Ben Austen
Chair
About Ben
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.
Beckie McConville
Vice Chair
About Beckie
I am Beckie and joined developmentplus as a trustee in 2020. I have worked in the NHS for the past 26 years, I have had a range of roles Nursery Nurse, Paediatric Nurse and Health Visitor across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
With an ambition to join Health and social care together I applied to become a Children Centre Manager which I did for several years, hosting midwives, health visitors and mental health teams to deliver local services alongside libraries, day nurseries, swimming pools, primary schools, child-minders and gyms to create a community approach to care and support.
I have held a range of clinical, leadership and strategic roles. Most recently I completed my Masters through East Midlands Leadership Academy- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, followed by completing my Coaching Diploma supporting professionals within the wider East Midlands System, which is a massive privilege.
Currently I work as a Neighbourhood Lead for Lincoln North area, covering a population of 83,000 people. I have a massive sense of pleasure in building some amazing relationships with the stakeholders on patch. We were involved this year with the Frailty 100 Day Challenge and the focus for our team was Homelessness in the city, which introduced me to the work of developmentplus, and here I am!
Nev Jackson
Trustee
About Nev
Stacey Gillott
Trustee
About Stacey
Charlotte Baxter
Trustee
About Charlotte
I am an Enterprise Manager at the University of Lincoln leading on the delivery of the business incubation and growth programmes which aim to drive business start-up and innovation. Identifying, nurturing, and growing new and innovative businesses through the provision of leading-edge facilities and business support infrastructure. Stimulating economic growth in and around Lincolnshire through innovation, entrepreneurship, and enterprise development.
I joined the Trustees in September 2022 and plan to use my particular expertise in supporting the organisation with its corporate connections and marketing.
Nicola Gilbert
Trustee
About Nicola
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!
Councillor Calum Watt
Trustee
About Calum
I am a member of the City of Lincoln Council, proudly representing the people of Boultham Ward.
On the City Council, I currently serve as Chair of the Community Leadership Scrutiny Committee, Vice Chair of Policy Scrutiny, and Vice Chair of Audit.
Critically, I have also been the City Council’s Safeguarding Champion since 2021, in which role have acquired a unique insight into the co-operative network vital for the protection of the most vulnerable and the prevention of harm to others in Lincoln and Lincolnshire through our public services and the third sector.
I previously worked in the Parliamentary Office of Karen Lee MP and as an official for public sector trade union UNISON, representing workers in the health and social care sectors.
I have spent much of my working life supporting the most vulnerable, as well as the people who support them in turn. I have often signposted people to service providers such as DevelopmentPlus and I am looking forward to contributing using my experiences to improve and develop this service at the sharp end.
Outside of work, I enjoy writing poetry, short stories and participating in amateur dramatics; I can often be found on the open mic circuit in Lincoln, and I am an active member of the Lincoln Mystery Plays and Lindsey Rural Players.”
Dr Jo Blackwell
Trustee
About Jo
Share
