Cate joined the team in 2014, following an unconventional journey into the sector. She has a degree in Electrical Engineering and started out working in IT, but quickly discovered that she much prefers working with people than technology. In her role, Cate loves building relationships with people and finding out what makes them tick, as well as talking about big ideas. When she’s not at work, Cate can be found coaching her daughter’s team at Guildford Hockey Club, cycling with family or listening to comedy on Radio 4.

David is the charity’s financial expert, supporting the team on all things finance and governance. After graduating with a mathematics degree from Oxford, he spent the first 30 years of his career working in the defence industry, where he was the founder of an engineering consultancy, followed by roles as an independent technical consultant and school bursar. Outside of work he is a regular runner, walker and kayaker, as well as being a treasurer for a number of local organisations.

Rebecca is PA to CEO Cate and is the first point of contact for her diary, meeting requests and general team queries. She also helps with arranging events, as well as keeping the team on track with her excellent organisational skills. Before joining the team in 2019, Rebecca worked at WWF-UK and as a wedding planner, and has a passion for helping children and young people and preserving the environment. When not at work she loves baking and walking in the Surrey Hills with her family.
Email: info@surreyyouthfocus.org.uk

Su is the dedicated problem solver of the team, identifying needs and opportunities to advance the charity’s work. Having lived in Surrey all her life, she has extensive knowledge of the organisations and people that make it a great place to live, and loves making new connections. Prior to joining SYF, Su worked at Surrey County Council as sport and education manager, and was also part of the ‘Surrey 500’ leadership programme. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks and spending time poolside and pitchside with her two children.

Sally first joined the Surrey Youth Focus team as a volunteer, before becoming a fully-fledged team member working on project development. Prior to that, she had worked in operational and project management roles in industry, before moving into the third sector after a break to start a family. One of the things she loves most about working at SYF is the drive and passion of the entire team to make improvements for Surrey’s young people. In her spare time, you’ll find her exploring the great outdoors on a long walk with her dog Chester (pictured).

Chelcie joined the team in October 2024 to support the team with various projects including our Communities of Practice. Her background is within Third Sector working for Surrey Care Trust and supporting the running of a Woking based project – Steps2Work. Previously Chelcie has travelled and worked abroad as an ESOL Teacher. In her spare time Chelcie enjoys art and design with a passion for crafting and can often be found either in the gym or curled up with a new book

Deb joined the team in October 2024 to run our series of ‘Coffee and Chat’ learning and collaboration sessions and work on the development of future learning programmes. Her background is in learning and development in the education sector, having most recently worked as Head of Training for E-ACT Academies Trust. In her spare time Deb enjoys walking in nature, particularly by the sea, with family and Miles the whippet.

Sophie has a background in the events and admin industry. The main bulk of her career has been within membership organisations, actively working hard to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have the same opportunities and is a champion for diversity and inclusion for the LGBT+ community, the ethnic minority community, females in the workplace and those with disabilities getting into the workplace. Sophie has worked at Kaplin International, Involve and most recently Guildford College.

Linda joined SYF in May 2024 as maternity cover to assist with maintaining and developing the database. When she’s not working for SYF, she works at the University of Surrey as an Executive Assistant to the HR Director. She has worked in administration for many years including roles at the Friends of Covent Garden at the Royal Opera House, Birkbeck College and Ofsted Early Years. Linda spends her spare time trying to keep up with her energetic 7 year old daughter and being a mum of two demanding cats!

Allister is the Chairman of Surrey Youth Focus. He has a strong interest in charities and supporting young people and before retiring, his extensive career background spanned the public, private and third sectors. Allister’s professional expertise centred on education, career guidance and vocational training, however he also provided consultancy services to government bodies in the UK and Europe.

