Meet the Team.
We are a small but mighty team. We have 2 hard working buildings which are used 5 days a week. As a small team we are used to being multi-taskers. We are all trained to work across all of our programmes.
Sue Davison
Director of funding & Programmes
I am one of the co-founders of Foundation Futures.
I have 28 years of teaching experience and deliver ThisLife in schools as well as managing all aspects of funding. I feel very fortunate not only to work with some of the most creative and inspirational humans there are, I also get to work with inspirational young people.
I believe that every child or young person should feel listened to and understood, this should be a basic human right. In a difficult and sometimes brutal world, at Foundation Futures we all take comfort in making our corner a better place.
Georgia Bates
Youth learning & community specialist
I joined Foundation Futures in 2020 as Assistant Team Lead for the Alternative Education Programmes. Since then I’ve progressed into the role of Youth Learning and Community Specialist, helping to develop the alternative education programmes, working with schools in North Tyneside with young people aged 11-16. I also run the Byker Futures Youth Club for young people aged 11-14. I believe that no young person is "naughty," just misunderstood and it is our job to provide them with opportunities and spaces to have a voice, but most importantly to be heard.
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Sarah Kendal
Youth worker (sessional)
Joining Foundation Futures as a sessional youth outreach worker 4 years ago was the best decision I ever made. During the outreach sessions our young people are offered a safe space to come with trusted adults who support them to achieve things they may not otherwise believe they are capable of. Watching the young people I work with grow, develop, and mature over this time has been extremely fulfilling. It is definitely a highlight of my week when I’ve cooked for/with the group or we’ve taken them out for food, they are so unbelievably polite and grateful. I love talking to them about what work they’re interested in and how our sessions can help them to reach their goals however big or small.
Tracy Dobson
Director of HR & Finance
I joined Foundation Futures in 2016, initially overseeing HR and Finance operations. With a solid background in education and 29 years of teaching experience, I now manage all aspects of HR and Finance while also leading our Junior Youth Club and adult well-being group in Walker. Listening to the needs and perspectives of the young people and adults I work with is a priority for me. I firmly believe that time is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer, and I am passionate about contributing to this in our community through meaningful engagement and support.
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Sarah Twell
Youth learning & community team lead
I joined Foundation Futures in 2022 as the Assistant Team Lead on the Alternative Education Programmes. Since then I have progressed to the role of Youth Learning and Community Team Lead. I am a Fine Art graduate with a background in education and community programmes and have also worked with young people with special educational needs. I work on the Alternative Education Programmes and also run the Byker Futures Youth Group. I often work one to one with young people who need extra support by helping to put a smile on their face and making them feel valued. I believe that some of our young people need us to be their voice, so I’m always ready to listen.
Pippi Longstocking
Therapy dog
I am a mini schnauzer. I am 7 and a half years old. I help out on lots of programmes and spread joy and affection wherever I go.
I am a trained, fully insured Therapy Dog. I live with Sue.
Jennie Maughan
Director of youth & community engagement
I joined Foundation Futures in 2017 as a Team Lead for our Alternative Education Programmes. I’ve been working in the Youth Sector for over 20 years and also have experience in higher education, focusing on personal development. Most of my work has been with young people who display challenging behaviour. My passion for and commitment to youth work, has led me to my current role. I oversee all of our youth and community programmes. I also deliver various programs with both adults and young people in Byker. I love that we can give those who are often overlooked, opportunities and a chance to have their voice heard.​
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Jack Knight
Youth learning and community assistant
I joined Foundation Futures in January 2025. With a background in alternative education and running high-quality activity programmes. I’ve worked with young people facing challenges in traditional education, helping them re-engage and reach their potential. My journey began in a Pupil Referral Unit, where I supported excluded students by fostering safety, accessibility, and opportunity. After two years in working Türkiye running outdoor activities, I’m thrilled to be back in the North East, creating inclusive spaces where young people and adults feel valued and supported. I’m passionate about helping others build confidence and become unapologetically themselves.
Two sister organisations
Foundation Futures is made up of 2 sister organisations.
All of our Education Programmes are delivered by Foundation Futures Community Interest Company (08859480) and all of our Community Based Programmes are delivered by our charity Foundation Futures CIO (1188809). Both organisations produce their own accounts.
Trustees of Foundation Futures CIO
Craig Bankhead
Chair
Appointed 2014
Phil Davison
Appointed 2014
Our chair, Craig Bankhead has been involved with Foundation Futures since its inception back in 2014. With a background in education and, for the past 15 years, charity management, Craig is able to offer his support to the vital work undertaken by Foundation Futures. Craig is currently the Chief Executive of Gateshead Older People’s Assembly and is a board member of four organisations across the north east, including Foundation Futures. Craig has stated that his continued involvement with Foundations Futures comes from being regularly inspired by the excellent work carried out by the team and the difference they make to so many people’s lives.
