Severn Wye Energy Agency

Staff Profiles

Please Note - direct dial numbers and individual e-mail addresses are included for all staff below. If you cannot reach the person you want, please call reception for assistance on 01452 835060.

Chief Executive Catrin Maby Assistant Chief Executive Kaye Welfare Project Team Kierson Wise - Alastair Stevens - Jackie Williams - Neil Towler - Eileen O'Haire Project Team Mike Brain - Owen Callender - Paul Sheridan - Matt Williams Education & Training Rachel Close - Mark Stead R&D Co-ordinator Audrey Healy Finance & Administration Alison Patten - Sandra Bradley - Andrea Nicholls - Gloria Gibbons

Severn Wye - Cymru Andy Bull - Stuart Davies - Maggie Keville - Simone Lowthe-Thomas - Dafydd Watts - Ben Ferguson-Walker - Paul Burrell Pathfinder Officers - Dafydd Jones - Peter Willis - Alice Cowell - Ruth Williams - Sam Froud-Powell - Simon Bishop Advice Team - Jon Clarke - Alex Baxter - Rosa Garcia - Karen Robinson Warm & Well Energy Advice Team Sarah Nixon - David Roberts - Jemma Stephenson - Saskia Bagshaw Graduate Placements - Samantha Evans (2010-11) - Sarah Harvey (2011-12) - Lauren Scott (2011-12)

Chief Executive

Catrin Maby

With a background in engineering, Catrin has worked in sustainable energy since 1984, when she set up an energy advice service for tenant organisations in London. She has wide experience in strategic development, training, advice and awareness-raising, and assisted several local authorities in the development of their first Home Energy Conservation Act strategies in 1996.

As an independent energy consultant and energy ratings assessor, Catrin assisted Birmingham City Council in developing sustainable energy aspects of inner city regeneration programmes, working with technical and community liaison staff and community groups over a period of several years.

Catrin's extensive track record in energy advice includes co-authoring the 'Advice into Action' review of energy advice to low income households published by EAGA Charitable Trust in 1998, and a wide range of materials including the first Heating Advice Handbook in 1986, the NEA 'At Home With Energy' series, public information fact sheets for Midlands Electricity, and materials for use in teaching adult literacy, numeracy and English as another language.

Catrin has trained over a thousand staff of fuel utilities, insulation companies, local authorities, housing associations and voluntary organisations in energy awareness.

Catrin joined Severn Wye in 1999, overseeing its development as a dynamic and dedicated team of energy professionals, with a wide portfolio of sustainable energy projects and services. She has presented the agency's work at several international events , such as the World Sustainable Energy days in Austria, the European Council for Social Housing in Greece, the Assembly of the European Regions in Sweden and European Commission 'Managenergy' conferences in Brussels and Italy. She was one of a team of four international consultants selected by the European Commission to research the work of European energy agencies in 2004-5,, and has followed this by providing training for new and developing energy agencies, in collaboration with Italian consultancies ECUBA and SOGES. She led the successful development of two new Intelligent Energy Europe projects in the 2005 call for proposals, and has led the Severn Wye team in its successful participation in fifteen European partnership projects to date.

Catrin is the Chair of the Energy Advice Providers Group of the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, on behalf of which she contributes to the stakeholder group for 'Implementation to action' for energy performance certification of homes, a joint initiative between Communities and Local Government and the Energy Saving Trust. She is a Vice President of the Federation of European Regional and Local Energy Agencies (FEDARENE), and represents the Environment Partnership on Gloucestershire's Community Strategy Executive Board.

Assistant Chief Executive

Kaye Welfare

Kaye joined the agency in 2000, after three successful years as Energy Efficiency Coordinator for Stroud District Council and previously working in the private sector. She has an excellent track record in developing and running local and European energy efficiency projects, and has gained a reputation for turning a challenge into a resounding success. Kaye manages a team of senior project staff, and leads Severn Wye's Advice and Affordable Warmth Services.

Under her management Severn Wye's energy advice service has achieved maximum activity and quality levels with an impressive range of outreach activities, and partnerships with housing, health, caring agencies, the Pensions and Benefits Agencies, installers and suppliers of energy efficiency products and local media.

