Severn Wye Energy Agency

Staff Profiles

July 2010

Please note - following our office move last year, all staff have new direct dial phone numbers, which are included below. If you cannot reach the person you want, please call reception for assistance on 01452 835060.

Director Catrin Maby Project Team Kierson Wise - Alastair Stevens - Jackie Williams - Eileen O'Haire Project Team Mike Brain - Lucie Davies - Owen Callender - Paul Sheridan Education & Training Rachel Close - Natasha Iannaccone - Mark Stead SWEA Cymru Andy Bull - Stuart Davies - Lynne Davies - Maggie Keville - Simone Lowthe-Thomas - Dafydd Watts - Ben Ferguson-Walker - Paul Burrell

Assistant Director Kaye Welfare Finance & Administration Alison Patten - Sandra Bradley - Thomas Dowdeswell - Andrea Nicholls - Gloria Gibbons Advice Team - Jon Clarke - Barbara Moreton - Alex Baxter - Dave Worgan - Gilda Costley - Karen Robinson Swindon ESTAC Chess Sharpe - Neil Towler - David Roberts - Sarah Nixon - Emily Scammell Graduate Placements 2009/10 - Jessica Owen

Director

Catrin Maby

With a background in engineering, Catrin has worked in sustainable energy since 1984, when she set up an energy advice service for tenant organisations in London. She has wide experience in strategic development, training, advice and awareness-raising, and assisted several local authorities in the development of their first Home Energy Conservation Act strategies in 1996.

As an independent energy consultant and energy ratings assessor, Catrin assisted Birmingham City Council in developing sustainable energy aspects of inner city regeneration programmes, working with technical and community liaison staff and community groups over a period of several years.

Catrin's extensive track record in energy advice includes co-authoring the 'Advice into Action' review of energy advice to low income households published by EAGA Charitable Trust in 1998, and a wide range of materials including the first Heating Advice Handbook in 1986, the NEA 'At Home With Energy' series, public information fact sheets for Midlands Electricity, and materials for use in teaching adult literacy, numeracy and English as another language.

Catrin has trained over a thousand staff of fuel utilities, insulation companies, local authorities, housing associations and voluntary organisations in energy awareness.

Catrin joined SWEA in 1999, overseeing its development as a dynamic and dedicated team of energy professionals, with a wide portfolio of sustainable energy projects and services. She has presented the agency's work at several international events , such as the World Sustainable Energy days in Austria, the European Council for Social Housing in Greece, the Assembly of the European Regions in Sweden and European Commission 'Managenergy' conferences in Brussels and Italy. She was one of a team of four international consultants selected by the European Commission to research the work of European energy agencies in 2004-5,, and has followed this by providing training for new and developing energy agencies, in collaboration with Italian consultancies ECUBA and SOGES. She led the successful development of two new Intelligent Energy Europe projects in the 2005 call for proposals, and has led the SWEA team in its successful participation in fifteen European partnership projects to date.

Catrin is the Chair of the Energy Advice Providers Group of the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, on behalf of which she contributes to the stakeholder group for 'Implementation to action' for energy performance certification of homes, a joint initiative between Communities and Local Government and the Energy Saving Trust. She is a Vice President of the Federation of European Regional and Local Energy Agencies (FEDARENE), and represents the Environment Partnership on Gloucestershire's Community Strategy Executive Board.

Assistant Director

Kaye Welfare

Kaye joined the agency in 2000, after three successful years as Energy Efficiency Coordinator for Stroud District Council. She has an excellent track record in developing and running local energy efficiency projects, and has gained a reputation for turning a challenge into a resounding success. Under her management the Gloucestershire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre has achieved maximum activity levels and an impressive range of outreach activities, with partnerships with housing, health, caring agencies, the Pensions and Benefits Agencies, installers and suppliers of energy efficiency products and local media.

Kaye has played an important role in the Gloucestershire Home Energy Conservation Act Group, and in the success of the Affordable Warmth Partnership, which she chairs. This partnership of seven local authorities and two health authorities has achieved national recognition for its work, and Kaye has assisted the development of similar strategic groups in other areas including Wiltshire, Cardiff and Caerphilly.

