- Trustees
DCP is guided by a dedicated Board of Trustees, each bringing valuable expertise and experience.
Their role is to provide strategic direction, ensuring that the organisation’s work aligns with its overall vision. They also support the Chief Executive in overseeing operations, helping to ensure that the charity meets its responsibilities.
In addition, trustees contribute directly to DCP’s activities by getting involved in projects and supporting fundraising efforts.
Jennifer Sewel (Interim Chair)
Jennifer works at the University of Leeds, with executive responsibility for governance, legal and regulatory compliance. She previously worked at the University of Durham and in the legal and financial sectors. She is a member of St Nics Church in Durham.
Glenn Jones (Interim CEO)
Glenn is a Chartered Member of the Society for the Environment and Chartered Resource and Wastes Manager. He is a Company Director with interests in waste management, renewable energy and aerospace sectors. He is currently acting as interim CEO.
Chris Jameson – Gates
Chris worked for Durham County Council as a mental health support worker. He previously worked for Durham University Business School and St Nicholas’s Church as the Market Place Project Coordinator.
Bill Sawyer
Bill is a chartered accountant who trained and worked with Price Waterhouse Cooper. He left PWC to become a partner at JN Straughan and Co until 2020 whereupon he sold the practice, semi retired, and became an active consultant to Murray and Lamb accountants based in Team Valley and Consett. Bill is an independent assessor to the CoE North East area which includes churches such as St Andrews and All Saints (where Bill has attended) and he has also overseen the auditing of DCP accounts for the best part of 10 years.
Maralina Ambelez
Maralina lives in Sunderland and is an experienced IT consultant with a career spanning over 30 years, primarily focused on providing services to large-scale enterprises in the financial services industry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh and an MBA from Durham University.
Alan Shield
Alan served as a Durham County Councillor from 2009 to mid 2025 and was a Cabinet member from 2021 with the Portfolio for Equality and Inclusion and the elected lead member on Poverty/Welfare.
Before his role in Public Service, Alan worked for more than 30yrs in several manufacturing industries.
- Staff and Volunteers
We also have a committed team of 30 staff and over 300 volunteers at DCP, all of whom work hard to ensure the objectives and ethos of support are provided for those in need.