Kaye has played an important role in the Gloucestershire Home Energy Conservation Act Group, and in the success of the Affordable Warmth Partnership, which she chaired until 2010. This partnership of seven local authorities and two health authorities has achieved national recognition for its work, and Kaye has assisted the development of similar strategic groups in other areas including Wiltshire, Cardiff and Caerphilly.

Kaye manages the successful Warm and Well programme which has delivered improvements to over 34,000 homes to date. She is Chair of Energy Advice South West (joint venture between Severn Wye, CSE, CEP and DEA) which until recently delivered the Energy Saving Trust Advice contract in the greater South West. At a national level she currently sits on the Green Deal Alliance Expert Working Group and has previously chaired the Community and Education Group for the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes.

Project Team

Kierson Wise - Head of Partnerships & Development

Kierson joined Severn Wye in 2002 and has worked on a variety of projects including running the community-based Lydney Local Power project, working with farmers in Gloucestershire on the Warm Farms scheme and developing wood fuel supply in the Forest of Dean.

With diverse experience in teaching English as a foreign language, overseas development and archaeology, he brings a fresh perspective to the organisation, and has shown that he has the considerable persistence, commitment and diplomacy needed to work through the barriers to success faced by community based sustainable energy projects.

Kierson has a Masters degree in Climate Change and Sustainable Development which included working with Sustainable Energy Ireland to deliver a successful dissertation on Ground Source Heat Pump technologies.

Alastair Stevens - Project Manager

Alastair is Severn Wye's resident techie, and joined the renewable energy team in late 2007, quickly becoming heavily involved in community sustainable energy. Alastair has helped a large number of village halls, churches and schools in Gloucestershire and beyond to save energy and money. He has also been involved in renewable energy consultancy, writing technical papers, and presenting to local community and business groups.

Alastair is currently involved in several European IEE projects related to bioenergy, covering anaerobic digestion, biomethane, and biomass fuel and equipment supply chains. He was a speaker at the World Sustainable Energy Days in Austria in February 2012, presenting the UK's current biomass energy situation.

Alastair has an engineering background, but previously worked in IT for seven years in the Cambridge and Bristol areas. After deciding to embark on a completely new career path in energy, Alastair completed a full-time Masters degree in 2006-07, with his research project focusing on the resources, technologies and economics of biomass energy. He then moved from East Anglia to Gloucestershire to join Severn Wye.

As well as being involved in many projects across several teams, Alastair also deployed his former skills as a web developer to create this all-new Severn Wye website, which was launched in May 2008, and which he continues to maintain.

Jackie Williams - Project Manager

Jackie joined Severn Wye in September 2008 and has been working on a variety of community sustainable energy projects for schools and village halls across Gloucestershire; as well as village hall audits, she has undertaken several Project Development Studies under the Big Lottery funded Community Sustainable Energy Programme (CSEP). Jackie has also helped to promote local renewable energy grants to householders, and organised and run training and seminars to promote energy saving to businesses and Local Authority staff.

Before joining Severn Wye, Jackie was managing the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre for the Thames Valley area, having started her career in sustainable energy as an Energy Advisor in 1997. As well as advising householders on saving energy in the home, Jackie has been involved with a range of projects, including communicating climate change to Thames Valley Police employees, helping schools to achieve the Energy Saving Trust's Energy Certification for Schools and co-ordinating a range of outreach and promotional events.

Eileen O'Haire - Energy Advisor

Eileen joined Severn Wye in Sept 2008 from a background as a Caseworker with Bristol Care & Repair and in the housing dept of Bristol City Council.

Eileen originally trained in Film & Media and specialised as a workshop trainer in filmmaking and scriptwriting in both Britain and New Zealand.

Eileen has a keen interest in sustainable living and is involved starting up a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) project. She is currently working in Severn Wye promoting renewable technology grants across the area, with a focus on Monmouthshire.

Project Team

Mike Brain - Head of Business Services

Mike leads Severn Wye's work with the Business and Public sectors. His team deliver technical energy surveys and follow up support for the implantation of energy saving recommendations. He has led the development of a unique holistic approach to energy efficiency in the prison community, attracting support from Her Majesty's Prison Service as well as the Energy Saving Trust. More recently Mike has been leading a large scale energy sustainability project with Stroud District in support of their Climate Change strategy, 'Target 2050'. This is working in Domestic, Business and Community sectors providing advice, access to grants and installer networks in order to improve access to energy efficiency measures and advice.

