Our Trustees

Martin Ford - Chair

Martin has been a trustee of TLA for 6 years, Vice Chair for 3 years and was accepted as Chair at the AGM in 2023. He has a background in leadership and change management in the NHS, designing, commissioning and contractservices for adults and children. He is also a Trustee Director of the Retreat Hospital in York which provides a wide range of private NHS and mental health services for adults and children and Chair of the General Assembly of the Quaker Council for European Affairs based in Brussels. This Belgian charity works to deliver peaceful transformation through programmes focusing on the Climate Crisis and Refugee and Asylum processes.

"I am very proud and privileged to be able to use my professional skills for the benefit of such a great organisation working to support those in need in West Yorkshire”

Mike White - Vice Chair

Mike is the Regional Manager- South Yorks, Lincs and Nottinghamshire at Alzheimer's Society, and first joined the board of TLA in 2014, after a short period away he rejoined in 2019. Having worked in Supported Housing and Charities for nearly 30 years, starting out as a 'Project Worker' in a 'Therapeutic Community' supporting people with serious and complex mental health issues, he then moved into managing a team in a homeless hostel for men who had been through the criminal justice system. Mike first came into contact with TLA when started working for Leeds Federated Housing Association as Head of Supported Housing. Mike brings experience of managing supported housing services from multiple perspectives including service delivery, quality improvement, and regulatory and commissioning frameworks.

“I was very impressed by the work of TLA and it's unique place in supporting very vulnerable people with complex needs across Leeds and honoured to be asked to join TLA's Board of Trustees when I left Leeds Fed (to join the Alzheimer's Society where I still work as a Regional Manager).”

Magdelana Ballance - Trustee

Joining the board in 2019 Magdalena originates from Poland and is a Chartered Architect and Masterplanner with over 20 years experience. Working for Wakefield based Spawforths Architects she brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge of the planning and development of the private and public sector housing sector, her links to planners and developers and a history of volunteering for other organization's that help prevent poverty.

“I wanted to be a trustee for TLA, I thought I could bring a new dimension with my construction and architectural background”

Shahab Adris - Trustee

Shahab joined the TLA board in August 2022, he teaches at Beckett University School of Health with a focus on social justice, politics, community development, volunteering, and what it means to be a global practitioner.

He brings a wealth of experience in human rights (Islamophobia in particular), community development & empowerment, campaigning and stakeholder engagement. He has vast experience in media as a radio broadcaster and enjoys improving the digital and political literacy of our students through a media and international development context.

“Being a trustee at TLA means I am helping to make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. It’s the right place for those who are compassionate and those who get fired up about social justice issues”

Sasha Pauly - Trustee

Sasha became a TLA trustee in March 2023 and works for Yorkshire Building Society as a Social Purpose and Sustainability Manager. Sasha brings extensive experience in fundraising and working in partnership with charities at both regional and international levels. She currently leads Yorkshire Building Society’s community investment team and it was her involvement with a homeless charity as part of this that inspired her to find ways outside of work to help combat homelessness.

“Becoming a trustee of TLA means I can develop my skills and offer my experience and corporate insight to a charity that I’m really passionate about,”

Becky White - Trustee

Joining the TLA board in December 2023, Becky works as a Finance Business Partner at Drax Group

And is using her experience as a qualified chartered accountant as Chair of the Finance and Audit Sub Committee.

She used to work with a range of not-for-profit organisations whilst working as an auditor in Norfolk and is looking forward to using her skills to support TLA’s future financial stability.

“Mandy’s Story, a case study on the charity’s website shows how quickly people’s lives can spiral out of control but also the help that can be given to put lives back on track,”

Jill Maples - Trustee

Jill was accepted onto the Board at the 2024 AGM and is UK People Director for Lowell Financial. , Jill has worked at brands such as First Direct, Telefonica (O2) and Morrisons, where she held various senior HR positions, working alongside Exec teams and Steering Committees to develop leading colleague experience strategies

“I have always worked full time in big companies and want to give something back, supporting TLA’s leadership and People function and being that critical friend.”

Sean Heffernan - Trustee

Sean Heffernan joined us in November last year, he has worked in IT in the finance and banking sector for 15 years and currently works for Lloyds in their Homes / mortgages department as Technology Lead. Having worked in mortgages for the last 3 years and noticing the impact of the cost of living crisis he wanted to do something more in the local community, so when the opportunity came up to become a Trustee at TLA he jumped at it.

“I’m looking forward to getting involved, using my technology skills to get better outcomes for clients as well as optimise TLA as an organisation to be able to do more.”

Gary Gallacher - Trustee

We welcomed Gary on to the board in January 2024. He has a degree in Maths and Actuarial Science and a Masters in Actuarial Management and now works for Isio after having relocated to Leeds from Scotland.

He is involved in the Finance and Audit Committee with a focus on financial and risk management.

“With lived experience which many trustees may not have, and having used the type of services that TLA delivers, I feel I have a deeper connection and better understanding of what’s important to our clients. I also bring my finance skills and knowledge plus drive and determination.”