I have worked for developmentplus since October 2006, initially as the Administrator for the St Giles Neighbourhood Team and then, following 9 months of maternity leave, as a Development Worker across the City.

In November 2015, I was made General Manager of developmentplus following the departure of our CEO Jeanne Bain who co-founded the organisation 18 years ago.  I was extremely proud to be offered the position and will strive to take the organisation on to the next phase of its journey with passion and enthusiasm.

My time out of work is primarily spent with my family, either at home or on days out. I also have a passion for reading.

I’ve been working with the homeless for a few years now. I helped to devise the Homelessness Report with developmentplus. I am now the Lead Development Worker at Project Compass,  based at 97 High Street, Lincoln which is an advocacy service supporting individuals to access key homeless provision in Lincoln.

I’m an ex primary school teacher. I enjoy climbing and running. And it’s great to be back with developmentplus.

Hi, I’m Kate. I’ve worked at developmentplus for 7 years, for the last 6 heading up the Bridging The Gap project. Prior to joining developmentplus I worked on a similar project for 2 years, working alongside the Community Chaplain and before that I ran a retail website and worked as a business banking manager for a large bank.

The role of lead development worker is challenging but also hugely rewarding. Not only do I get to work one on one with some of the most marginalised people in our community, but I get to support Graeme to do the same. This means between us we can support approximately 50 people a year across the county. Helping them get back on track after their involvement with the criminal justice system. Sometimes working alongside others to pick up areas that are not being supported and sometimes being the only support network that person has and trying to build one round them.

The people we support have all got a story to tell, none of them chose the life they currently lead, but they are choosing to take more positive steps and put negative experiences behind them. Listening to what they’ve been through and supporting them to overcome barriers is such an honour. To be part of someone’s journey, watch them grow and change and move on to better things is amazing!

Change starts with one small decision, action or even just want. As Martin Luther King once said, you don’t need to see the whole staircase to take the first step. We may not end up where we initially hoped or planned, but as long as we’re moving forward we’re making progress!

Hi, my name’s Ian and I’m really enjoying working with participants Steps Programme 1:1 coaching and mentoring project for the next three years. We also run a free, optional, and social, cycling group fortnightly, given the wellbeing benefits associated with gentle exercise, green spaces and socialising. My background is in working with children and families over the last 25 years and I trained as a life coach in 2015. I’m fascinated by people’s stories and ways in which we all make our way through life’s different seasons using our experience, values, resourcefulness, courage and friendships to live it to the full and to enjoy ourselves along the way.

When I’m not at work I’m to be found in various community group settings playing traditional music; singing or dancing at a Barn Dance/Ceilidh. I also love my bike and being out and about in the glorious Lincolnshire Countryside.

I have joined developmentplus to support the CEO, Board members, Development and Development Workers with a range of admin tasks.  I bring with me over 20 years of experience as an administrator and PA in the NHS and local government, and it is great to now be working in the third sector.

My aim is to free the team of their administration, so that they can concentrate on supporting their clients and moving the projects forward.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and making the most of all that Lincolnshire has to offer.

I’ve worked with Developmentplus and followed their projects for a while, so was thrilled to join the team in 2023.

Joining Project Compass, I work with the street homeless to provide essential daily provisions and work with them to achieve long term solutions and access to support & housing. We’re also working hard to change the way people consider homelessness and offer real solutions as to how they can support people in the city facing or experiencing this.   

I would consider myself a real advocate for community, what I believe it should represent and how it should factor into our daily life. I think one of the fundamental short falls in our society is the current disconnect of people. We know now that can have a severe knock on to mental health, as well as being the common cause of many other social problems. 

 In short, people are happier in groups, we’re social creatures, and I absolutely love creating environments and initiatives that promote this. Either in people that I work with or the spaces that I work in.

 My time away from work is generally spent outdoors, nature is so great for the soul.  I love bird watching, walking, camping, growing things and dancing. All done in the wonder of the wilderness. 

Hi I am Sue Oliver, I am the newest member of the team, but the oldest in age. I have worked for 26 years in banking, latterly as a training manager for Lloyds, and 14 years as a childminder.

I am married with four grown up children. My hobbies are gardening, sewing and walking.

I firstly joined the team as a volunteer which I found both challenging and rewarding, so when I was asked to join as a member of staff I jumped at the chance!

Hello! My name is Silvia, and I joined developmentplus in April 2025 as a development worker for Project Compass.

I have previously worked within the prison system, and I’m looking forward to getting more experience working with vulnerable people at developmentplus!

When I’m not working, I like walking and exploring new place, spending time with my friends and cooking.”

Hi, I’m Emma. I joined developmentplus in September 2024 working on the Bridging the Gap project.

Previously I have worked with individuals with offences in offering support around education, training, and employment. I have a psychology degree and a forensic psychology masters degree from the University of Lincoln. I am passionate about understanding why offences occur and how we can support people in overcoming barriers moving them toward offending. We know most offending is reoffending therefore by supporting the rehabilitation and resettlement of those with offences we; help prevent more victims in the future, help a marginalised group re-enter society, and support in making communities safer for all.

My role helps people achieve their potential away from the criminal justice system and build the life everyone deserves.