Say Hello to Our Team
Our Staff
“Being a part of the Wellbeing team is more than just a job, it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of our residents and the Croydon community every single day.” John Hayes, Wellbeing Team Lead – Community
MacLaine Adler
Governance Manager
About me
After spending time in the world of recruitment, specifically in the Charity Board and Leadership space, I decided to make the leap to working directly in the third sector in 2023, and I haven’t looked back since.
I came to Croydon Almshouses eager to make an impact and support people to live their most fulfilling lives.
Talk to me about:
- Governance
Hayley James
CEO
About me
I have worked in the voluntary, community and faith sector for over twenty years, first becoming inspired by volunteers when on a placement in a homelessness charity whilst studying for my PG Diploma in Voluntary Action Management.
I have held increasingly senior roles across a range of disciplines including disability, mental health, advice and advocacy, and have over twelve years’ experience as a trustee.
I joined Croydon Almshouses in 2020 and am inspired by the almshouses’ movement and the importance of championing older people in society.
I am a qualified psychotherapist and an avid supporter of grassroots youth sports and its importance to children and communities.
Talk to me about:
Michelle Jupe
Wellbeing Facilitator
About me
With over 10 years of experience working at Croydon Almshouses, I have had the privilege of supporting residents to live fulfilling and independent lives. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong understanding of person-centred support and the importance of building trusting relationships while promoting dignity, choice and wellbeing.
I am passionate about empowering people to achieve their goals, overcome challenges and enjoy the best possible quality of life. My experience has strengthened my communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills, allowing me to provide compassionate and reliable support tailored to each person’s individual needs.
Talk to me about:
- Supporting residents to achieve their goals
Katie Smith
Wellbeing Facilitator
About me
With over 20 years of experience in the charity sector, I have a strong background in community engagement and resident support.
Talk to me about:
- Almshouses applications and queries
Dawn Watson-Jones
Head of Finance
About me
With a long career in finance, I have worked across both the commercial and charitable sectors, developing a broad range of experience across finance, IT, compliance and facilities management.
My journey into the charity sector began in 2016, when I worked with an insurance broker that had a charitable arm. Alongside this, my 20 years’ experience as a school governor gave me a strong interest in supporting communities and ultimately encouraged me to make the move into the charitable sector in 2020.
I joined Croydon Almshouses because I wanted to make a positive difference, however small. The pandemic and cost of living crisis have had a significant impact on society, and too many people continue to experience the effects of poverty. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, independence and security.
Talk to me about:
- Finance and budgeting
Caroline Getty
Property & Estates Manager
About me
I have 21 years’ Property & Estates experience across the private and charity sectors, from property sales and lettings negotiator to managing diverse residential and commercial portfolios.
Talk to me about:
- Property and building maintenance
- Property portfolio
Sophie Jones
Personal Assistant to the CEO
About me
Bec Yusuf
Community Development Lead
About me
With over 25 years of dedicated service in the community, I have held a variety of roles including community development worker, social prescriber and after school club manager.
My work reflects a lifelong commitment to making a positive impact and fostering meaningful connections.
Talk to me about:
- Croydon Almshouses Grant Fund (formerly Croydon Relief in Need)
- Community Micro-Enterprise Project
Yasmin Awudu
Wellbeing Facilitator
About me
With a passion for helping others, I have built my career around care, compassion and community wellbeing. I hold a degree in Health and Wellbeing and have several years’ experience working in the care sector, supporting people with kindness, understanding and respect.
Alongside my professional experience, my voluntary work has given me the opportunity to give back to my community, develop strong communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of people’s diverse needs.
I was drawn to Croydon Almshouses because its values and commitment to supporting older people closely align with my own. I am committed to being part of a team that creates a strong, supportive wellbeing environment and I am proud to contribute to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Talk to me about:
- Wellbeing and care
Karis Wilson
Communications Lead
About me
With experience across the charity sector in social media, marketing and communications, I am passionate about using the power of storytelling to connect people, raise awareness and showcase the difference organisations can make.