Mike has supported Severn Wye's work with schools through surveys and the development of the 'School Energy Diary' for monitoring consumption and with the development and delivery of materials and training that enable students to carry out technical energy surveys of their schools.

Paul Sheridan - Senior Energy Advisor

With a background in engineering, Paul joined Severn Wye in 2004. He has detailed practical experience of energy efficiency and renewable energy at domestic scale, and a wide knowledge of environmental issues including sustainable transport and organic food production. Paul has installed both solar water heating and photovoltaic panels in his own home, and as a volunteer has run practical renewable energy workshops and supported other householders in DIY installation of solar hot water.

Qualified as an On Construction Domestic Energy Advisor Paul's worked on various projects mainly dealing with 'hard to treat' homes, doing in depth home energy surveys for homeowners and offering advise and support through the WISE and Target 2050 projects.

Owen Callendar - Project Manager - Business Energy Advisor

Owen joined Severn Wye in August 2009. He previously worked on the Carbon Trust Advice Line for two years, providing energy efficiency advice to businesses throughout the UK. At Severn Wye, he is part of the non-domestic team, providing energy efficiency advice and surveys to local businesses throughout Gloucestershire.

Owen has held a long-standing interest in sustainable living practices, with a focus on renewable energy systems and eco-housing design. He has also taken part in conservation projects in Bolivia and the UK, working with rescued monkeys from captivity and diversifying woodland habitat, respectively.

Education & Training

Rachel Close - Head of Education & Training

Rachel is an experienced teacher and joined Severn Wye in 2005 to coordinate the development of educational programmes. She is leading on delivery of a major European partnership involving thirteen partners in nine countries, locally named the 'Power to Change' project. Through this she has enabled local primary schools to integrate education about energy issues into their curricula on an ongoing basis, providing them with carefully developed training, advice, educational materials and ongoing support.

With her detailed knowledge of the education system, experience in preparing and delivering materials for both children and adult training courses, and project management skills, Rachel is engaged in developing Severn Wye's educational work for the future, widening the scope of the work with primary schools and building upon partnerships between secondary schools and local employers. She is also further developing Severn Wye's work around basic skills, including a new City & Guilds programme to be piloted with prisoners.

Mark Stead - Project Manager

Mark is an experienced teacher having taught a range of school and community groups across a wide range of age groups. After gaining a BEd in Geography from the University of Plymouth, he started his career working with SEN groups at the Milestone School in Gloucester, whilst undertaking a voluntary placement as Education Assistant with the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

In 1999 he joined the staff at Tirlebrook Primary School, where over the next nine years he taught classes throughout Key Stage 2 and further developed his interest in Education for Sustainability, running environmental clubs, organising climate change concerts, developing a wildlife garden in partnership with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and establishing an eco-team to work towards the Eco-schools awards.

In 2007, Mark took up a two-tear secondment opportunity with Severn Trent Water. Here he worked as Education Centre Manager at Hayden Education Centre and Sewage Works where he coordinated visits to the centre and led sustainable education projects across the region.

Mark is currently working towards an MSc qualification in Education for Sustainability through London South Bank University. He joined Severn Wye in January 2010, to take up his current position as Project Manager (Education) where he is looking forward to using his skills and experience to support the range of education programmes currently offered at Severn Wye.

R&D

Audrey Healy - Research & Development Coordinator

Audrey joined Severn Wye in November 2011 to develop the research element of Severn Wye's projects and to develop new projects. She is currently working on a methodology to identify how the process of domestic retrofit can be improved, scaled up and benefit the local economy.

Audrey has worked in the sustainability sector for the last six years. She joined Severn Wye from Gloucestershire County Council, where she led the Council's energy reduction work with schools. Prior to that she was a policy adviser for the Government's rural watchdog specialising in health, telecommunications and social exclusion. Audrey has also worked on public sector projects with the sustainability charity Forum for the Future.

