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Rob Thompson (Chairperson)

Rob has worked in the Charitable Social Housing Sector for over 24 years, following a career working with Social Services and the Royal Navy.   Rob has a great deal of experience with financial management and staff management, supporting others through change management processes.  He has sat on a number of resident management committees as well as a number of regional working groups.

 

Dr Michelle Carr (Vice-Chair)

Michelle has an Honours degrees in Psychology and Applied Forensic Psychology and is a registered and chartered Forensic Psychologist.  She has spent her career working within the prison and secure mental health care.

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Andrew Malcolm (Treasurer and Chair of the Finance and Funding Committee)
Andrew became a trustee in 2019 having previously served on the board of Middlesbrough College for 6 years, chairing their audit and risk committee along with serving as a trustee at several schools and special needs charities.  Andrew is a qualified accountant with 30 years financial experience and has worked in the social housing sector for 25 years as well as working in Education, NHS, Construction and Private sectors.  Andrew is passionate in his support for those who are disadvantaged in any way.

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Julie Allan 

Throughout her career Julie has worked with people experiencing difficulties and challenges in their lives, endeavouring to support them to improve their lives and opportunities.  Her career with the Probation Service and partner organisation has given her a vast array of knowledge and skills that support the Senior Leadership Team to improve the work that goes on within A Way Out.

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​​Hassan Bahrani 

Hassan has a BSc (hons) in Computer Studies and is the Director of IT, Cyber and Data Security with Thirteen.  His skills bring much needed technology and security experience to the A Way Out board.  Hassan is also a strong leader with a strategic mindset with a focus on change management, budgeting and has experience managing large teams.

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Karen Parker

​Karen is a marketing consultant and business owner with experience supporting professional services and purpose-led organisations through strategic marketing, communications and brand development.  Her background spans marketing, operations and leadership roles, with strengths in strategic thinking, clear communication and bringing structure to complex projects.  Motivated by work that delivers positive community impact and supporting charities through sustainable growth, stronger visibility and effective engagement with supporters and stakeholders.

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Phaedra Andrew​​​

Phaedra has over 30 years’ experience across finance and operations, including work in the charity and education sectors, with senior responsibility for budgeting, reporting, audit preparation, payroll, and operational management.  She joined the board of trustees in 2025.