At national level she chairs the Community and Education Group for the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes. Kaye also leads the Natural and Built Environment Block for the Gloucestershire Local Area Agreement.

Project Team

Kierson Wise - Head of Partnerships & Development

Kierson joined SWEA in 2002 and has worked on a variety of projects including running the community-based Lydney Local Power project, working with farmers in Gloucestershire on the Warm Farms scheme and developing wood fuel supply in the Forest of Dean.

With diverse experience in teaching English as a foreign language, overseas development and archaeology, he brings a fresh perspective to the organisation, and has shown that he has the considerable persistence, commitment and diplomacy needed to work through the barriers to success faced by community based sustainable energy projects.

Kierson has a Masters degree in Climate Change and Sustainable Development which included working with Sustainable Energy Ireland to deliver a successful dissertation on Ground Source Heat Pump technologies.

Alastair Stevens - Project Manager

Alastair joined the Renewable Energy team in late 2007, and quickly became heavily involved in community sustainable energy, helping village halls, churches and schools in Gloucestershire to save energy and money. He has also been involved in renewable energy consultancy, writing technical papers, and presenting to local community and business groups.

Alastair has an engineering background, but had previously been working in IT for seven years in the Cambridge and Bristol areas. After deciding to embark on a completely new career path in the hugely important energy field, Alastair completed a full-time Masters degree in 2006-07, with his research project focusing on the resources, technologies and economics of biomass energy. He then moved from East Anglia to Gloucestershire to join SWEA.

As well as being involved in a number of our community-based projects and our renewables work, Alastair also deployed his former skills as a web developer to create this all-new SWEA website, which was launched in May 2008.

Jackie Williams - Project Manager

Jackie joined SWEA in September 2008 and has been working on a variety of community sustainable energy projects for schools and village halls across Gloucestershire; as well as village hall audits, she has undertaken several Project Development Studies under the Big Lottery funded Community Sustainable Energy Programme (CSEP). Jackie has also helped to promote local renewable energy grants to householders, and organised and run training and seminars to promote energy saving to businesses and Local Authority staff.

Before joining SWEA, Jackie was managing the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre for the Thames Valley area, having started her career in sustainable energy as an Energy Advisor in 1997. As well as advising householders on saving energy in the home, Jackie has been involved with a range of projects, including communicating climate change to Thames Valley Police employees, helping schools to achieve the Energy Saving Trust's Energy Certification for Schools and co-ordinating a range of outreach and promotional events.

Eileen O'Haire - Energy Advisor

Eileen joined SWEA in Sept 2008 from a background as a Caseworker with Bristol Care & Repair and in the housing dept of Bristol City Council.

Eileen originally trained in Film & Media and specialised as a workshop trainer in filmmaking and scriptwriting in both Britain and New Zealand.

Eileen has a keen interest in sustainable living and is involved starting up a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) project. She is currently working in SWEA promoting renewable technology grants across the area.

Project Team

Mike Brain - Head of Business Services

Mike leads SWEA's work with the Business and Public sectors. His team deliver technical energy surveys and follow up support for the implantation of energy saving recommendations. He has led the development of a unique holistic approach to energy efficiency in the prison community, attracting support from Her Majesty's Prison Service as well as the Energy Saving Trust. More recently Mike has been leading a large scale energy sustainability project with Stroud District in support of their Climate Change strategy, 'Target 2050'. This is working in Domestic, Business and Community sectors providing advice, access to grants and installer networks in order to improve access to energy efficiency measures and advice.

Mike has supported SWEA's work with schools through surveys and the development of the 'School Energy Diary' for monitoring consumption and with the development and delivery of materials and training that enable students to carry out technical energy surveys of their schools.

Lucie Davis - Senior Project Manager

Lucie joined the former Energy Efficiency Advice Centre in 2005, following a student placement and temporary work with Severn Wye Energy Agency. Her interest in energy issues began whilst at university where her studies included fieldwork on domestic energy use in rural Uganda.

Her role has included work on the DIY Energy Saving scheme as well as working with schools and community groups in the Gloucester city area.

