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We are delighted to be recruiting Trustees, to join our board on a rolling basis. If you’re interested in trusteeship at Mortal Fools, please get in touch with us​– ​we’d love to hear from you. 

We’re looking to connect with people to join Mortal Fools Board who want to invest their time into supporting children and young people by enabling the continued growth of the organisation. And who want to bring their skills, ideas, energy, and experience to enhance Mortal Fools via committed, connected, and bold governance.
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We are especially keen to hear from folks in the legal sector, folks working in children and young people’s mental health, or folks with experience of capital project delivery, fundraising, and corporate sponsorship and giving.

Click here for more information

Meet our Trustees

We currently have our strongest and most skilled board in the charity’s history; with experience in commercial business, fundraising, grant management and cross-sector partnerships, and young people. 

Mark Gate
he/him
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Mortal Fools Youth Theatre and Peer Facilitator Alumni, Assistant MFYT Practitioner, and Full-Time University Student. 

I wanted to join Mortal Fools' Board as I have benefited from their impactful work as a young person. My lived experience and knowledge of how the charity helps develop young people's confidence in their identity and themselves, and allows for opportunities in the arts, is an asset. 

It is so important to have young trustees on the Board - especially for a charity like Mortal Fools, that is focused on supporting young people - so that in all decisions, young people’s insights and voices are heard, and contribute to the charity’s growth. It reinforces that youth voices are really important to Mortal Fools!

I am so grateful for my time at Mortal Fools, and I now want to help the charity grow, so even more young people can access the opportunities that I have had. I bring my skills and knowledge of the charity’s work as a young person and as an employee, alongside my experience of the creative industry as I make my mark in it; I am currently studying at drama school.
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If I could give advice to my young self (and other Northumberland young people), it would be to take every opportunity you can get and don’t be scared to try new things. As a young person in Northumberland, the opportunities Mortal Fools enables are rare, so if you can access them, you should get involved… just like I did! 

Maisie Saunders
she/her
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Mortal Fools Youth Theatre and Peer Facilitator Alumni, Assistant MFYT Practitioner, and Full-Time University Student.

Having been a member of Mortal Fools Youth Theatre for almost a decade, I was keen to join the Board as an opportunity to give something back, and to share my insights and lived experience as a young person who has experienced Mortal Fools projects and has grown in confidence and developed leadership skills thanks to those opportunities. 
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I’ve also had paid work opportunities with Mortal Fools and achieved my Gold Arts Award - this has helped develop my employability and creative leadership skills. I am now studying Physics at University and looking back, I can see that Mortal Fools has been such an important part of my life. 


The work Mortal Fools does is really important, and I am looking forward to supporting the evolution of that work – ensuring the charity goes from strength to strength. As a young person, I am really passionate about fighting for young people’s futures – I want young people to benefit from accessing Mortal Fools' work and projects, just like I did. We are living in difficult times, and a time in which the power of the arts is critically overlooked. Mortal Fools provides skills and opportunities that are life-changing, and everyone should have those chances.

If I could give some advice to my young self, it would be to just go for it! If you say yes to things, the possibilities are endless. If you say no to  things, nothing will change and you close doors on yourself.I’ve also had paid work opportunities with Mortal Fools and achieved my Gold Arts Award - this has helped develop my employability and creative leadership skills.
I am now studying Physics at University and looking back, I can see that Mortal Fools has been such an important part of my life. 

Katie Crawley
She/Her
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People Business Partner
NCFE

My role at NCFE focuses on strategic and operational partnerships with leaders and all things people; development, engagement, reward, and organisational design and work across the charity on specific people focussed projects.

I've got a range of experience across local government and charitable organisations within People & HR that I will bring to Mortal Fools Board and I also have a background prior to this in theatre so hope to bring a range of skills and experience to the board.

