Board & Staff

Sam Ward OBE (Chair) is Director of Services and Deputy CEO at Royal Voluntary Service, providing the strategic direction for the delivery of all their services across Scotland, Wales & England. After spending 4 years in a commercial group as Business Director, responsible for contract and financial management, she then followed her heart to move sectors. Sam has over 20 years third sector experience from mental health and older peoples services, to community and retail. With a particular interest in operations and service development, she also has considerable experience of organisation design and change management. Sam strongly believes that everyone should be given the opportunity to live the life they want to live.

Phil Pitcher (Treasurer) studied Art and Design, before working with young offenders providing Intermediate Treatment in Hertfordshire. He then spent 15 years managing BBC property in West London for TV production. Afterward, he spent 25 years running projects for major international clients including IBM, British Council, BP, UKAEA and Ericsson, building new facilities for R&D offices, test labs, and data halls in Western Europe. Throughout his career, Phil has been part of, and led teams of talented individuals He believes that the most successful projects can only be achieved by enabling people to realise their full potential.

Adrian Veale (Vice Chair) is an accountant at top 50 firm DJH Mitten Clarke Ltd, based in Stoke on Trent, where he is a senior manager looking after a range of clients from small businesses to multi-million pound turnover companies. Adrian’s passion is helping the development of people’s aspirations become reality, be that in employment or in business. This passion has taken Adrian to countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and the middle east, where he provided finance and business training to budding young entrepreneurs, to help them build a sustainable income for themselves and their families. Outside of work, Adrian is a keen walker and a local preacher in the Methodist Church.

 Becky Hurst is a community development worker with the Church of England parishes in Crewe. Before taking on this role, she worked in community fundraising and campaigning across the North West of England with an international development agency. Having been a volunteer manager and a volunteer she is passionate about working with volunteers and giving everyone the best possible opportunities. She has attended church in Crewe throughout her life, when living in the town. When not working she volunteers with the British Red Cross in various roles supporting people in crisis and attempting to be creative with anything from paint to Lego.

Angelo Apa spent over 35 years in the IT industry, including twenty five years in IBM and Lenovo. He spent time in UK, Paris, Zurich and in Johannesburg working with and leading a number of teams and divisions and retired from corporate life in September 2023.   He has started additional ventures including a coffee company in South Africa which was then given to the employees enabling them to go on and build a better life for their families  He was a Formula 1 marshal for 13 years, a motor boat skipper and sailor, a photographer and now focuses on driving a historic rally car with his wife as navigator, maintaining an ability to ski faster than his age, running and playing the guitar really badly.  Angelo has joined us as a Trustee, given his desire to help us to offer an ever increasing benefit to the community and the best possible outcomes to the service users.

Jamie Murinas is the Assistant Director of Asset Management and PMO at Royal Voluntary Service, overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes Procurement, Programme Management, Estates, Sustainability, Health & Safety. With extensive knowledge in retail, operations, logistics, negotiations, and property management, he plays a pivotal role in enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency across the organisation, contributing significantly to its mission. After several years in various sectors, Jamie brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his role. Despite not being a fan of running, he has completed two marathons as personal challenges, embodying his belief that everybody can grow if given the opportunity. This philosophy underpins his approach to leadership and community engagement, driving positive change within the organisation and the communities it serves.

Kerry Birtles is a qualified Social Worker, having worked in local government for over 15 years, most recently as a Director of Family Help and Children’s Social Care. Kerry has has had the privilege to work in both the West Midlands and the North West, providing a varied experience, including working as a child protection social worker, with young people who are differently abled, young people seeking asylum, and care experienced young adults. Kerry is particularly interested in the experiences of those who may be at increased vulnerability and strategically designing and operating services to ensure they can access opportunities to thrive.