Phil is a solicitor and Partner at Sintons LLP, specialising in compensation claims for individuals who have suffered life changing injuries. Phil has been active as both an Advisory Board Chair, and latterly a Trustee for Foundation Futures since 2014.
Phil has always believed that everyone should have an equal opportunity to achieve their potential, but in order to do so, students need to have the insight and confidence to see what can be done, and to have targeted support to overcome the obstacles in their path. Sadly, many aren’t able to achieve this within mainstream education.
That is the fundamental reason he supports the specialist teaching skills and the practical help provided by Foundation Futures. Phil said he has seen first-hand how working closely with schools, local education authorities and enlightened businesses has literally transformed the lives of so many young people. These young people could not see a clear future for themselves, or how they may fit into the world beyond school, but with the programmes offered through our Alternative Education support, he has seen students gain the skills and confidence needed to take their next steps.
Phil has stated that “I am proud to be associated with an organisation that not only offers young people real hope for a better future, but also provides them with the vision, the skills and the confidence to be their best selves”
Karen Williamson
Appointed 2020
Karen is the founder and managing director of Delivering Differently, a business growth and transformation consultancy specialising in family owned SMEs in the North East. Whilst she has many years of retail expertise the skills are transferable, very driven by the results of her clients and she problem solves through coaching/mentoring to enable each senior team.
She has been a keen supporter of Foundation Futures since the founding days, however she really became involved after finishing her corporate life and aiding the team to update the 4 year strategic plan.
Karen has stated that “I enjoy supporting the organisation through my trustee role, the work the team do continuously with energy and passion is often life changing and supports communities and students. I am immensely proud to be connected”.
Karen has been a valued member of our Board of Trustees since 2020.
Andrew Hall
Appointed 2023
Andrew began his career as a joiner at 16, before quickly becoming a Site Manager. His determined mindset encouraged him to establish his own construction company, where he learned about the basics of business.
Deciding to change his focus to the fashion e-commerce industry after meeting his wife Alice, Andrew demonstrated his ability to adapt and thrive in any field. As an Operations Director for a fast-growing company, he has effectively utilised his skills.
In 2020, he co-founded Rowen Homes, which has since expanded to a team of 50 employees. Andrew, as Managing Director manages operations, change management, and loves solving problems through creative thinking.
“I’ve always believed in giving people the opportunities to make positive change within our businesses and that’s exactly what Foundation Futures do in the communities they work. I love to use my experiences and contribute to this amazing charity"
We were delighted when Andrew joined the Board of Trustees in February 2023.
Ellie Roberts
Appointed 2017
Ellie Roberts is an Educational Psychologist, working primarily in Newcastle and North Tyneside schools. A key part of her work life is to provide advice and guidance to schools so that they are able to effectively support vulnerable children and young people.
Ellie has stated that “when I first heard about Foundation Futures from a colleague, I was inspired by their innovative approach to supporting the engagement of some of the
most challenging students in our region. Their trauma-informed, attachment-aware approach provides these students with the nurture, compassion, empathy and understanding that has been missing in their school lives. Where previously these most vulnerable students have experienced isolation and exclusion, with Foundation Futures they are accepted and included. The outcomes speak for themselves. Foundation Futures has provided a much-
needed resource”.
Ellie is committed to supporting the “dynamic, creative Foundation Futures team
as their journey continues”.
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Ellie has been a valued member of our Advisory Board and latterly Board of Trustees since 2017.
Xander
Appointed 2020
Xander is a partnerships manager for the Alan Turing Institute, working to help ensure AI works for communities and society. Previously, they worked at Newcastle University, working with partners to drive diversity into computing apprenticeships, and boost coding skills. In their spare time, they also volunteer as director for the People’s Theatre in Heaton.
Xander has been a valued member of our Board of Trustees since 2020.
Lee Smith
Appointed 2023
Lee has a wealth of experience working with young people in the North East. He currently works for Newcastle United Foundation as Community Learning Manager.
Lee’s experience is built up of leading a Prince’s Trust Team programme working with over 200 young people giving them the skills, knowledge and behaviours to get back into the jobs market both for Newcastle United Foundation and TyneMet College. He also worked in a care home for 7 years which specialised in looking after both children and young adults with autism and challenging behaviour, a role which provided opportunities to teach basic life skills, give life changing experiences, and everything in between.
Lee has stated “I first came across Foundation Futures in 2016 whilst working alongside the Director of Youth and Community engagement, Jennie who had Links with Co-founders Sue and Chris. Inspired by the Charity’s values, amazing work in the community and in schools and passionate staff I reached out to see if I could become more involved! I am excited about the prospect of helping and supporting this amazing Charity in any way I can”
We were delighted to have Lee join our Board of Trustees in February 2023.