Before working in the sustainability sector, Audrey spent five years in television production, where she produced and directed programmes for clients including the History Channel on topics ranging from military history to world train journeys.

Severn Wye - Cymru

Andy Bull - Head of Innovation

Prior to joining Severn Wye, Andy spent over 30 years in local government working in the planning departments of the Vale of Glamorgan Borough Council and Brecon Beacons National Park, and several departments within Powys County Council.

For three years he was seconded part-time to work with the Welsh Assembly Government on the development of its advice to planners in respect of renewable energy (TAN8). This opportunity arose because of his previous work in developing community renewable energy projects, particularly in the Dyfi Valley and through the bringing into being of Mid Wales Energy Agency.

Andy is currently employed as Head of Innovation with Severn Wye, and is based in their Wales office in Builth Wells. Andy's current projects often relate to the inter-relationships between renewable energy and the town planning system but he is also leading for Severn Wye on a trans-national project that seeks to promote biogas technology. He commenced work with Severn Wye to set up the new Welsh Office in June 2007.

Stuart Davies - Senior Project Manager

Born in Cardiff but grew up in Pembrokeshire, Stuart was educated at Haverfordwest Technical Collage before going to Greenwich University, London to study architecture.

For the first year after graduating Stuart worked at a small architecture practice in Carmarthen before accepting a post at Powys County Council as a domestic Building Surveyor administrating grants.

In 2000 Stuart started work with the newly formed Powys Energy Agency then in 2002 joined Herefordshire Council as a Home Energy Conservation Officer before returning to Powys County Council in 2005 to undertake a similar role.

In July 2007 Stuart joined the newly established Welsh Office of Severn Wye Energy Agency as a Project Manager to help run existing European and regional projects as well as to establish new work in Mid-Wales.

Stuart has won the regional 'HECA Officer of the Year' titles for Wales in 2002 and the West-Midlands in 2004 as well as a Certificate of Recognition for Home Energy Efficiency at the 2007 'Excellence Wales Awards'.

Simone Lowthe-Thomas - Senior Project Manager

Simone joined Severn Wye Cymru in 2010 as part of the project team delivering the 'Ynni'r Fro' project, which supports the establishment or development of social enterprises through enabling installation of community scale renewable energy. Simone is also the project officer for Low Carbon Communities Powys, working with three communities in Powys to install, own and operate renewable energy generation installations with the additional community benefits of reduced carbon emissions, reduced fuel-poverty and improved energy efficiency.

Simone trained in ecology, conservation and environmental management and is an experienced academic researcher specializing in biomass and energy crops. Before starting with Severn Wye she spent 7 years at Cardiff University as manager for the Wales Biomass Centre. She has considerable project management experience having managed several large European Funded projects whilst at the University. These projects collaborated nationally and internationally with industry, public and private bodies and were the driving force of energy crop research and commercial exploitation across Wales.

As a STEM Ambassador (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network), Simone has considerable public engagement experience. She enjoys communicating science and has worked with a wide range of community groups including schools and science clubs.

Ben Ferguson-Walker - Project Manager

Ben moved to Wales in 1991 to attend the University of Wales, Lampeter. This was followed by setting up and participating in a number of community arts, horticulture and youth projects in mid-Wales, during which time he ran a horticultural business. Following this he moved to Swindon for three years to work for the Richmond Fellowship designing and developing a group rehabilitation process near Bath - but returned to west Wales to take up a post with West Wales ECO Centre in 2004.

Previous work in the field of energy and climate change includes three years as manager of the Mid & South West Wales Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, providing home energy advice and assisting communities in energy auditing as part of renewable energy or transition style projects. Ben has also developed a community arts education co-op, "RE:Action!", delivering courses in sustainable development in the Worcestershire area since 2002.

After two years working in the commercial sector designing and supplying outdoor play solutions, Ben has integrated play work into his voluntary work as a director of SWWAP (South West Wales Association for Play) and returned to a focus on climate change and energy.

Ben joined Severn Wye in February 2010, tasked with delivering the Community Scale Renewable Energy Generation programme in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

Dafydd Watts - Project Manager

Dafydd has worked for many years with regeneration and development agencies, including Gwynedd Council, helping community and social enterprises develop their projects.

