About Us

Who We Are

HACVS Core Staff Team

Karen Weaver - Chief Executive

"I was born over the border in Rochdale, Lancashire but arrived in Harrogate over 20 years ago via Nottingham and London. I have worked in local government for much of my career, mainly in leisure management, and to this day I continue to get great job satisfaction from helping people to make the most of what is on offer in our very special town and District, whatever their circumstances. I’ve been with Harrogate and Area CVS for 3 years and feel very honoured to be only the third director of this wonderful team of trustees, staff and volunteers. We receive great support from our members and it is a real privilege to have a job where I get to meet interesting and inspiring people doing wonderful things every day!"

Mark Hopley - Deputy Chief Executive

"Born in Chester, I have worked throughout the UK mainly for charities and local government, although I have also spent time as a long term residential volunteer, a civil servant and regeneration consultant.  As an optimistic, lifelong Liverpool FC supporter my passions include my extended network of family and friends; supporting third sector organisations to achieve their goals / increase their impact; raising money for good causes; and working towards achieving greater environmental and social justice.

I have worked at Harrogate and Area CVS, for four years as Deputy Director where I lead the Development Services Team.  A key challenge for our team is how we continue to provide even more responsive and effective support services to voluntary and community sector groups during 2012/13."

Carol Gaiger  - Customer Services Officer

"I have spent many years living and travelling abroad but have always returned to Harrogate which I call home as it is a very special place to live. I joined Harrogate and Area CVS 3 years ago as Forums and Events Co-ordinator and I am now Customer Services Officer. I feel fortunate to be involved with a charity that is helping so many people and also working with volunteers who are all pretty amazing people too.

My passions are travelling to new places around the world, I just need that lottery win to make it a full time profession, spending time in our wonderful Yorkshire countryside, red wine and chocolate!"

Sue Hughes - Reception Co-ordinator

'I’m another member of the CVS team born in Lancashire – although I’ve been in Harrogate for almost 30 years now.  For most of that time I’ve been involved in the voluntary sector. Initially starting out as a volunteer for the old CVS car transport scheme and then moving on to co-ordinate the scheme. I’ve been part of the Reception team here at Community House since we moved in as one of the first tenants in 1999.  Out of work I’m happy to be travelling, walking, watching sport and anything cultural.'


Angela Jones - Information Officer

"I’m originally from the Channel Islands, but moved to England in 1983, living in London, Reading and Colchester before moving to Harrogate, when I volunteered for Victim Support. I’ve had many diverse roles including managing a local authority benefits office and with the Probation Service. I joined HACVS in 2004 and became Information Officer in 2008. I feel lucky to have this role in our community and enjoy learning something new every day. Out of work, I love pootling in my VW campervan, supporting Reading FC and walking (though it’s taking me years to complete the Pennine Way!)"

Rachel Kingdom - HACVS Fundraiser

"I grew up in a village close to Harrogate and returned to the area after completing my English lit degree in Cardiff. I love anything cultural and previously worked in a bookshop and at the theatre. In my spare time I like writing, anything craft related, travelling and, when the urge takes me, having a go at something entirely new (most recently scuba diving)! Since I joined CVS in 2010 as admin support I have been constantly amazed by the number and diversity of charities in Harrogate. The dedication of the staff and volunteers I’ve met is a real motivation to me in my new role as fundraiser for the CVS."

Nina Muir - Funding and Development Officer

"I have lived in the Harrogate District since 1985 and first started my involvement with the local voluntary sector by volunteering with several local groups in the village of Birstwith and with environmental groups in Harrogate and Knaresborough, while self-employed as a writer/ photographer/ researcher.  I have worked with Harrogate CVS since 1991 starting as Volunteer Centre Co-ordinator and since then have been evolving with the organisation and have held five varied posts.   Over the years I have got to meet and work with some truly inspirational and motivated people and strongly believe Harrogate would be seriously lacking without its hugely effective voluntary sector!"

Phil Newby - Finance Officer

"I live in Leeds but am originally from Saddleworth.  I’ve worked in the voluntary sector all my working life: initially as a volunteer coordinator, but for the last 15+ years in charity finance roles.  I also work part time at Involve Yorkshire & Humber and I hold a masters degree in Charity Accounting and Financial Management. In my spare time I’m a keen mountaineer."

Bev Richardson (Admin Assistant)

"I was brought up in Hawes and Bentham.  I chose a career in hospitality and promptly moved down to London after leaving college.  My job allowed me to move around – Cheltenham, Warminster, Brighton and Consett. 

I moved to Harrogate 3 years ago and came to enquire at the Volunteer Centre. I started volunteering in the office at Mental Health Project and Talking Space which led to working a few hours per week doing administration and then on to working the remainder of the week for HACVS doing administration and reception.  My job is varied which I enjoy.

I also volunteer in the office at the Harrogate and District Society for the Blind."


Carmen Sawers (Business Support Officer)

"I was born in Inverness in the north of Scotland but my childhood was spent all over Britain as my father’s job moved us about every few years.  I went to Aberdeen University and gained a BSc in Geography.  There I met my husband, Alastair, and we got married while both still students.  Alastair’s job as a doctor brought us to Harrogate in 1988 and we have been glad to live in such a lovely town. I am involved with Guiding in Harrogate and am currently Chair of the Harrogate Borough Fairtrade Group.  I love any craft work and reading!"

Caroline Shead -Volunteer Centre Manager


"I’ve lived in Yorkshire for most of my 30-something years, apart from a brief foray to Durham for University, and then “down south” for various roles in the private sector. I met my husband and we moved to Harrogate 8 years ago, where following the birth of my first (of 3!) sons, I stumbled into the voluntary sector quite accidentally. I immediately fell in love with the sector, and have been with Harrogate CVS for 6 years, working first for the Opening Doors Project and then the Volunteer Centre. My job and children make life busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!"

Talking Spaces

Lizzie Rosewood (Project Manager)
Rachel Gregory (Service Co-ordinator)
Debbie Dean (Service Co-ordinator)
Bev Richardson (Admin Support)


HELP (Harrogate Easier Living Project)

Frances Elliott (Project Manager)
Lisa Long (Volunteer Recruitment & Support Worker)
Christine Boxall (Service Co-ordinator)
Jane Cozens (Service Co-ordinator)
Rachel MacKenzie (Service Co-ordinator)  
Lindsay Frazer (Service Support Worker)
David Tindall (Service Support Worker)   
Gillian Young (Admin Assistant)


Board of Trustees

Tony Collins (Saint Michael’s Hospice) (Chair)
Jackie Snape (Disability Action Yorkshire) (Vice Chair)
John Gibbons (Co-opted)
John Batchelor (Rotary Club of Harrogate)
Lindsay Mitchell (Arthritis Care -Harrogate Branch)
Pat Jones (Co-opted)

A huge thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who support Harrogate CVS and the Projects!