Our People

Amy Kington

Amy is a well-respected business leader who has demonstrable success in using sport and education for social change since 1998.  She has worked in health, local authority, policing and held senior executive roles in third sector and professional sport settings.

Amy has an Executive MBA from the University of the West of England and is an active advisory board member for the school of business and law. She is also a member of the women in business commission and a regular contributor on BBC Radio Bristol.

Joe Kington

Joe, having undertaken work experience at Horse World, was spotted by a Queens Guard and chosen to join a unique group at the British racing school. At 16, Joe left Bristol for Newmarket and has had an incredible career working for the likes of Richard Hannon and Marcus Tregoning. Joe has travelled the world with some of the most expensive horses on the planet.  He understands first-hand the importance of encouraging young people to follow their dreams and reach for the stars!

Cecile Gillard

Cecile is a charity and civil society lawyer, trainer and author, trustee, and volunteer. She is proud to be helping charities and other organisations to make a difference for good.  Her work in her current professional role includes supporting charities, CICs, other social enterprises and other not-for-profit and civil society organisations throughout the UK. Cecile is a regular speaker at conferences, seminars and other events and an author, with six current titles in print.

Neil Houghton

Neil qualified as an accountant over 40 years ago, he has held senior posts in both industry and commerce and managed an overseas branch of an international practice before setting up his own accountancy practice in the ‘90s.  His areas of expertise include: New business start-ups, business structure and development, personal and corporate tax planning.

Gemma Box

Gemma has worked in the event and hospitality industry for over 15 years, spanning several industries including entertainment, education, retail and health. She has an eye for detail and a vision to produce events that are memorable and exceed expectations. During her time in the event industry Gemma has organised over 150 Christmas parties entertaining over 100,000 guests and worked on over 500 theatrical shows in 40+ cities and towns across the UK.

Sarah Adams

Sarah is a South Bristolian who has worked in sport and education for over 15 years. She is a passionate, qualified and experienced footballer, manager, coach and coach-educator who has held various positions including senior coaching roles at professional and semi-professional football clubs, as well as lecturing and curriculum lead positions in prestigious colleges and universities. Sarah has a passion for combining her experiences in sport and education to develop programmes which improve the lives and futures of young people.

Jon Evans

I have been working for Arthur David, Food with Service for the past 24 years. Originally starting out life as a delivery driver eventually moving to Managing Director of this family business in 2015.

Now Director of People & Culture, I spend my time working with our teams developing the amazing culture we have through our vision, values and purpose.

My why is to inspire people to lead happy purposeful lives and fulfil their dreams.

I have been married to Kay for 35 years, we have one son and have recently been blessed with the most amazing grandson, Ruben.

I have a passion for rugby, being a Bristol bears supporter since the age of 7 and a love of the great outdoors.

Boss Boy Monty

Monty is Amy’s very curious toddler. Curiosity is the mercurial quality, that starts with the itch to explore! It rises and falls throughout our life, depending on what we are doing and who we’re with.

Monty helps to keep us all curious.

Amy is going to do her best to avoid being appallingly under-prepared for all those questions that Monty is starting to ask.  She doesn’t know what stars are made of, she’s not even sure why the sky is blue.  What she does have is a powerful motivation for staying curious and relevant, so she doesn’t disappoint Monty or other young people

Cameron Gifford

Cameron is our youngest employee who helps to bridge the
gap between the young people we work with and the
experienced staff in our team. He is professional, friendly, and
interested in supporting young people achieve their full
potential. He is a high performing, high aspiration young
person and an excellent role model to the young people he
supports. He has just secured himself a full scholarship at
Bristol Grammar School’s Sixth Form.

Jason Menhinnitt

Jason was a Bristol Young Hero finalist in 2021 having been
nominated by St John’s Ambulance for his volunteering with the
cadets. Since then, Jason has attended the purposeful
pathways programme which has helped him to build his
confidence, raise his aspirations and helped him create new
and long-lasting friendships. Jason travelled to Bordeaux in
2022 and is an active member of our break free team. Jason
continues to attend the Bristol Young Heroes Awards to ensure
that new nominees feel supported.

Maddie Nichols

Maddie was a Bristol Young Hero finalist in 2021 having been
recognised by St John’s Ambulance for running the Bristol,
Avon and Somerset District Youth Forum and representing
them on a national scale. Since then, Maddie has attended the
purposeful pathways programme which she describes as
empowering, insightful, and fun! Maddie has devoted her time
to give back to the Bristol Young Heroes Awards as a
motivational guest speaker and award presenter, inspiring the
next generation of incredible young people.

Zack

Zack undertook his work experience placement with us in year
10 and has been volunteering on our Break Free programme
which aims to eradicate holiday hunger ever since. Zack has
demonstrated hunger, vision, and passion for our programmes
and is being rewarded with a trip to France. Zack will be
accompanying us as a young leader to Bordeaux in 2023.