Alec joined Surrey Youth Focus as a Trustee because he believes a good start in life is vital to leading a happy and fulfilled life. After starting out as an apprentice avionics engineer during the 70s era of prog and punk rock, he moved into the tech sector and started his first tech business in 1986. Alec now runs a software consultancy, as well as teaching MSc students about entrepreneurship at UCL, and enjoys oil painting and playing the keyboard in his spare time.

Cindy joined the Board in September 2023 as an independent Trustee. In her professional role, Cindy has an appreciation of the impact that SYF has on the lives of Surrey’s youth, through their work of drawing together networks and connections in the third and public sectors. Cindy brings her experience as a Special School Headteacher and cross-discipline work with Surrey Safeguarding and Youth Services. Cindy has particular interests in disability and the creative sector, and spends her leisure time pounding the paths of the Surrey Hills with her Scottish Terrier at her side.

Holly joined the Board in April 2024 as an independent Trustee as she strongly believes in strong foundations at childhood that allow a young person to fully flourish into adulthood. In her day job, she teaches teenagers taking their A-Levels as Head of Psychology. Outside of that, she volunteers nationally with Paddle UK by supporting the safeguarding, junior development and national events of canoe marathon. When she has some down time, you might find her on a river or lake somewhere kayaking herself.

Jude joined the Board in October 2023 because she believes Surrey Youth Focus is crucial to ensuring Surrey young people have the best support they possibly can. Jude is currently the CEO of the charity Leatherhead Youth Project. An organisation offering innovative services across Mole Valley which aim to respond to local needs and help young people become safe, happy and make positive changes in their lives. In her spare time she enjoys yoga, spending time with friends and listening to a variety of podcasts.

Lawrence joined the Board of SYF in May 2021. He is currently the CEO of Transform Housing and Support – a homelessness and supported housing provider operating across Surrey and neighbouring areas. Lawrence has more than 30 years’ experience of working in housing and social care sectors where he has led a range of strategic and operational functions. In his spare time, Lawrence can be found in the mountains or, when he gets a chance, scuba diving. He is a keen amateur chef, avid bookworm and a very poor but enthusiastic tennis player and musician.

Bio to come

Paul joined the SYF Board in 2024. He is currently Chief Executive at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. His background is in fundraising and marketing for charities, such as Age UK, NSPCC and The Children’s Trust. Paul is also on the Surrey VCSE Alliance Leadership Board, is VCSE Portfolio Lead for End of Life, is a member of the Surrey Health and Wellbeing Board and Integrated Care Partnership, and a trustee of Elizabeth’s Children Charitable Trust. He lives locally with his partner and two daughters.

Michael More-Molyneux is the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey and proprietor of Loseley Park, where his family have lived for five generations. Michael offers active support to a number of local voluntary causes, including Surrey Youth Focus. He is committed to encouraging and supporting the voluntary, charitable and faith sectors, benevolent organisations and the industrial, business and social life of the county, and has a particular interest in work supporting children and young people.

David Hypher is a former charity Chairman, High Sheriff and Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, and is a great supporter of the voluntary sector in Surrey. He became Vice President of Surrey Youth Focus in YEAR because of his passion to improve the lives of children and families.  In 2012, David received an OBE for his services to charities and the local community.

Lesley Myles has been a magistrate in adult and youth courts for over 30 years, and has had a lifelong interest in the rehabilitation of offenders and supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Surrey. She is a former chairman of a number of organisations such as Surrey Probation Service, Surrey Magistrates’ Association, and Surrey Care Trust.

Professor Max Lu is the President and Vice-Chancellor of Surrey University, Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, and an active supporter of many local charitable and community organisations. He has 30+ years of teaching and research experience in chemical engineering and nanotechnology, and a member of the Prime Minister’s Council for Science & Technology.

Andrew Watson is the Bishop of Guildford in the Church of England and a Patron of Surrey Youth Focus, representing Surrey’s different faith communities. One of his biggest joys as Bishop is seeing the Living God at work, transforming the lives of individuals and communities, and harnessing the extraordinary potential of adults, young people and children alike.