Elyzabeth Hawkes Deputy Chief Executive Expand I am the Deputy Chief Executive at POhWER and I am passionately committed to POhWER’S mission to empower people to have a voice and make a real difference to their lives. POhWER was established in 1996 by a group of inspirational individuals who wanted to be able to choose how to live their own lives and make their own choices. It is this passion and strength that our founder members showed that runs through POhWER today and motivates me to continue to grow and strengthen POhWER’s services to reach out to more people who are in need of support. It is essential to empower people and protect their fundamental human rights and ensure that we reach the most excluded members of society, so they are listened to when decisions are being made about them or the services that they need. I have a BA Hons level in Health, Psychology, Health Politics and Social Care Policy alongside 23 years’ experience in acute and complex multi-site and national services management across the health, social care and the charitable sector. Initially achieving registration as a State Registered Nurse (SRN), I worked in the NHS and progressed to becoming a Ward Sister before moving into a senior management role within a surgical directorate focusing on the quality of clinical care to patients I have worked with POhWER for 13 years joining as an Operational Manager/ Director before becoming the Deputy Chief Executive in 2020. I am responsible for the effective delivery of POhWER’s front line services nationally to empower our beneficiaries’ people to have a voice and make a real difference in their lives, leading on the development and delivery of empowerment and advocacy services to enable all who need it to have a voice and be heard.
Fiona McArthur-Worbey Director of Fundraising and Engagement Expand I joined POhWER in 2007 as a Community Advocate, after spending years working in the care sector with men living with mental health issues, learning disabilities and dual diagnoses. Since then, I have taken on roles such as Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA), Project Manager at HertsHelp and Head of New Business. Now, I proudly hold the position of Director of Fundraising and Engagement. Over the course of this time, I have had the privilege of watching POhWER grow – providing crucial services for more beneficiaries than ever before, tackling human rights issues that should be at the forefront of all conversations, and stepping up during times of crisis, like the coronavirus pandemic. As part of my role as Director of Fundraising and Engagement, I lead a team of seven professionals in service design and development and overseeing all activity involving public relations, social media, external communications, engagement, media and income generation. I love what I do – boosting awareness of the advice, information and advocacy services POhWER provides and ensuring that we are always here for anyone who needs our help. If I’m not in the office, you can usually find me at home relaxing with family, getting prepared to strike up the barbecue and fire pit.
Marie Perry Director of Finance and Resources Expand I joined POhWER in February 2024 as Interim Director of Finance & Resources, having enjoyed a career in finance spanning the private, public and charity sectors. I’m proud to be working with fantastic and dedicated colleagues at POhWER to deliver essential services to our beneficiaries and enabling them to have a voice. In my role, I work with my Executive colleagues to provide information, advice and support to the Board to enable them to fulfil their decision making and oversight responsibilities. I’m responsible for a team of seven , providing a range of finance and IT support services, including the annual financial statements, financial information to support internal decision making, paying our suppliers and staff expenses and managing our outsourced IT service provider. When I’m not working, I’m a bit of a fitness fanatic and I love spending time with my family and friends, preferably outdoors!
Susie Forster Head of People & Culture Expand I joined POhWER in April 2024 as Head of People & Culture to lead our people functions which consist of HR, Payroll, Recruitment/Talent Acquisition and Training & Organisational Development. Prior to this role, I have been privileged to have spent a rewarding and challenging career working with people from the early days of Personnel & Welfare, to HR, to the more modernised People function where we are today. The world of work and people management has really changed and evolved over the years with increased legislation and the importance of health & wellbeing and equality, diversity & inclusivity in the workplace. After all, we spend so much time at work and with colleagues, we need to enjoy it, work hard and be kind, that’s my view. When I’m not working, I like to spend time with family and friends, I’m into my fitness and watching anything live, theatre, comedy, music, pantomime, you can’t beat the experience.