We’re delighted to welcome new members to the Board of Stepping Stones NI – Lorraine Acheson, Emma Simms, Jenna Bradley and Alan Whiteside Dip IoD FRAeS FIOD.

Collectively our new board members bring a wealth of experience and knowledge which will further strengthen our governance and support our strategic ambitions for the future.

Lorraine brings senior leadership experience from Women in Business NI and Innovate UK, along with significant strategic and organisational development expertise.

Emma has over 25 years’ experience in communications, marketing and business management roles. She joins us from the Strategic Investment Board, where she leads on Communications and Social License strategies across major capital projects and for the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Jenna works at Ulster University, delivering public relations and communications campaigns. As an NUJ qualified journalist, she brings experience in media relations, public affairs and political and stakeholder engagement.

Alan brings extensive leadership and operational expertise from a distinguished career in airport management, including senior roles at Belfast International Airport and Glasgow Airport, with experience spanning operations, safety and security, strategic development, risk management and regulatory compliance.

Last week, some of our new and existing Board members visited participants from our Bloom programme before our board meeting and saw first-hand the impact of our work as well as a chat. They learned about the support we provide to allow our service users to develop friendships and build upon skills, confidence and qualifications.

We’re excited about the insight and leadership our Board team, thank Shirley Smylie as Acting Chair and we look forward to working together to continue creating opportunities.