For 2 years he worked on an EU funded project to identify further opportunities for hydroelectric schemes in Gwynedd, and to help facilitate their development. He has also worked for a community land trust to develop projects to provide sustainable affordable housing to meet local housing needs, and been a Board member of Sustainable Gwynedd Gynaladwy.

Dafydd joined Severn Wye in 2010 to work on the Welsh Assembly Government's Community Scale Renewable Energy Generation programme, which promotes and supports the development of renewable energy schemes by social enterprises. As a Development Officer on the programme, he covers Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire and north Gwynedd.

Paul Burrell - Project Manager

Paul joined Severn Wye Cymru in 2010 to take the role of Technical Development Officer within the team delivering the 'Ynni'r Fro' project which aims to support Social Enterprises in Wales wishing to install community scale renewable energy schemes. Prior to joining Severn Wye Cymru, Paul worked within the Commercial Wind Energy industry as a project manager for the established Wales based renewable energy consultancy, Dulas Ltd and gained skills in technical site design and management of Environmental Impact Assessments for wind energy projects. Paul has worked on a wide range of wind energy projects from single turbine schemes and multi turbine arrays through to Strategic Search Area (SSA) developments.

Paul has trained in renewable energy systems and ecological building sciences and has extensive project management experience gained from working within the construction industry for over 12 years both as a company director and employee for other established companies.

Paul covers the areas of Ceredigion and Southern Gwynedd for the 'Ynni'r Fro' scheme and works alongside Ecodyfi in Machynlleth to provide technical support for community groups or social enterprises wishing to benefit from the grant scheme.

Margaret Keville - Project Worker

Before joining Severn Wye, Maggie was a European Officer with Powys County Council for 7 years, where she co-ordinated the European Regional Development Fund for Powys, a budget of approx £15m. She provided project development support to organisations throughout Powys resulting in the approval of over 70 Objective 2 projects.

Maggie joined the Welsh Office of Severn Wye Energy Agency in October 2008 to work on the Low Carbon Communities Project. The project, funded by the Rural Development Plan for Wales is working with 3 communities in Powys to encourage and promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The main focus of the project is the installation of hydro schemes in all communities, culminating in a conference which will provide a platform for the dissemination of experience gained from the project

Pathfinder Officers

Dafydd Jones - Pathfinder Officer

Dafydd joined Severn Wye in March 2011 after having worked as a Project Officer for an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. He has also worked in the environment sector, developing community schemes and projects all over North and Mid Wales at a local and community level. Such roles include spending time as a Special Area of Conservation Officer, responsible for the management of the area and of associated projects and volunteers.

Having lived and worked in North West Wales all his life, Dafydd is very familiar with the area and has a good knowledge of locally based environmental and sustainable development bodies.

As part of the Pathfinder Officer role, Dafydd will be supporting community action on climate change by working collaboratively with local communities, community groups and tapping into the full range of existing networks and initiatives. He will be hosted by Gwynedd Council, but also covering Anglesey and Conwy.

Peter Willis - Pathfinder Officer

Peter joined Severn Wye in March 2011 after having spent 4 years as a Mentro Allan Development Officer, working with a wide range of community groups and voluntary organisations, researching approaches to increase levels of physical activity in hard-to-reach sedentary populations in Newport by using the natural environment.

He sits on the committee for Maindee Festival Association; a small charity with aims of building bridges between communities and raising awareness of global issues.

He initiated "Re cycle", a project which receives, repairs and resells unwanted bicycles. Volunteering opportunities and training in safe cycling and cycle maintenance to increase cycle usage are offered. This project has now been set up as a Community Interest Company, of which Peter is a director.

As part of the Pathfinder Officer role, Peter will be supporting community action on climate change by working collaboratively with local communities, community groups and tapping into the full range of existing networks and initiatives. He will be hosted by Carmarthenshire County Council, but also covering Pembrokeshire.

Alice Cowell - Pathfinder Officer

Alice joined SWEA at the end of July 2012 having spent 6 years as a free lance environmental consultant and trainer working on a wide range of projects and courses to raise awareness of environmental issues within communities.