Paul Sheridan - Project Worker

With a background in engineering, Paul joined SWEA in 2004. He has detailed practical experience of energy efficiency and renewable energy at domestic scale, and a wide knowledge of environmental issues including sustainable transport and organic food production. Paul has installed both solar water heating and photovoltaic panels in his own home, and as a volunteer has run practical renewable energy workshops and supported other householders in DIY installation of solar hot water.

Qualified as an On Construction Domestic Energy Adviser Paul's worked on various projects mainly dealing with 'hard to treat' homes, doing in depth home energy surveys for homeowners and offering advise and support through the WISE and Target 2050 projects.

Owen Callendar - Project Manager - Business Energy Advisor

Owen joined SWEA in August 2009. He previously worked on the Carbon Trust Advice Line for two years, providing energy efficiency advice to businesses throughout the UK. At SWEA, he is part of the non-domestic team, providing energy efficiency advice and surveys to local businesses throughout Gloucestershire.

Owen has held a long-standing interest in sustainable living practices, with a focus on renewable energy systems and eco-housing design. He has also taken part in conservation projects in Bolivia and the UK, working with rescued monkeys from captivity and diversifying woodland habitat, respectively.

Education & Training

Rachel Close - Head of Education & Training

Rachel is an experienced teacher and joined SWEA in 2005 to coordinate the development of educational programmes. She is leading on delivery of a major European partnership involving thirteen partners in nine countries, locally named the 'Power to Change' project. Through this she has enabled local primary schools to integrate education about energy issues into their curricula on an ongoing basis, providing them with carefully developed training, advice, educational materials and ongoing support.

With her detailed knowledge of the education system, experience in preparing and delivering materials for both children and adult training courses, and project management skills, Rachel is engaged in developing SWEA's educational work for the future, widening the scope of the work with primary schools and building upon partnerships between secondary schools and local employers. She is also further developing SWEA's work around basic skills, including a new City & Guilds programme to be piloted with prisoners.

Natasha Iannaccone - Project Manager

Natasha has a keen interest in environmental education, and after gaining BSc degree in Zoology at Newcastle University she developed a range of practical and office based skills volunteering and working for conservation charities and NGOs in the UK and Ecuador.

In 2005 Natasha moved to Bristol to undertake a PGCE in Secondary Science at the University of the West of England. She has since gained 3 years experience teaching Science and Citizenship to mixed ability pupils across Key Stages 2-5. Natasha helped to establish the Science Department at a brand new secondary school in Bristol, developing and implementing the KS3 and 5 Science curriculum as well as supporting the development and delivery of the schools Citizenship and cross curricular programmes on sustainability.

In the summer of 2009 Natasha was the Lead Instructor for an environmental education summer camp programme for 8-12 year olds in Bristol, before, joining SWEA in October 2009 as Project Manager (Education) where she is looking forward to using her skills and experience to support SWEAs educational programmes.

Mark Stead - Project Manager

Mark is an experienced teacher having taught a range of school and community groups across a wide range of age groups. After gaining a BEd in Geography from the University of Plymouth, he started his career working with SEN groups at the Milestone School in Gloucester, whilst undertaking a voluntary placement as Education Assistant with the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

In 1999 he joined the staff at Tirlebrook Primary School, where over the next nine years he taught classes throughout Key Stage 2 and further developed his interest in Education for Sustainability, running environmental clubs, organising climate change concerts, developing a wildlife garden in partnership with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and establishing an eco-team to work towards the Eco-schools awards.

In 2007, Mark took up a two-tear secondment opportunity with Severn Trent Water. Here he worked as Education Centre Manager at Hayden Education Centre and Sewage Works where he coordinated visits to the centre and led sustainable education projects across the region.

Mark is currently working towards an MSc qualification in Education for Sustainability through London South Bank University. He joined SWEA in January 2010, to take up his current position as Project Manager (Education) where he is looking forward to using his skills and experience to support the range of education programmes currently offered at SWEA.

Graduate Placements 2009/10

Jessica Owen - Project Assistant

Jessica joined SWEA in September 2009 on a Student Placement Scheme running over a period of 40 weeks. Jessica is in her third year at The University of Gloucestershire studying Events Management. She will be returning to finish her degree in September 2010.