I've known about Mortal Fools for quite some time now, through having a background in theatre and growing up in the local area around Northumberland and specifically in Ashington. The work and values of Mortal Fools hugely resonate with me and I really wanted to be part of that by joining the Board!
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I am hugely passionate about opportunities for every child and young person, no matter their background. Every young person is an individual who is unique and deserves a future that supports that and their passion.
If I could give some advice to my young self, it would be to grab every opportunity with both hands - everything is an opportunity to learn and develop, and you never know where it might take you!

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Phil Douglas
he/him
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CEO, Executive Producer, Artistic Director and Founder, Curious Arts.

I joined Mortal Fools Board in December 2021. I wanted to join the Board because I had heard good things about the way the charity operates; centring and empowering young people, developing them as artists, humans, and leaders.

I am the founder and Artistic Director of Curious Arts - a charity developing LGBTQIA+ arts, artists and audiences across the North of England. I am passionate about Queer Arts, Outdoor Arts, and Dance, and recently held the roles of Producer, Interim Artistic Director, and Director of Artistic Programmes at Dance City (the North East’s leading development organisation for Dance), and Interim Programmes Director at Yorkshire Dance.

Throughout my career, my work has centred around arts, artists, events, and festivals development, whilst working within local authorities, venues, arts organisations in leadership positions, and managing a varied freelance portfolio focused on arts development, access, inclusion, diversity, marketing, and participation. I bring all of these hats and experiences to Mortal Fools' Board.

Across the last few years on the Board, I have learnt more about how Mortal Fools works, the care taken by the talented team, and, most importantly, I have an increased understanding of the urgent and evolving needs of young people in the region. It’s the start of a new chapter for Mortal Fools and an exciting time to contribute to the development of the organisation, and to enable its future.

Lesley Jobson
she/her

Programme Lead, BA (Hons) Working with Children and Families
Northumberland College in partnership with the University of Cumbria

I have been incredibly lucky in the roles I have held throughout my working life. I have worked with children & young people since I was 16 years old, taking on a wide range of roles including leading activity schemes, deputy managing a residential care setting, ​and now at Northumberland College in Ashington - delivering Higher Education courses for adults working with children, young people, and families.

The opportunity to join Mortal Fools Board gives me more chances to support young people and contribute to improving their lives. 

Having lived in Ashington for almost all my life, I am passionate about the area and appreciate firsthand the issues impacting local young people and their families, and want to help address the inequalities faced by many. I am excited to see how the work of Mortal Fools can support this process and enable each young person to be the best they can be.

I remain intrigued about the use of the Arts to help young people to maximise their potential, work through emotions, and feel positive.  As a parent of a participant in Mortal Fools Youth Theatre, I’ve seen the impact and the importance of such projects to my daughter. It has increased her confidence, resilience, and given her the courage to perform publicly.

If I was to revisit my younger self, the message would be clear - be you; you are absolutely enough, and you will make a difference.

Nicola Leyden
she/her
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HR Director, Muckle LLP.​

I have worked in HR for over 15 years and believe my experience, along with my passion for Mortal Fools and children and young people, can help support our exciting growth plans.

Mortal Fools is a charity filled with passion for making the North East a better place for our children and young people.  I’ve personally seen the power the arts can have on building confidence and self-esteem in young people, and wanted to use my skills and experience for good.  

I strongly believe that positive relationships are the foundations of belonging, and our children need opportunities to step out of life’s pressure cooker and into a safe, fun, and invigorating space. A space where they can be themselves, talk about their worries, without judgement, and come out the other side knowing that they are brilliant, just the way they are. Mortal Fools do just that.

If I could give advice to young people out there, it would be: believe in yourself, don’t compare, and follow the things you love.

Kelly Martin
she/her

Assistant Curator, Oriental Museum, Durham University

​I wanted to join the Mortal Fools board as I’d heard about the brilliant work they do. The goals are simple, to empower young people, help them grow and develop, and help them become who they want to be. As a mum, these goals speak to me. It’s a powerful thing, to provide both skills and self-confidence to support our young people. My child has been involved with the arts since age 4, and I see clearly the impact it can have.

