Clare
Trustee & Advisor

I joined the WJSC in 2023 as an advisor and became a Trustee in 2024.  I have spent over 30 years in Senior Human Resources roles working across the world in multiple business sectors including IT, Telecoms, Healthcare and FMCG. I have recruited, coached and mentored people at all levels. 

I’m passionate about my local community and supporting talent to reach their potential. I enjoy traveling, sports and playing golf with my family, although I rarely win!

Andy
Advisor

I am a former Regional Director for a global Enterprise software vendor. Responsible for a multi-country team of solution architects, project managers and technical consultants.

Extensive sales and sales management experience working for a variety of major B2B software vendors. Prince 2 Practioner. FCCA (Retired).

David
Advisor

I am an Advisor for WJSC. I have spent my career with a multinational company, 3M, including manufacturing, technical, and HR leadership roles followed by consultancy and volunteering projects. 

Doug
Advisor

I’m a Chartered Engineer with extensive experience in the design and construction of civil engineering and building projects. I have experience in client liaison, procurement, planning, project and company financial control, contract administration, and the hiring and training of employees.

I have authored several technical papers and books and am an ex-examiner for the Institution of Civil Engineers. I am also a retired trustee of the WJSC.

Steve
Advisor

I have worked in a wide range of sectors, including voluntary, government and commercial, including many years in telecoms roles running small and large teams. I enjoy helping people to develop their careers and to be successful in realising their potential.

For some years I worked for myself, and I hope that this experience is helpful to others who want to do the same.

Kevin
Advisor

I am an Advisor for WJSC. My early career was spent in Project Management, Pre-Sales Consulting and Sales roles. This gave me a broad grounding from which I entered general management. I spent the last 30 years in leadership roles, driving international Consulting, Training and Support teams to deliver successful customer outcomes with my various employers’ enterprise-class sales and marketing software. I am passionate about coaching and developing people and get a genuine kick from seeing people succeed in their endeavours. I enjoy cycling, hiking, photography and being a Grandad. I am a long-suffering Reading FC season ticket holder.

Darren
Trustee & Advisor

I joined WJSC as an Advisor in 2026. I have over 35 years of experience helping people communicate with confidence and lead through change, and I have coached individuals and teams around the world to unlock their potential.

My background includes senior roles with organisations including British Airways, Microsoft, Nike, PepsiCo and Vodafone, and since 2008 I have run my own consulting business. I am an accredited executive coach with Henley Business School and I am also trained in personality assessments that help people understand their strengths and how they come across to others.

Outside work, I love travelling, watching Reading FC, playing the odd round of golf, albeit badly, and getting to the gym a couple of times each week.

Julie Jamieson
Advisor
I’ve worked in recruitment across a wide range of sectors for more than 30 years, in a variety of roles. A large part of my career has involved running assessment centres, recruiting candidates and supporting people throughout their entire job search journey.
 
Over the years, I’ve worked with many different clients, which has given me insight into a wide range of workplace cultures, recruitment styles and ways of working. I hope the experience and support I can offer will help people feel more confident as they look for their next opportunity.
Sarah Symes
Advisor

Sarah is a qualified career coach with a background in HR and people development, and a genuine passion for helping people find work that's right for them. Over the years she has supported hundreds of job seekers — from those facing redundancy to graduates taking their first steps, and professionals navigating career changes — with practical help on CVs, job search strategy, interview preparation, and rebuilding confidence after setbacks. 

Sarah has co-run a career outplacement centre supporting people whose roles were restructured, and has extensive hands-on recruiting and interviewing experience, so she knows exactly what employers are looking for and how to help candidates show their best selves. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching from Warwick University and is an Association for Coaching member. 

Warm, encouraging, and down-to-earth, Sarah believes everyone deserves support at a career crossroads — and she's happiest when someone she's worked with calls to say, "I got the job!" 

Cigdem Gorener
Advisor

I am a trainer, coach and resilience specialist with over 25 years’ experience helping people and organisations learn, grow and navigate change. Prior to moving into training and coaching, I spent 12 years in marketing and management roles across the FMCG, media and financial services sectors. 

Volunteering has always been an important part of my life, and I have been involved in mentoring and community projects for many years. 

Since moving to the UK, I have been keen to continue giving back through volunteering, and I am delighted to join WJSC to support people on their employment journey. 

Outside work, I enjoy sailing, travelling, painting and spending time with my family. 

Katherine Lambert
Advisor

After a career as a teacher and SENCO, I then spent a period of time volunteering on a specialist dyslexia Helpline. I then became the dyslexia Helpline manager and was involved in supporting people of all ages in all areas of life, helping them to identify and overcome some of the challenges they faced. 

As I volunteer at the W JSC, I am keen to help those seeking work to find the best jobs and career paths to suit their needs and circumstances. 

Brian
Advisor

My background is in finance and accountancy, working for large multi-national companies. I gained vast experience in many aspects of employment including both redundancy and recruitment projects

Upon leaving the corporate world I became self-employed , forming my own accountancy practice , serving local small businesses. I have advised many start-up ventures.

My interests are sporting and travel. Having a son in Australia, I do enjoy a walk about down under.

Saniya
Supervisor

I joined WJSC in 2024 as an Office Supervisor. With around five years in client-facing roles, I truly enjoy connecting with people.

Outside of work, I love reading and cooking. When I'm not doing that, you'll probably find me exploring new places and making fun memories with my toddler.

Jane
Supervisor

I am delighted to be part of the WJSC team where I joined as Office Supervisor in March 2026.  My career has spanned over 36 years as an administrator in the Civil Service, and for 21 years, I also worked weekends at John Lewis, so you can say I like to keep busy! 

With all those years in both office administration and retail, I’ve come to enjoy helping others.   When I’m not at work I like to try and get out for an early morning walk, binge on various programmes (usually on Netflix) or go browsing for new vinyl records, when I can afford to treat myself.   

Richard
Trustee & Treasurer

I joined the WJSC in 2023 as a Trustee and became Treasurer in 2024.  I have spent over 35 years in the Pharmaceutical and Nuclear sectors in both Fortune 500 companies and public sector bodies. I was Vice President of Engineering in my last full-time role, building and leading global teams, supporting talent to reach their potential to install and maintain manufacturing equipment in 50+ sites around the world.  I now balance some freelance consultancy with volunteering and spending quality time with my family including 2 grandchildren.

I’m passionate about my local community where I am also a Trustee of the Wokingham Citizens Advice. I enjoy traveling and exploring different cultures and cuisines!

Andy
Trustee

I joined WJSC as a trustee in February 2022.  I spent over 25 years in board positions in large corporations and smaller start-ups and want to use my experience to help people in the local community. 

I also dedicate time to discussing the challenges of retirement, helping others navigate the transition through interactive sessions and webinars.

My passions are travel, playing golf, swimming and watching rugby.

Dave
Trustee & Chairman

I joined the WJSC as a Trustee in July 2021 and took over as Chair in June 2024. I have spent 47 years in the Telecoms Industry, most of it as a senior leader and on executive teams holding posts in the UK, Jersey and the Caribbean. I now balance some freelance consultancy with volunteering, and I became a grandad in May 2024.

I tinker with Watercolor, painting and decorating, and Gardening. I’m also a keen distance runner, although no more marathon distances, I manage half marathons and 10k races each year, injuries allowing!