Jessica will be assisting on several projects throughout her 40 week placement at SWEA and is keen to develop her knowledge and skills along the way. Jessica has 4 years of experience working and dealing with the public in a number of industries, as well as the planning, running and logistics of student events. She is now keen to get stuck in at SWEA exhibitions and presentations hopefully bringing a fresh face to the energy events. Jessica also hopes to post new ideas and possible improvements upon existing projects and events that SWEA already take part in.

Jessica is very much looking forward to working with everyone here at SWEA over the next 40 weeks

SWEA Cymru

Andy Bull - Head of SWEA Cymru

Prior to joining SWEA, Andy spent over 30 years in local government working in the planning departments of the Vale of Glamorgan Borough Council and Brecon Beacons National Park, and several departments within Powys County Council.

For three years he was seconded part-time to work with the Welsh Assembly Government on the development of its advice to planners in respect of renewable energy (TAN8). This opportunity arose because of his previous work in developing community renewable energy projects, particularly in the Dyfi Valley and through the bringing into being of Mid Wales Energy Agency.

Andy is currently employed as a Senior Project Manager with SWEA and is based in their Wales office in Builth Wells. Andy's current projects often relate to the inter-relationships between renewable energy and the town planning system but he is also leading for SWEA on a trans-national project that seeks to promote biogas technology. He commenced work with SWEA to set up the new Welsh Office in June 2007.

Stuart Davies - Senior Project Manager

Born in Cardiff but grew up in Pembrokeshire, Stuart was educated at Haverfordwest Technical Collage before going to Greenwich University, London to study architecture.

For the first year after graduating Stuart worked at a small architecture practice in Carmarthen before accepting a post at Powys County Council as a domestic Building Surveyor administrating grants.

In 2000 Stuart started work with the newly formed Powys Energy Agency then in 2002 joined Herefordshire Council as a Home Energy Conservation Officer before returning to Powys County Council in 2005 to undertake a similar role.

In July 2007 Stuart joined the newly established Welsh Office of Severn Wye Energy Agency as a Project Manager to help run existing European and regional projects as well as to establish new work in Mid-Wales.

Stuart has won the regional 'HECA Officer of the Year' titles for Wales in 2002 and the West-Midlands in 2004 as well as a Certificate of Recognition for Home Energy Efficiency at the 2007 'Excellence Wales Awards'.

Ben Ferguson-Walker - Project Manager

Ben moved to Wales in 1991 to attend the University of Wales, Lampeter. This was followed by setting up and participating in a number of community arts, horticulture and youth projects in mid-Wales, during which time he ran a horticultural business. Following this he moved to Swindon for three years to work for the Richmond Fellowship designing and developing a group rehabilitation process near Bath - but returned to west Wales to take up a post with West Wales ECO Centre in 2004.

Previous work in the field of energy and climate change includes three years as manager of the Mid & South West Wales Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, providing home energy advice and assisting communities in energy auditing as part of renewable energy or transition style projects. Ben has also developed a community arts education co-op, "RE:Action!", delivering courses in sustainable development in the Worcestershire area since 2002.

After two years working in the commercial sector designing and supplying outdoor play solutions, Ben has integrated play work into his voluntary work as a director of SWWAP (South West Wales Association for Play) and returned to a focus on climate change and energy.

Ben joined SWEA in February 2010, tasked with delivering the Community Scale Renewable Energy Generation programme in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

Dafydd Watts- Project Manager

Dafydd has worked for many years with regeneration and development agencies, including Gwynedd Council, helping community and social enterprises develop their projects.

For 2 years he worked on an EU funded project to identify further opportunities for hydroelectric schemes in Gwynedd, and to help facilitate their development. He has also worked for a community land trust to develop projects to provide sustainable affordable housing to meet local housing needs, and been a Board member of Sustainable Gwynedd Gynaladwy.

Dafydd joined SWEA in 2010 to work on the Welsh Assembly Government's Community Scale Renewable Energy Generation programme, which promotes and supports the development of renewable energy schemes by social enterprises. As a Development Officer on the programme, he covers Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire and north Gwynedd.

