Meet the team
Our Trustees oversee strategy and governance, and our daily operations are led by our Head of Foundation, supported by the Foundation Coordinator.
Paula Jordan
Chair of Trustees
Paula is a founding trustee of the charity and an independent HR consultant and Executive Coach with extensive experience in the construction, financial services and telecoms sectors. Paula is experienced in delivering improved business performance, organisational effectiveness, culture change and high levels of employee engagement.
Paul Teverson
Trustee
Paul Teverson is Director of Communications at McCarthy Stone, where he manages corporate, financial, public affairs and internal communications. Paul led the McCarthy Stone charitable partnerships with RVS and Coram Beanstalk and is part of the company's Sustainability committee.
Martin Edwards
Trustee
Martin Edwards has over 25 years’ experience of charity management and voluntary roles, ranging from overseas aid to supporting UK families in crisis. He has been CEO of Julia's House Hospice Charity since 2005 and provides a high level of third sector and CQC governance experience to the board.
Sarah Allport
Trustee
Sarah Allport has extensive experience of grant funding, monitoring and impact measurement. As Head of Communities and Governance at Vivensa Foundation she is responsible for the Trust’s portfolio of awards to community organisations working with those in later life as well as a charity governance role
Elizabeth Marsh
Trustee
Liz Marsh is an experienced charity trustee and is currently a non-executive director of Elizabeth Finn Homes in the older persons’ care sector. She also sits on the capital grant giving committee of a leading youth charity. Liz is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and has more than 30 years’ experience in the commercial property sector.
Fiona Docherty
Trustee
Fiona is a transformational leader and was previously the Managing Director of Your McCarthy Stone, leading the services side of the company responsible for over 540 developments and more than 23,000 customers. With a strong focus on customer need, Fiona provides the Foundation team with guidance on stakeholder engagement strategy and how to best provide connection and purpose to people in later life.
Dr Kimberley Smith
Trustee
Kim is a senior lecturer working at the University of Surrey who is interested in research that supports older adults to age well. she has published 46 academic papers and is a principal or co-investigator on several projects that are supporting diverse populations of older adults to age well.
Julia Laister
Head of Foundation
Julia became part of the Foundation in November 2022, following her role as a Marketing Manager at a prominent global company. Outside of work, she is an enthusiastic fundraiser and volunteer, having raised thousands of pounds for local causes. With a strong passion for sports and cold-water swimming, Julia often incorporates these interests into fundraising events for her colleagues at the Foundation.
Chealsie Stewart
Foundation Coordinator
Chealsie helps to lead the Foundation's fundraising efforts and events, bringing her expertise from her previous role in the Part Exchange team at McCarthy Stone. A passionate supporter of the Foundation long before joining, she contributes her exceptional organisational skills, dedication, and creativity to the team. In addition to her fundraising work, Chealsie also plays a key role in supporting the Foundation's Welcome Wednesday initiative and grant programmes.