Governance

Chair

Sam Apeh has worked in the third sector for 9 years and is experienced supporting vulnerable youth and adults in both front-line and management capacities. He brings with him the unique skill of understanding the needs of our client group, lived experience and knowledge on governance/management. He currently works as a senior manager with Age UK Norwich. He has also developed and supported international partnerships, creating funding opportunities and sustainable services in different countries including Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

Treasurer

Vince has recently retired from a 35-year career in IT, where he worked in the UK, Spain and the USA. For the last 20 years, he worked at IT- or Programme Director level, mainly in the financial services industry. Before becoming treasurer, Vince volunteered for three years as a mentor with New Routes.

Secretary

Leanne has lived and worked in Norfolk and Suffolk for the last 20 years, most recently working in senior leadership in education, where she drove improvement and oversaw staff development. As the designated lead for safeguarding in her professional career, Leanne has a wide understanding of many issues faced by young people, and the tools to put in place the relevant interventions. Until recently, Leanne sat as a trustee on the Unit Management Committee for a local youth charity, raising significant funds for a local community centre.

Robert has been involved with New Routes since 2009, starting as a volunteer before becoming a trustee, and Co-Chair of trustees for a time. He currently works at the University of East Anglia as a Tutor having previously worked as a Performance Analyst and Project Co-ordinator. He is passionate about improving the services offered to asylum seekers and refugees in the region and increasing cultural awareness in the wider community.

Chris is a Registered General Nurse.  Following on from working within the national health services of the UK and Germany he has spent most of his professional career involved in development and humanitarian work, primarily with the international NGO Doctors Without Borders. This has included working in several programmes assisting internally displaced populations, migrants and refugees, in a variety of contexts. Since 2019 Chris has served as a volunteer for Norfolk County Council’s ‘People From Abroad Team’, and since 2020 as a trustee on DWB’s UK board. He recently worked as a peripatetic nurse in the national COVID vaccination programme for Norfolk.

Henrietta is a personal stylist and diversity and inclusion consultant, hosting workshops and talks regarding female leadership. She is passionate about female leadership, helping women gain confidence and helping communities that may go unnoticed.

Brian has been involved in local public life for nearly 40 years, primarily as a local councillor on Norwich City Council for 20 years, during which time he served as Sheriff of Norwich, and holding a range of trusteeships. Since 2013, he has represented Eaton on Norfolk County Council. Brian has been a volunteer with New Routes since 2019, both teaching English and acting as a mentor.