Simone Lowthe-Thomas- Project Manager

Simone joined SWEA Cymru in 2010 as part of the project team delivering the 'Ynni'r Fro' project, which supports the establishment or development of social enterprises through enabling installation of community scale renewable energy. Simone is also the project officer for Low Carbon Communities Powys, working with three communities in Powys to install, own and operate renewable energy generation installations with the additional community benefits of reduced carbon emissions, reduced fuel-poverty and improved energy efficiency.

Simone trained in ecology, conservation and environmental management and is an experienced academic researcher specializing in biomass and energy crops. Before starting with SWEA she spent 7 years at Cardiff University as manager for the Wales Biomass Centre. She has considerable project management experience having managed several large European Funded projects whilst at the University. These projects collaborated nationally and internationally with industry, public and private bodies and were the driving force of energy crop research and commercial exploitation across Wales.

As a STEM Ambassador (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network), Simone has considerable public engagement experience. She enjoys communicating science and has worked with a wide range of community groups including schools and science clubs.

Lynne Davies - Project Worker

Lynne joined SWEA in October 2008 after completing a degree in Environmental Conservation at the University of Leeds.

Lynne has an interest in sustainable development and waste management in particular agricultural recycling, on which her dissertation is based. Lynne is based in the Wales office in Builth Wells and is employed as an energy advisor and project worker in which she will assist in forthcoming projects and events.

Margaret Keville - Project Worker

Before joining SWEA, Maggie was a European Officer with Powys County Council for 7 years, where she co-ordinated the European Regional Development Fund for Powys, a budget of approx £15m. She provided project development support to organisations throughout Powys resulting in the approval of over 70 Objective 2 projects.

Maggie joined the Welsh Office of Severn Wye Energy Agency in October 2008 to work on the Low Carbon Communities Project. The project, funded by the Rural Development Plan for Wales is working with 3 communities in Powys to encourage and promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The main focus of the project is the installation of hydro schemes in all communities, culminating in a conference which will provide a platform for the dissemination of experience gained from the project

Advice Team

Jon Clarke- Project Manager

Jon joined SWEA in January 2010 moving from his role in health promotion for NHS Greenwich. Jon's role included working to develop and maintain effective partnerships across health, social care, education and third sector organisations. Jon was also responsible for developing and delivering training on substance misuse. While working in this role Jon re-discovered a passion for environmental work and is currently studying for an MSc in Environmental Architecture and Advanced Energy Studies. This has inspired Jon to integrate his passion and skills and contribute towards the area affordable warmth and addressing climate change.

Whilst in London, Jon has been involved in working with local communities to develop an understanding of issues such as renewable energy and energy efficiency in architecture, by being an active member in his local transition towns group, disseminating information through presentaions and working to make information accessible.

Jon is excited to be working with SWEA on the Energy Ambassadors Project.

Barbara Moreton - Senior Energy Advisor

Barbara joined the agency in 2001, when we took on the delivery of the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre. With an early career in the police service, Barbara returned to work after bringing up her family, taking a degree in Environmental Policy.

She has a keen interest in both community and environmental issues, and as a Forest of Dean resident was an active participant in the development of the local Agenda 21 plan for the area. Her voluntary work has also engaged her with a variety of church, youth and other community groups, and her patience and empathy with vulnerable people is an asset to the advice work of the agency.

Alex Baxter - Project Worker

Alex joined the team at SWEA in November 2008, shortly after graduating from Bournemouth University with a degree in Environmental Protection. His degree specialised in renewable technologies, on both a large and small scale, as well as sustainable development and occupational health and safety. He has previously worked with Natural England and the Cotswold District Council in several areas such as waste control and conservation management.

After spending a year working in our Swindon office as an Energy Advisor, Alex has now moved to the Highnam office as a project worker on the Gloucestershire Warm and Well scheme, where he assists the project manager as well as supporting the day to day running of the scheme.

He hopes to acquire further qualifications in both project management and health and safety that he can then use to great effect within his role at SWEA.

Karen Robinson - Project Worker

Karen joined SWEA in November 2009 to work on the Energy Neighbourhood Project, promoting energy efficiency amongst communities.

