Hi I’m Ben, developmentplus’ new Chair of Trustees – I’ve lived in Lincoln for the past seven or so years and originally grew up in North East Lincolnshire.

The majority of my professional experience has been within the technology sector, most recently as Chief Operating Officer for a tech company, which I helped to grow from a startup over a period of ten years.

Whilst being part of a third-sector organisation is an exciting new challenge for me, I feel there are huge similarities in the challenges and opportunities faced by developmentplus, and those I navigated on the board of a growing business. I’m very keen to use my experience as part of a charity that does such a range of essential work in the community and, alongside my fellow trustees, to support Lynsey and the team in delivering developmentplus’ strategic aims.

Outside of work, I’m an occasional marathon runner, avid music fan, and keen (if not especially successful!) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor. 

Nev Jackson is a member of Lincolnshire County Council and was previously a trade union official, working initially in the County, but latterly, before retiring, had lead responsibility for the East Midlands and served many years on the Midlands TUC. In addition Nev has served on the Training Enterprise Council, the Learning Skills Council and served two terms on the former East Midlands Development Council. Nev has also been a magistrate for many years. In addition to being one of the trustees for developmentplus, he also sits on the board of Just Lincolnshire.

I joined developmentplus as a trustee in July 2024 having followed their projects for a while. I’ve lived in Lincoln for 25 years and have loved seeing it develop into the vibrant city it is now and how important the community projects are key to support communities.

I spent 15 years in local government where I helped officers to people in the community to try to sustain their tenancies, contributing to development of parks and facilities in the area & assisted with safeguarding matters. I’m now a solicitor at Pepperells in the Dispute Resolution department and enjoy the variety of the work I undertake there, where we do our best to resolve issues and help people.

I’m excited to be part of a dynamic organisation which is making a real difference to people’s lives.

I love open water swimming, yoga, silent discos in random places and adventures – I’ve been known to join my kids in their activities; sampling surfing, inflatable water parks, zip wires & paintballing…

Hi, I’m Nicola.

I have joined Development Plus as a Trustee in 2024. Having lived in Lincoln for the majority of my life I am keen to be able to support the fantastic work Development Plus does within my home town.

My career has taken me to a number of companies and roles within Human Resources, with my current role being a Senior HR Business Partner at Totally. Totally helps address the challenges of increased demand for healthcare services and supports healthcare commissioners and hospitals to ensure patients can access the most appropriate care quickly and efficiently by delivering quality urgent care services such as NHS 111 and urgent treatment centres, and elective care services such as community dermatology clinics and first contact practitioner.

Outside of work my two teenage children keep me busy! I have a keen interest in keeping fit and enjoy running, swimming and pilates. When i get chance to enjoy some ‘me’ time i love a good book!