The Team – The Venture Community Hub

Meet the Team

The Venture Community Hub has evolved significantly over the last four decades. In 2008, we became a Company Limited by Guarantee and in March 2022, we obtained registered charity status. We are now both a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee and are overseen by a board of trustees with diverse expertise. Our structure combines community focus with robust governance which has enabled enhanced financial stability and strengthened decision-making, while maintaining our grassroots ethos and expanding our community impact.

The staff are a highly skilled multi disciplinary team of trained Playworkers and Youth Workers with a collective history of over 70 years of employment at The Venture. Together they provide a wide range of services for people of all ages, both in our community and across Gloucester City.

The Trustees

Drewe Lacey

Chair

Drewe has extensive strategic business and financial management experience from FTSE 100 and international companies, as well as his own financial services business. He won the IOD Director of the Year Award in Wales and has expertise in driving business change in organisations, including his Livery Company and Rotary GB&I District 1100.

SUSAN CUNNINGHAM

Vice Chair

Sue is a registered Social Worker and CEO of GL Communities, a local charity she has led for 25 years. With extensive experience in leadership, management, and community development, she advocates for children's play and family support. Sue actively engages with various organisations, providing leadership and fostering community collaboration.

Chris Elliott

Treasurer

Chris is an independent professional with 11 years of experience, holding non-executive director positions and providing consultancy services. He has over 30 years of commercial, operational, and financial management experience, including as Group MD for a FTSE 100 services group. As a qualified accountant, Chris brings extensive experience from both private and public sectors to his roles.

Jo Robinson-Cox

Governance Lead

Jo is a chemistry graduate with over 30 years of teaching experience, including 12 years as Pastoral Deputy Head Teacher in an 'Outstanding' high school. Her expertise spans safeguarding, student management, staff development, and community engagement. As a Senior Leader in Education, Jo has written modules for the NPQSL programme, and lectured at local and national levels.