Meet the Team

Veronica Kirwan
Chief Executive Officer

Email: veronica.kirwan@escv.org.uk
Telephone: 07794 100291

Veronica has extensive experience of working at a senior level across public, private and voluntary sectors. With a focus on establishing cross sector partnerships to deliver maximum impact for local communities.

Most recently, Veronica was Managing Director at Peabody, a large London Housing association where she spent 23 years working on a range of community, regeneration and economic inclusion programmes. In her time at Peabody she was responsible for setting up the Peabody Community Foundation.

Simon Kiley
Head of Service Evidence and Insight

Email: simon.kiley@escv.org.uk
Telephone: 07794 100335

Simon joined the team at ESCV in January 2020.

He has worked in the voluntary sector in East Sussex since 2006, leading and delivering a wide range of research, evidence gathering and community engagement projects and services.

Simon has a background in research and teaching, possessing a degree, PGCE and PhD in Geography.

Riona Doidge
Head of Volunteering and Engagement

Email: Riona.Doidge@escv.org.uk
Telephone: 07794 097719

Riona joined ESCV in February 2023. She has over 15 years’ experience working within the voluntary and community sector.

She began her career working at an independent volunteer centre and is passionate about including volunteers in all aspects of ESCV’s work. Riona is a strong believer in co-production and empowering local people to have a voice.

Jessica Gee
Engagement Officer

Email:Jessica.Gee@escv.org.uk
Telephone: 07949 812 027

Jessica (she/her) joined the ESCV staff team in June 2021 as the Engagement and Volunteer Support Officer.

Jessica has been working in the voluntary sector, both in the UK and internationally, for the last 8 years. She obtained her BSc degree in International Development Studies in 2010 from the Open University.

Alexandra Hawkins
Communications and Marketing Manager

Email: alexandra.hawkins@escv.org.uk
Telephone: 07794 100409

Alex joined the team at ESCV in March 2022 having previously worked with Sussex Police.

She has worked in various communication roles including in the voluntary sector and has obtained her Master’s Degree in Marketing, Branding and Communication from the University of Brighton.

Anna McCollin-Moore
East Sussex VCSE Alliance Development Manager

Email: anna.mccollin-moore@escv.org.uk
Telephone: 07983 855324

Anna joined ESCV in April 2022.

Previously Anna has worked with a Local Authority as an External Funding Officer, supporting the LEP, council and an alliance of 17 coastal local authorities, on delivering projects aimed at boosting coastal productivity. Anna also worked on successful funding bids for Local Authority Capital Programmes.

Prior to this Anna worked in various roles for a housing association, including running a handyman service that enabled older and vulnerable people to stay living independently and safely at home

Kate Naylor
Information and Signposting Advisor

Email:kate.naylor@escv.org.uk
Telephone: 07494 960532

Kate joined ESCV following 13 years of working in commissioning for the NHS in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove. Kate previously worked in project management for several voluntary and community sector organisations in East Sussex.

Kate has a broad knowledge of the local health and social care system, which she hopes will enable her to help members of the public to access the right health or social care service for their needs.

Zoe Garrity
Information and Signposting Advisor

Email: zoe.garrity@escv.org.uk
Telephone: 07506 925166

Zoe joined ESCV in June 2022 as an Information and Signposting advisor. She has extensive experience working in a variety of social care settings and is passionate about supporting people and community engagement.

Zoe also has a background in social care research, having completed her PhD in Social Work and Social Care at the University of Sussex.

Kira Parsons
Engagement Officer

Email: kira.parsons@escv.org.uk

Telephone: 07432 570521

Kira joined ESCV in May 2023 as a Trainee Engagement Officer.

Kira is passionate about creating positive change in the community and championing young people to ensure that their voices are heard. She obtained her BSc degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Chichester in 2022.

Anna Purcell
Programme Manager

Email: anna.purcell@escv.org.uk

Phone: 07932 065696

Anna joined ESCV in August 2023. She previously spent ten years working for the charity National Numeracy, managing a variety of projects including resource development and support programmes for schools, employers and the general public.

She also has experience working in communications, alumni development, and managing a small online retail business.

Heather Brightwell
Children and Young People’s Strategic Involvement Lead

Email: heather.brightwell@escv.org.uk

Phone: 07388 968 545

Heather joined ESCV in September 2023 as the Children and Young People’s Strategic Involvement Lead, working with NHS Sussex.

Heather has 18 years of experience developing, funding and delivering community initiatives, working at senior level within the social housing and the voluntary and charitable sector. She is passionate about collaborative working and community engagement, making sure that all voices are heard to make sure services have a positive impact for local communities.

Matthew Ryan
Engagement Manager

Email: matthew.ryan@escv.org.uk
Telephone: 07909 253678

Matthew joined ESCV in January 2024 and previously worked in Adult Social Care for 15 years, including a Neighbourhood Support Team in East Sussex.

He began his career in public and patient involvement and is passionate about supporting people to make a difference to local services, including people from marginalized communities.

Sara Hinchliffe
East Sussex VCSE Alliance Administrator and Project Support Officer

Email: sara.hinchliffe@escv.org.uk
Telephone: 07495 444007

Sara joined ESCV in March 2024.

Sara has worked in a variety of voluntary and community organisations, including supporting older people returning home from hospital and as a volunteer social prescriber.

She previously worked in adult and continuing education, and in higher education, for many years.

Lewis Chamberlain
Trainee Communication & Marketing officer

Email: lewis.chamberlain@escv.org.uk
Telephone: 01323 403590

Lewis joined ESCV in May 2024.

Lewis Is born and bred in Brighton and spent 3 years studying Sports Business management (BSc) at the University of Portsmouth. During his time studying, he developed a keen interest in marketing and sponsorship.

Bethia Murray
Business Support Officer

Email: bethia.murray@escv.org.uk

Telephone: 07794 097 713

Bethia joined ESCV in May 2024 as a Business Support Officer.

Bethia is passionate about her local area and through voluntary work, enjoys making a difference in the community.