Claire Davis: Claire Davis - Gio Project ManagerClaire Davis

Gio Project Manager

The majority of my working life has been in the Voluntary Sector either working directly with the local community or capacity building with other charitable organisations. I worked previously for Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent, where I supported numerous charities and community groups, who challenged issues such as high deprivation and low aspirations through the development of their environment. I also worked with Stoke-on-Trent City Council in the Safer City Partnership and this helped me to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of ways of working and processes in a local authority.

I am looking forward to leading the project and working with a diverse range of organisations in Manchester. I will be offering support to voluntary and community groups, particularly around creating a sustainable funding base and the tendering and commissioning process. I am also an outcomes champion and will be providing training on embedding outcomes in organisations and establishing processes for monitoring.   

Some interesting work that I did previously included being a team member of a partnership group around police residential Class A closures (Crack House Closures). I helped to coordinate the response from support agencies that would offer help to drug users after their house had been closed for dealing Class A drugs.

A non-work related fact about me.... I drive in bare feet!

claired@vamanchester.org.uk

Hannah Taylor: Hannah Taylor - Information and Support WorkerHannah Taylor

Media & Communication Development Worker

When the Gio Project began I concentrated my efforts on developing the Gio Project brand, establishing the website & creating the bi-monthly newsletter. As my role has developed I have begun to make our website an important & central source of information for voluntary & community groups within Manchester. I also run sessions on basic web design and developing a social media strategy which enhances how organisations create interesting web content. I am here to offer organisations advice on a variety of ICT and media issues.

Prior to working in the Voluntary Sector my interest in social anthropology led me to study an MA in visual anthropology, which is an interesting & unusual topic that involved the comparative study of visual cultures & also training in methods of ethnographic documentary filmmaking. I continue to use my knowledge of filmmaking by working in a freelance capacity on video commissions for a range of organisations.

In may spare time I can usually be found outdoors taking photographs or more often than not riding (and falling off) my mountain bike.

hannaht@vamanchester.org.uk

FranFran Tagoe

Advice Worker

I have acquired more than ten years experience in the voluntary and community sector.
In a voluntary capacity, I have been the director of MOSSCOP, treasurer for Mission Possible, and National Co-ordinator for Youth and Women's Ministry. In a professional capacity, I have six years experience working for CN4M as a Network Development Co-ordinator. I've worked with deprived and hard to reach communities, and has built positive working relationships with key stakeholders and various multi agency partners.
With several years of project management experience, I have managed broad areas of activities and projects which includes, experience of complex funding programmes such as:- Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF), European Social Fund (ESF) & European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

I have more than ten years experience of leading & co-ordinating annual conferences for women from diverse backgrounds. I'm accustomed to delivering presentations, workshops and representation to and on behalf of various audiences with confidence, sensitivity and respect.

With a 2:1 degree in Marketing, I also have media experience from a previous role working for Trinity Mirror Newspaper, where I was responsible for regional advertising activities published in 42 different regional newspapers over a period of three years.
"I am very excited about the GIO project and I look forward to working with you all, making positive contributions to the growth and development of the sector."

frant@vamanchester.org.uk

BarbaraBarbara Bailey

Part-time Advice Worker

In a professional capacity I have worked as a business manager for Helen Sanderson Associates (HSA) a private training and consultancy organisation for over 3 years. Within this role I have developed skills working on contract management, business planning and strategic visioning.

I am trained in strategic visioning/business planning using graphics and visual aids. I believe that this skill can be utilised creatively within the work place.
I have a diploma in personal life coaching which I have enjoyed applying to both my professional and personal life.

I am a trustee to the HSA Foundation which is a charity to promote individual, family, organisational and community change, with a particular focus on supporting victims of domestic violence. I am passionate about working with a charity. The experience of seeing how the impact of support and advice can create positive change is inspiring.
I am a regular gym user and fitness instructor. I enjoy teaching aerobics and Body Combat (A range of non-contact martial arts choreographed to music!).

barbarab@vamanchester.org.uk