She has worked for over 15 years in the local government and charity sector with experience that includes working on UK conservation projects for the World Wide Fund for Nature as well as a lobbyist during the passage of the 1995 Environment Act through Parliament. She has worked for the Strategic Aviation Special Interest Group which looked at the environmental effects of aviation and lobbied for the development of a long-term national aviation strategy. In more recent years Karen has worked for the sustainable development charity, Forum for the Future and for Gloucestershire County Council as they develop their partnership working through the Gloucestershire Conference.

Gilda Costley - Energy Advisor

Gilda joined SWEA after 21 years working for Local Authority Housing departments in Gloucester and Herefordshire. During that time Gilda developed an understanding of the importance of a well maintained home that could be heated on a low budget and worked with a number of local housing associations to incorporate these ideas into new housing.

Gilda continues to promote these ideas in her current role with SWEA working with local housing associations and their tenants.

Dave Worgan - Energy Advisor

David joined SWEA in Feb 2008 after completing 40 years within MEB/Npower where he had a diversity of jobs over the years including electrical wiring, designing electrical heating systems for new houses and energy efficiency advice within the home.

He has brought with him then a wealth of experience on electrical systems, heating, lighting and energy efficiency advice along with damp and mould control within domestic dwellings.

This role has fitted in well within the existing energy advice team where talks, exhibitions and home visits are undertaken for energy efficiency advice, damp/mould problems and use of heating systems and advice to vulnerable customers.

Swindon ESTAC

Neil Towler - Senior Energy Advisor

Neil joined SWEA in November 2008 after having spent the previous 18 months working as a Domestic Energy Assessor completing Energy Performance Certificates and providing energy advice in Oxfordshire.

Previous to this he worked within Facilities Management for a work and travel organisation in London where he wrote and implemented the companies first Environmental policy. His interest in ecology and the environment have led to the completion of several courses including the Open Universities 'Energy for a Sustainable Future'.

At SWEA / EST Neil concentrates on providing a wide range of energy advice to householders, and is currently involved with the Energy Saving Trust 121 support programme which provides local authorities with tailored advice and support to enable them to develop and implement a strategic approach to climate change.

Finance & Administration

Alison Patten - Head of Accounts & Administration

Alison joined SWEA in 2005, taking responsibility for company administration. She has wide experience of accounting and administration systems, having worked for insurance companies, a bank and private industry. She comes to SWEA after several years of successfully managing a busy office for a company selling products to the building industry.

Alison's role at SWEA includes the day to day running of the accounting systems, credit control, purchasing, recruitment and payroll.

Sandra Bradley - Admin Supervisor

Sandra started at SWEA in 2008 as secretary administrator after many years of working in the NHS as a receptionist dispenser in a local doctor's surgery.

Sandra's role in SWEA covers all aspects of reception and admin, this consists of meeting and greeting visitors to SWEA and general office duties.

Sandra is currently working towards an NVQ in business administration which will boost her skills in her role at SWEA.

Andrea Nicholls - Finance Administrator

Andrea has joined SWEA in August 2009 as a Full-time Finance Administrator. Andrea has a great deal of experience in working for a vast range of companies from private limited to not for profit. Andrea not only has a huge skill set but also has a NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration and Accounts.

Andrea is also a valuable asset in running reports monthly on important projects such as the Gloucestershire Warm and Well. Andrea is currently furthering her skills through studying her CIMA Business Certificate which will enable her to develop and build upon her existing knowledge in Finance.

Tom Dowdeswell - IT & Admin Support

Tom has been working at SWEA since April 2008 in a full-time administrative position.

Tom's remit at SWEA includes technical assistance and IT projects, as well as support to both administrative and project management staff. Tom also has the important role of social secretary, this involves organising staff socials, leaving parties and general staff meets.

Tom is very experienced in all aspects of IT and has several qualifications including a NVQ in IT and a certificate in Energy Awareness.

Gloria Gibbons - Temporary Admin

Gloria joined the company in 2002 when it was an Energy Effiency Advice Centre. The company had just located to the Mews at the time

Gloria is a Temporary member of staff helping everyone out which she thoroughly enjoys, having worked mostly in an office enviroment since leaving school

Gloria was born and bred in the beautiful Forest of Dean where she currently lives with her family.

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Severn Wye Energy Agency Ltd, Unit 15 Highnam Business Centre, Highnam, Gloucester, GL2 8DN
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