Our team

Warren has been the Chief Executive of VSNW since 2014 and employed to advocate on behalf of the voluntary and community sector nationally and regionally for 20 years. He has championed the role of the sector in driving social and economic growth throughout his career. Warren sees devolution, whatever it may be, as the starting point for a new understanding of what our sector is and could be.

Yen has been part of VSNW’s leadership team since July 2022, bringing over 17 years of experience in the social housing sector and across a range of VCFSE organisations. She has developed extensive expertise in organisational development and growth, community engagement, digital inclusion, project management and service improvement.

Prior to joining VSNW, Yen served as the CEO of a medium sized voluntary organisation in Manchester for more than five years and is currently a board member of Salford CVS and Healthwatch Salford.

Laura joined the team in September 2020 as the new Research and Policy Officer for the VS6 Partnership, supporting the VCFSE sector to influence and drive change in the Liverpool City Region. Prior to joining VSNW, Laura worked within the mental health commissioning team at NHS Wirral CCG and before that as a Probation Service Officer in Cheshire. Outside of work, Laura’s interests include cooking, reading and studying Japanese.

Emma joined VSNW in March 2024 as communications officer, supporting the organisation’s work to strengthen the voice and influence of the VCFSE sector across the North West. She leads on communications for key projects helping to share learning, promote opportunities, and amplify the impact of the sector.

Before joining VSNW, Emma worked in communications and engagement across the public sector, including local government and policing. She also volunteers with Street Paws in Manchester.

Anna joined VSNW in October 2020, and is Programme Manager for Greater Manchester, leading support for the Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group, and programme managing the delivery of the Accord agreement.

Anna joined VSNW with experience across the private and third sector; she worked for 7 years project managing large-scale international events, whilst also leading various voluntary and social justice projects. In her spare time, Anna is interested in art and music and is part of a community radio station.

Show less

Lucy joined VSNW in January 2025 as Communications and Policy Officer supporting the Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group and the delivery of the GM VCSE Accord.

Lucy has worked in the VCFSE sector in Greater Manchester since graduating University in 2017, supporting communications, marketing and events across a range of projects and services. In her personal time, she enjoys running, long walks and spending time with her daughter.

Ayisatu Emore supports the convening of GM=EqAL and the delivery of its Health Accord objectives. Her extensive experience in the VCFSE sector includes systems thinking, developing initiatives to address gendered racial and health inequalities, and conducting community research on racial barriers to social entrepreneurship and social action.

Outside of work, Ayisatu enjoys spending time in Wigan, laughing, watching movies, and cooking with her partner and two kids.

Niamh is the GM=EqAl Admin Officer, supporting the coordination and administration of the GM=EqAl Partnership and its work across Greater Manchester.

She previously worked as Office Coordinator at VSNW, where she supported organisational operations and communications, gaining strong experience in project coordination, events support, and stakeholder engagement.

A first-class graduate in Media, Culture and Communication from Liverpool John Moores University, Niamh brings a strong communications background and excellent organisational skills to her role. She works closely with partners and colleagues to support effective coordination and clear communication across the GM=EqAl programme, and is passionate about enhancing the visibility and impact of the VCFSE sector across the region.

John joined VSNW in March 2025 but has been working in partnership with the organisation for longer. John works to support the public sector to understand how VCFSE organisations can support their work and is currently managing a project linked to the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer in Greater Manchester. This work is to help develop the VCFSE sector to play a stronger role in supporting people with barriers to employment into work.

Before joining VSNW John worked in an infrastructure organisation in Greater Manchester and over the last 20+ years has worked on policy areas such as transport, health, criminal justice, social care, ageing well and inclusive economy.

Emily joined VSNW in May 2026 and is the Senior Programme Delivery Coordinator, responsible for coordinating the delivery of the Answer Cancer programme and supporting the effective delivery of activities, stakeholder engagement, and programme performance across VSNW’s wider portfolio of programmes and projects.

Emily joined VSNW with experience in NHS system and integrated care work across health and social care, frontline mental health work and trauma informed practice. She holds a degree in English Literature from Liverpool John Moores University and level 3 counselling qualification. Emily is passionate about achieving people-focused outcomes and making a difference to people’s lives within communities.

In her spare time, Emily enjoys walking, yoga, travel, and camping.

Show less

Lyn joined VSNW in July 2024. Her role supports the VCFSE transformation programme in Cheshire and Merseyside. With a background in art and journalism, Lyn worked in the public sector for over 20 years in a range of communications and engagement roles prior to joining the organisation. Much of that time was spent in the NHS, working alongside partners from across health and care.

Francesca joined VSNW in December 2023 as the Research and Communications Coordinator, working to coordinate and enhance the participation of VCFSE groups in research initiatives, along with supporting VS6 and CWIP with their communications.

Francesca graduated from Liverpool John Moore’s University, where she completed her studies in Media, Culture and Communication. With a passion for academia and experience in communications, Francesca is eager to apply her research skills and contribute to the coordination and strengthening of VCFSE groups in research.

Yoaby joined the team in 2023 as the Events, Admin and Membership Officer, supporting the operations of VSNW, the Cheshire and Warrington Infrastructure Partnership (CWIP), and the VS6 Partnership.

Yoaby graduated with a Government and Public Administration degree and brings experience of project and event management from her service in various non-profit organisations. Prior to joining VSNW, she worked within the VCFSE sector focusing on social advocacy, youth engagement and community outreach.