Yvonne Thomson, CEO, UKHarvest
Yvonne Thomson is a highly experienced social, economic and physical regeneration specialist, qualified in community education and gaining a post graduate in Housing studies form Stirling University and Master of Philosophy in Urban Policy. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of those who are socially excluded and have no voice, opportunity or choice in life. She has worked in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Yvonne believes that only through joint working and alliance that we will solve food poverty in the U.K. She sees an intrinsic link between homelessness and food poverty and seeks to provide a solution. Yvonne sees education as the answer to tackling food waste and UKHarvest will work with consumers and everyone right along the supply chain to tackle food waste. The harvest model of food rescue will help provide the solution as part of a four-pillar approach of rescue; education; engagement and innovation. Yvonne began founding UKHarvest in mid 2016.
Simon Thresher, Head of Operations, Logistics and Compliance
Simon has over 20 years operational management experience within the catering and hospitality industry, working with multinational corporations. His knowledge of catering from the inside, and wealth of operational experience, has allowed Simon to develop and enhance the impact of UKHarvest. Dedicated to delivery Simon has extended the boundaries of the logistical reach to encompass 7 counties along the south coast, delivered food education in person and online reaching end users globally and ensured that all food safety and health and safety requirements are met.
James Swann, Head of Programmes
James, as head of programmes, has been instrumental in creating, developing and executing some of UKHarvest's most successful programmes and operations, including Grub Club and DARE. Through strategic planning and careful consultation of the existing food systems, James has ensured that UKHarvest are ahead of the game, rescuing more food from waste and ensuring that it reaches more households in need, year on year.
Jessica Knight, Head of Finance
Jessica has worked at UKHarvest for the last 3 years as our Head of Finance. With a strong background in accountancy, Jess is fantastically placed to make sure that all of our accounting and finance are in order, across our West Sussex HQ and the Nourish Hub in West London.
Nigel Boshein, Community Outreach and Engagement Manager
Nigel's has always had wellbeing at the heart of his profession. With experience working in public services to supporting people through therapy, Nigel brings enthusiasm for equality, community and togetherness to every aspect of his role. Nigel is best known for his work with UKHarvest's Community Food Hubs, but his role involves so much more; collaboration with partnerships, managing support service engagement and ensuring that each individual that attends our hubs leaves feeling considered and valued.
Sarah White, Kitchen Manager
Sarah runs our busy and vibrant training kitchen at our Donnington Hub. In her early career, Sarah trained as a Home Economist and Food Stylist. After working in food publishing for several years, she has written and styled cookery books on various genres from Greek Meze, Cake Decorating to Kids Cooking. After starting her own family, she and her husband set up Fun Food Academy to teach children and young people how to cook. Sarah loves to be able to pass on her passion for simple, healthy, cost-effective cooking combined with her joy of teaching vulnerable people in our community how to cook and eat better on a budget.
sian georgeou, education facilitator
Sian has been working with UKHarvest for the last 3 years, creating and delivering a range of educational programme from our NourishEd operation. Sian has a passion for reducing food waste, and supporting communities and can often be found at our community events where she shares her knowledge of eating well, and making the most of every day food shopping.
Jo Lodge, Communications Manager
With a background in publishing, Jo has taken her editorial and marketing skills to create a successful career in public relations and communications for not-for-profit organisations. Jo oversees all comms for UKHarvest, covering social media, website, email, newsletter and press content.
Will Wallace, Senior Policy and Research Officer
Will joined our team in 2023 and has since played a key role in strengthening how we understand and measure our social impact. By introducing innovative systems for monitoring and evaluation, he has enabled us to gain clearer insights into the effectiveness of our mission and identify opportunities for further growth.
Will brings a strong academic background, holding a postgraduate degree in Public Policy from the University of Edinburgh, where he developed his ongoing interest in health equity, social justice and community engagement.
Helen Conway, Finance Officer
Helen has most recently worked in Schools in Finance and previously in the classroom, she also has varied experience running her own business and last worked in food as a Buyer. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, travelling, various crafts and spending time with family and friends. She was first drawn to UKHarvest during the pandemic and how much they helped the local schools and wider community.
Carrie Pither, Volunteer Coordinator
Logistics
Our logistics staff are integral to our operation. This group of hard-working indivduals work in our warehouse and on the roads, driving our vans to ensure the UK's surplus food is delivered to those who need it most.
The Nourish Hub
Opened in Autumn 2021 and located in London, the Nourish Hub is a space for the whole community to come together, eat well, and learn essential skills for life. Lunch is served daily by a team of decidated chefs and served to those who dine-in and to their meals-on-wheels audience. The entire hub is run by devoted staff members and volunteers.
