The team

CEO Ian Soars

Ian Soars, CEO of Spurgeons, leads the charity's mission to care for every family, putting children and young people first in everything we do.

Annelize Mynhardt, Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer Annelize Mynhardt

Annelize Mynhardt, Spurgeons' Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for overseeing the charity's operations, ensuring optimal support for families, children and young people.

Kate Roberts, Director of People and Culture

Director of People and Culture Kate Roberts

Kate Roberts, as the Director or People and Culture is instrumental in shaping the organisation's HR strategies, fostering a supportive work culture, and enhancing employee engagement.

Don Esson, Director of Partnerships and Development

Director of Partnerships and Development Don Esson

Don Esson, as the Director of Partnerships and Development oversees fostering strategic partnerships and driving development initiatives.

Lorraine White, Director of Commissioned Services

Director of Services and Practice Lorraine White

Lorraine White, as the Director of Services and Practice at Spurgeons, ensures the charity's services are delivered effectively, focusing on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and families.

Ann-Marie Fisher, Head of Communications and Digital Services

Director of Communications and Digital Delivery Ann-Marie Fisher

Ann-Marie Fisher, as Director of Communications and Digital Delivery, she leads the charity's communications strategies and the development of digital services to support families and community partners digitally.

Karen Ortiz-McAvoy, Head of Strategic Programmes and Governance

Head of Strategic Programmes and Governance Karen Ortiz-McAvoy

Karen Ortiz-McAvoy, as the Head of Strategic Programmes and Governance, plays a crucial role in shaping and overseeing the charity's strategic initiatives and ensuring governance standards are met to support our mission.

Head of Service Amanda Massey

Amanda Massey, as Head of Service, oversees key contracts in Wiltshire, Surrey and Birmingham, ensuring high quality support for families, fulfilment of key performance targets goals, team development and practice development.

Head of Practice Development Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith has over 25 years of experience as a registered social worker. As the Head of Practice Development at Spurgeons, leads in safeguarding practices, chairs the Safeguarding Panel, and supports the leadership team in organisational development.

Head of Delivery Partnerships and Development Sarah Wallis

Sarah Wallis, Head of Delivery Partnerships and Development is responsible for developing and delivering support for families through community-based family hubs and oversight early years settings in the Southeast.

Head of Service Birmingham Jonathan Wiggin

Jonathan Wiggin, as the Head of Service in Birmingham for Spurgeons, is dedicated to supporting families and children, providing a range of services that contribute to giving children the best start in life.

Family Hub County Manager Lucy Bracher

Lucy Bracher, Family Hub County Manager (Wiltshire) manages Quality and Practice in Wiltshire's family hubs, focusing on high standards and team empowerment to enhance family life in the community.

District Manager at Elmbridge Sally Ruby

Sally Ruby, District Manager at Elmbridge supports the children and families at our family centres in Elmbridge.

National Domestic Abuse Lead Tracy Foster

Tracy Foster, with over 20 years of experience as registered social worker, currently serves as the National Domestic Abuse Lead at Spurgeons, where she supports individuals impacted by domestic abuse.