Our team

We’re proud to have a dedicated and talented team of staff with one shared goal - to bring life-enhancing social connections to older people and volunteers in Wokingham Borough. We’ve seen thousands of lives transformed with friendship and community, and we love what we do! If you’d like to get in touch with our team, contact us here.

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A culture of care and connection

As a proud Real Living Wage employer, we are committed to ensuring every member of our staff feels valued, respected, and cared for. Our twice-yearly team away days, quarterly yoga sessions, wellbeing lunches, pub socials, and our much-loved Christmas dinner dance are just a few of the ways we foster connection and celebrate our collective efforts.

Our latest wellbeing survey shows our team feel supported, valued and able to be themselves. They highlight open communication, strong relationships and a healthy balance between work and home life.

“We are incredibly proud of the strong, unified team we’ve built, committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred services to our community and creating meaningful, lasting connections.”

Meet the team

  • Marjie Walker

    CEO

    Marjie has led The Link Visiting Scheme since 2007, growing it from a small community project into a thriving, medium-sized charity. With a background in nursing, she is driven by a passion for helping others. Inspired by the stories of older people and the dedication of volunteers, she continues to champion connection and community.

    0118 9798019 - marjie@linkvisiting.org

  • Clare Randell

    ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS MANAGER

    Clare joined The Link in 2020 after volunteering as a befriender and supporting Community Kitchen. She now assesses new Link Friends and leads projects including Friendship Groups, Link to Nature and Link Online, helping people build confidence and connection.

    07551 411813 - clare.randell@linkvisiting.org

  • Karan Pollard

    CORE SERVICES MANAGER

    Karan joined The Link in 2019, bringing experience in financial services and 12 years as a parish administrator. She is passionate about community-based work and supporting volunteers to make a meaningful difference.

    07551 227 751‍ ‍- karan@linkvisiting.org

  • Liz McDaniel

    SENIOR FUNDRAISING MANAGER

    Liz joined The Link in 2022 as its first dedicated fundraiser, bringing more than 20 years’ experience in the voluntary sector. As a Wokingham resident, she is passionate about strengthening her local community and helping ensure no one feels alone.

    07778 072843‍ ‍- Liz.mcdaniel@linkvisiting.org

  • Jayne Streak

    FRIENDSHIP ALLIANCE PROJECT MANAGER

    Since joining The Link in 2020, Jayne has led the Friendship Alliance project, working with local charities and community groups to strengthen connection across the borough. She is passionate about creating welcoming spaces and ensuring everyone has access to a friendly face when they need it.

    07464834949 - jayne@linkvisiting.org

Meet the trustees

  • John Mallaghan

    CHAIR

    After a long career with global corporations and 15 years as an independent management consultant, I felt retirement was an opportunity to give something back. I started volunteering for The Link in 2014, became a trustee in 2018 and now chair the trustee team.

    It is a privilege to be part of such a fantastic local charity, and I am passionate about helping The Link transform lives through friendship. I love actively helping with our services, visiting my two Link Friends, and just seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter this great charity spreads around the community.

  • Tony Sweet

    FINANCE TRUSTEE

    After university I joined PwC where I qualified as a chartered accountant and subsequently became a partner. I later became finance director of a quoted software business, and then a UK listed investment company, where I was involved in buying and selling investments as well as all aspects of the company’s finances.

    When I retired in 2018, after a career of 40 years in finance, I was keen to volunteer with organisations who would use the skills I had gained during my career. I was delighted to join the trustees of The Link and look forward to working with fellow trustees and colleagues as we build on its recent successes.

  • Laura Mitchell

    TRUSTEE

    I am an experienced charity sector professional with a background in both national and small charities as a senior manager, CEO, trustee and volunteer. I have worked across many areas including grant-making, armed forces, disability, single-parent families, employability, and social isolation. I am currently working as CEO of a local disability charity and as a Strategic Applicant Consultant for The Fore. I have a degree in French, German and Russian.

  • Kuldip Athwal

    TRUSTEE

    I took early retirement in 2015 after nearly 40 years in senior and strategic roles within large telecoms corporations. In 2021, I set aside time to contribute to the local community through voluntary work.

    The Link Visiting Scheme was an ideal charity, allowing me to meet new people while making a positive contribution. I am enjoying my involvement as a Link Friend and with Link Online, helping elderly and lonely members become more actively involved in the community. As a trustee, I use my knowledge and experience to support the strategic direction and growth of LVS.

  • Pam Forsythe

    TRUSTEE

    I enjoyed a 30-year career at a global healthcare company, working in Human Resources with a focus on employee relations, project management and organisational change. After a break, I discovered The Link and volunteered as a befriender. Six years later, I still meet with my Link Friend and am a regular at Community Kitchen.

    Prior to becoming a trustee, I spent four years as The Link’s Data Analyst. I look forward to the continuous development and growth of the Link. It’s a joy to be a part of this very special community.

  • Geraint Hayter

    TRUSTEE

    I have 30 years of experience in Corporate IT organisations across manufacturing, travel, insurance, telecoms and finance, most recently in senior IT leadership roles focused on organisational leadership and transformation.

    After graduating from the University of Reading, I worked at 3M, later joining TUI Travel as IT Director for the UK Business, and The AA as CIO during a period of significant change. Towards the end of my career, I took on a CIO Advisory role for Gartner.

    Having retired in 2023, I became involved with The Link through its activities and became a Trustee in 2025.