Prior to this, Alice spent 4 years working as Environmental Protection trainer for central government teaching on a wide range of courses from Energy Management and Environmental Management Systems to Air and Noise and Waste Management.

Before this Alice worked was a Local Authority Support Programme Coordinator where she helped local authorities in Surrey and East Sussex meet their Home Energy Conservation Act targets. A key part of that role involved engaging politicians with the energy agenda.

As part of the Pathfinder Officer role, Alice will be supporting community action on climate change by working collaboratively with local communities and community groups, and tapping into the full range of existing networks and initiatives. She will be hosted by Rhondda Cynon Taff Council, but also covering Neath & Port Talbot, Caerphilly, Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent and Bridgend.

Ruth Williams - Pathfinder Officer

Ruth joined Severn Wye in March 2011 after having spent 4 years as a Community Links Adviser responsible for advising on, designing and delivering engagement activities which enable local communities to get involved with and influence the work of the National Trust in the north west of England.

Previous to this she spent time on a variety of research projects at Newcastle University, including her doctoral research on fishing communities in north east Scotland. She has presented the results of her research at local, national and international conferences and events. During this time Ruth was also involved in various lecturing and mentoring activities.

As part of the Pathfinder Officer role, Ruth will be supporting community action on climate change by working collaboratively with local communities, community groups and tapping into the full range of existing networks and initiatives. She will be hosted by Wrexham County Borough Council, but also covering Flintshire and Denbighshire.

Sam Froud-Powell - Pathfinder Officer

Sam joined Severn Wye in March 2011 after having worked for Spice / United Welsh as a Development Coordinator, leading the co-design, implementation and evaluation of time banking pilot projects, supporting community engagement and participating in a range of sustainable development activities. This involved building partnerships across different sectors and working closely with housing association staff and community members to develop new approached to supporting engagement.

Prior to this, he worked extensively for UNA Exchange, a charity supporting international volunteering and cultural exchange projects in Wales and overseas, with roles including Development Officer, setting up and managing a youth inclusion / international volunteering programme, working with youth services to engage with young people from Communities First areas - supporting them through a programme of training, overseas volunteering and follow up activities.

As part of the Pathfinder Officer role, Sam will be supporting community action on climate change by working collaboratively with local communities, community groups and tapping into the full range of existing networks and initiatives. He will be hosted by Cardiff Council, but also covering Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Simon Bishop - Pathfinder Officer

Simon joined Severn Wye in March 2011 after having spent 3 years working in New Delhi, with his most recent role as a consultant for Delhi Government implementing the city’s 2021 Transport Plan and re-structuring bus provision in the city. His role included engaging with stakeholders through setting up committees to provide low carbon transport infrastructure for the Commonwealth Games.

Previous to this, he worked as a Visiting Research Fellow for the Energy & Resources Institute in Delhi, with roles including the co-ordinator, author and editor of the Environment and Climate Change section of the Global Transport Knowledge Partnership.

Before moving to Delhi, Simon worked as a Senior Transport Planner for the London Borough of Camden, being awarded for building partnerships to put school travel in the Borough on a sustainable footing and co-drafting the Green Transport Strategy. Simon also played a role at the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank, working with key stakeholders to bring air transport into a sustainable development policy framework.

As part of the Pathfinder Officer role, Simon will be supporting community action on climate change by working collaboratively with local communities, community groups and tapping into the full range of existing networks and initiatives. He will be hosted by Powys County Council, but also covering Ceredigion.

Advice Team

Jon Clarke - Senior Project Manager

Jon joined Severn Wye in January 2010 moving from his role in health promotion for NHS Greenwich. Jon's role included working to develop and maintain effective partnerships across health, social care, education and third sector organisations. Jon was also responsible for developing and delivering training on substance misuse. While working in this role Jon re-discovered a passion for environmental work and is currently studying for an MSc in Environmental Architecture and Advanced Energy Studies. This has inspired Jon to integrate his passion and skills and contribute towards the area affordable warmth and addressing climate change.

Whilst in London, Jon has been involved in working with local communities to develop an understanding of issues such as renewable energy and energy efficiency in architecture, by being an active member in his local transition towns group, disseminating information through presentaions and working to make information accessible.

