how you can get involved.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Tad Taberer– Chairman

Tad has been a Trustee at Fusion since February 2016.  He is the Chief Executive Officer of Maidstone Community Support Centre.  He has worked in the charity sector since 1992, starting with working with people who have learning disabilities and mental health barriers, and now in his current position.

Louise MacPhearson – Vice Chair

Louise joined the Board in November 2023. Louise is the CEO of Age UK Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, a charity with which she has a long association. Louise has observed Fusion’s growth, especially over the last 4 years, acknowledging that Fusion is well embedded in the community and is a trusted hub. Louise became a trustee to help and support the staff and volunteer teams and to support the charity’s continued growth and development.

Richard Pearce – Treasurer

Richard joined the trustee board in January 2024.  Richard became aware of Fusion whilst working as part of the Riverside Rotary team on the refurbishment of the Park Wood Allotment plots.  Prior to taking early retirement in 2018 Richard was a director in a building services consultancy in central London working on major projects in the UK and overseas.

Gary Cooke- Safeguarding trustee

Gary joined Fusion January 2012.  He is the Kent County Councillor for Maidstone South East which includes Park Wood. He actively supports the Park Wood community and has supported and helped to instigate a number of community based initiatives.

Angela Holness

Angela joined the Trustee board in January 2020.  She works in admin at Treetops Primary School and is very passionate about the community.

Dan Wilkinson

Dan Wilkinson, who works in online banking, joined the Fusion Trustee Board in late 2022.  As one of the two Councillors representing Park Wood ward on Maidstone Borough Council, he is keen to support, promote and contribute to the running of what he sees as a crucial part of the community, and a lifeline to many people.