Managing Directors
Founders and Directors of Ellie's Angels, Jody and Mark are proud leaders of the charity, developing and promoting our wonderful group of volunteers and growing the brand to reach out to those in need. Both strive to help others and improve mental health and well-being for young people across the UK.
Jody Foster
Managing Director
Jody is the proud mother of Ellie, whose brave and inspirational story is helping so many other young people like her.
She is honoured to be a part of a charity whose members are mostly young people. Having worked in education for over two decades, she is fully aware of the problems young people are facing today and that it is a rapidly growing issue which is why she is both passionate and determined to ensure that the work Ellie's Angels does is led by young people and focused on them.
Jody has supported the young ambassadors, to create a tool that works for their generation and continues to develop strategies and innovative ways for them to access better services and build resilience too.
Jody says that together with the young people we have on board that we are creating a legacy for Ellie and one that she would be very proud of. Ellie was a young lady that was determined to help others find a way to help themselves just as she did, and so Jody is proud to continue her work in her honour.
Mark Foster
Managing Director
First and foremost, Mark is Ellie’s proud stepdad. As co-founder and director of Ellie’s Angels, he offers leadership and support to the charity and its' volunteers to grow and develop its’ offering to young people. Mark has more than 20 years’ experience in property and service management across numerous industries including finance, the arts and charity.
To ensure Ellie’s Angels has an infrastructure and framework to build upon, Mark instigated the application of the original Community Interest Company before overseeing the Registered Charity application through the Charity Commission and the transfer of status and accountability. Mark led the group with the creation and development of the website and social media platforms and continues to improve the online presence.
Mark work closely with Kevin and Ben to oversee direction including operations, finance, ICT, and associated online tools for all of the group. He coordinates all contracts including the relationship between Ellie’s Angels and the App Developers to project manage the growth and enhancements to better u.
Mark is honoured to be leading the legacy in Ellie’s name and to have the opportunity to be part of something so special and rewarding. He is grateful to be able to work with the existing and any newly appointed Youth Mental Health Ambassadors to continue to offer support led by young people, for young people.
Directors
As we have grown during 2022, it as become increasingly necessary to support our work with professional advice and guidance. As well as an being an amazing Trustee, 2022 welcomes Kevin as a Director offering a huge level of professional advice, balance and guidance. Ben has joined as a new member of the executive team with a significant financial background but also brings a huge level of corporate management and development, we welcome them both to the family!
Kevin Ward
Director
I am an experienced, driven and compassionate leader that always puts people first. I am motivated to be the best at whatever I commit to, conduct myself with the utmost of integrity, but always allowing my personality to come through. I am flexible, naturally inquisitive, challenge when necessary and provide support when needed, but all with a desire to achieve the best outcome in any given situation.
Away from my profession as the Managing Director of an internationally recognised brand, I am committed to being an Independent Visitor, an IV is an adult volunteer who befriends and develops a long-term friendship with a young person in care, this can involve helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park. Called ‘Independent Visitors’ because we are a truly ‘independent’ person outside the care system giving them continuity, which unfortunately is something that is a real rarity for too many young people.
I have a great sense of humour, magnanimous to a fault, with family, friends and colleagues. I’m a sensitive person, thoughtful and receptive to people’s feelings. Often described as approachable, personable and cultured, I’m considered an inspirational leader and culture architect.
Ben Draper
Finance Director
I was delighted to be approached to join the Ellie’s Angels Team; as a father to a young son and an uncle to several teenage nephews and nieces I have seen first-hand the pressures experienced by this age group, sometimes exasperated by social media and more recently by the restrictions implemented during the Covid pandemic. I feel strongly that now, perhaps more than ever, our young people need help and guidance in navigating these challenges, to gain the skills to help nurture their mental wellbeing, to feel independent and to thrive.
In my professional life I am Co-owner and Chief Operating Officer of a nationwide group of businesses and have been a chartered accountant for over ten years. I look forward to using the skills and experience I have gained in my career, particularly in strategic direction, finance and leadership support to help us achieve our goals.
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