Jon is excited to be working with Severn Wye on the Energy Ambassadors Project.

Alex Baxter - Project Worker

Alex joined the team at Severn Wye in November 2008, shortly after graduating from Bournemouth University with a degree in Environmental Protection. His degree specialised in renewable technologies, on both a large and small scale, as well as sustainable development and occupational health and safety. He has previously worked with Natural England and the Cotswold District Council in several areas such as waste control and conservation management.

After spending a year working in our Swindon office as an Energy Advisor, Alex has now moved to the Highnam office as a project worker on the Gloucestershire Warm and Well scheme, where he assists the project manager as well as supporting the day to day running of the scheme.

He hopes to acquire further qualifications in both project management and health and safety that he can then use to great effect within his role at Severn Wye.

Karen Robinson - Project Worker

Karen joined Severn Wye in November 2009 to work on the Energy Neighbourhood Project, promoting energy efficiency amongst communities.

She has worked for over 15 years in the local government and charity sector with experience that includes working on UK conservation projects for the World Wide Fund for Nature as well as a lobbyist during the passage of the 1995 Environment Act through Parliament. She has worked for the Strategic Aviation Special Interest Group which looked at the environmental effects of aviation and lobbied for the development of a long-term national aviation strategy. In more recent years Karen has worked for the sustainable development charity, Forum for the Future and for Gloucestershire County Council as they develop their partnership working through the Gloucestershire Conference.

Warm & Well Energy Advice Team

Neil Towler - Senior Energy Advisor

Neil joined Severn Wye in November 2008 after having spent the previous 18 months working as a Domestic Energy Assessor completing Energy Performance Certificates and providing energy advice in Oxfordshire.

Previous to this he worked within Facilities Management for a work and travel organisation in London where he wrote and implemented the companies first Environmental policy. His interest in ecology and the environment have led to the completion of several courses including the Open Universities 'Energy for a Sustainable Future'.

At Severn Wye, Neil concentrates on providing a wide range of energy advice to householders, and is currently involved with the Energy Saving Trust 121 support programme which provides local authorities with tailored advice and support to enable them to develop and implement a strategic approach to climate change.

Finance & Administration

Alison Patten - Head of Accounts & Administration

Alison joined Severn Wye in 2005, taking responsibility for company administration. She has wide experience of accounting and administration systems, having worked for insurance companies, a bank and private industry. She comes to Severn Wye after several years of successfully managing a busy office for a company selling products to the building industry.

Alison's role at Severn Wye includes the day to day running of the accounting systems, credit control, purchasing, recruitment and payroll.

Sandra Bradley - Admin Supervisor

Sandra started at Severn Wye in 2008 as secretary administrator after many years of working in the NHS as a receptionist dispenser in a local doctor's surgery.

Sandra's role in Severn Wye covers all aspects of reception and admin, this consists of meeting and greeting visitors to Severn Wye and general office duties.

Sandra is currently working towards an NVQ in business administration which will boost her skills in her role at Severn Wye.

Andrea Nicholls - Finance Administrator

Andrea has joined Severn Wye in August 2009 as a Full-time Finance Administrator. Andrea has a great deal of experience in working for a vast range of companies from private limited to not for profit. Andrea not only has a huge skill set but also has a NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration and Accounts.

Andrea is also a valuable asset in running reports monthly on important projects such as the Gloucestershire Warm and Well. Andrea is currently furthering her skills through studying her CIMA Business Certificate which will enable her to develop and build upon her existing knowledge in Finance.

Gloria Gibbons - Temporary Admin

Gloria joined the company in 2002 when it ran the former Energy Effiency Advice Centre. The company had just located to the Mews in Mitcheldean at the time.

Gloria is a Temporary member of staff helping everyone out, which she thoroughly enjoys, having gained years of experience in office enviroments since leaving school.

Gloria was born and bred in the beautiful Forest of Dean where she currently lives with her family.

© 2007-2012 • Severn Wye is a Registered Charity - No. 1083812
Severn Wye Energy Agency Ltd, Unit 15 Highnam Business Centre, Highnam, Gloucester, GL2 8DN
Telephone 01452 835060 • Fax 01452 526208