I particularly enjoy sharing the stories and experiences of the people and communities we support, helping to bring their voices to life and highlight the positive impact of our work. I believe good communication is about more than sharing information — it is about creating connections, building understanding and making sure people feel heard.
I joined Croydon Almshouses because I wanted to be part of an organisation making a meaningful difference to people’s lives. I am proud to help share the work of the almshouses and celebrate the people, stories and communities at the heart of what we do.
Talk to me about:
- Communications and storytelling
Our Trustees
Our Board of Trustees, recruited to ensure we have the right mix of skills and knowledge to fulfil their obligation to oversee the governance and strategic direction of Croydon Almshouses, may comprise of up to sixteen trustees.
All trustees serve for four years, with the possibility of one re-election.
Our Board includes four nominated trustees:
- one trustee nominated by the Mercers’ Company of the City of London;
- two trustees nominated by Croydon Council;
- and one trustee nominated by the Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Baptist, Croydon.
Michael Chawatama
Chair
About me
Michael joined Croydon Almshouses as Chair in January 2025.
He is an experienced leader within mental health and social care, both in the public and independent sector. He believes that a big part of his success is in his ability to work with people, build relationships and empower others.
Arlene Esdaile
Trustee
About me
Arlene was formerly a local government officer with a background in Housing and Housing Benefits and a Board member at Hyde Housing Group. She is now the Director of Finance and Administration of an IT software development company.
Shauna Higgins
Trustee
About me
With deep experience across real estate and a wide range of investment classes, Shauna brings rigorous financial stewardship, data‑driven decision‑making and a strong governance mindset to the board.
She is passionate about helping people and communities, focused on sustainable impact, transparent oversight and ensuring resources deliver the greatest benefit for communities.
Vanessa Russell
Chair of Property & Estates Committee
About me
Vanessa is an experienced HR and Corporate Affairs professional and have held senior roles in a variety of large and small organisations, with a particular focus on public transport.
She has lived in the Croydon area for over 7 years.
Claire Dunn
Trustee
About me
Claire studied Biological Sciences at Oxford University before pursuing a career in management consulting and tech start-ups. Combining environmental, social and business interests, she then spent a decade at the Carbon Trust, latterly as their Director of Corporate Development.
Currently Claire manages an ethically run mid-size private rental sector portfolio, providing positive rental experiences for those who struggle most to find housing (ex-homelessness, domestic abuse survivors, benefit recipients and displaced people).
Emma Hinson
Trustee
About me
With over 20 years’ experience in finance, Emma started her career in finance operations, before moving into general accountancy and then specialising in tax.
She began her training with a Big 4 Accountancy Firm and has since worked in both practice and industry, with experience in various sectors including utilities, transport and business services.
She currently leads a large team of tax professionals responsible for multi-national statutory compliance and reporting.
She has lived and worked in Croydon for the last 4 years.
Tony Smart
Trustee
About me
Tony has worked in the financial services industry for over thirty years, specialising in equity and commodity trading.
As a liveryman of The Mercers’ Company, he sat on the Older People & Housing Committee and chaired the Charter 600 Committee.
Joe Tuke CBE
Vice Chair and Chair of Supporting People & Communities Committee
About me
Joe was born and raised in Mitcham and have lived in the borough of Croydon since 2016. He retired in 2020 after a long and varied career in both local and central government.
He worked for the London Borough of Camden for 16 years, joining them as a trainee and progressing to head up many of their housing services including sheltered housing, homeless persons, hostels, housing allocations and leaseholder services.
In 2002 Joe was brought into Whitehall and served as a Director in a number of different central government departments working on programmes and issues as diverse as anti-social behaviour, victims of crime, families with multiple problems, Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic.
He was awarded the CBE for public service in 2020.
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Format: PDF
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