My professional career has been based in museums and cultural settings. I work with communities to ensure they have a voice and to ensure collections and displays remain interesting and relevant. I enjoy researching and creating displays which bring communities together and can spark debate and conversation. I have experience in arts development, co-curation, project management and community work,

If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to believe in myself and take chances. If you don’t try, you won’t succeed, so isn’t it worth trying?

Rachel Pattinson
she/her

Project and Partnership Manager, Newcastle University,
​and Award-Winning Children’s Writer.
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​(Currently on Maternity Leave)

I joined Mortal Fools as a Trustee in 2018 as I wanted to give my time to help a children’s arts charity in the North East. Children and young people are so important – and their future is uncertain. I firmly believe creativity, collaboration, and communication can help young people navigate this.
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I bring a lot of different skills to Mortal Fools' Board. Professionally, I work on creative and digital projects and programmes, and I also bring skills in project management, development, partnerships, and marketing. I also experienced mental health challenges as a young person.

The highlight of being on the Board so far has been seeing the amazing ways that Mortal Fools has grown and developed over the past 5 years, and our increased focus on wellbeing and working across sectors.

Stu Rutherford-Orrock
he/him

Safeguarding Link Trustee
Education Leader and Special Educational Needs Coordinator.

I am delighted to be a part of the board. I bring a breadth of knowledge and understanding of school leadership, teaching, policy and procedure experience - alongside a lived realistic experience of what it is like to currently work, teach, and lead in a busy school environment. Being a SENDCo, I offer a perspective on adapting curriculum for all, and inclusive approaches. As a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead, I offer knowledge and understanding of effective safeguarding requirements, alongside a strong focus on mental health, inclusion, and children’s personal development.

I am passionate about the power of the arts as a means of enabling children to accept, explore, delve, belong, develop, and care about themselves, their lives, their communities, and others around them. Having collaborated with Mortal Fools as a school-based practitioner, the quality, support, and uniqueness of Mortal Fools' work in schools supporting children with mental health and resilience, was unlike anything I had ever seen before. 

Furthermore, I am always looking for opportunities to play a part in addressing social injustice - in particular when it comes to inequalities for children with SEND and other protected characteristics -  and Mortal Fools' ethos of 'helping to make the world a little bit better' aligns with my personal values.

Young people are the future. I am incredibly passionate about the impact Mortal Fools' work makes with children; strengthening their social, mental, and emotional development. It is integral that we counteract the stripping of the arts out of school curriculums by enacting positive social change and offering inclusive, engaging, and relevant arts opportunities to young people elsewhere. 

Sue Spencer
​she/her

Creative Facilitator and Coaching Consultant.
Associate, Dovetail Strategies.

Having come to the end of a hybrid career in both healthcare and higher education, I have been keen to find activities that combine my values, creative interests, and professional interests (social justice, practice development & facilitation).    
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I have a particular interest in exploring effective ways to prepare young people for our increasingly complex adult world, and was really impressed with how Mortal Fools work with young people. Following a couple of conversations about the organisation, I had no hesitation in applying to be a Trustee/Director at an exciting time of growth and recognition. I am looking forward to learning more and working with an excellent group of professionals.

Kate Stanforth
she/her
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Dance Teacher, Charity Founder, Disability Activist, Model, and PR Manager.

I joined Mortal Fools as a trustee in 2021 because I genuinely love the work the charity does. I have a background of inclusion in the arts, but more than anything, I'm just really passionate about the arts industry, mental health, and young people - so I guess that must have worked!

I’m a very determined woman trying to make a difference in the world. My main passion is to improve accessibility for disabled people, particularly in dance and performance. Performing is something I love and after having to give up my pre-professional dance training at 14 when I suddenly became ill, I've had to adapt to the 'new me'. I now teach from my wheelchair, specialise in inclusive dance classes, and advocate for accessibility for disabled people in all spaces and places. 

I enjoy talking about the issues disabled people face and being a voice for many, whether that's through writing or speaking. I have a regular column for Allied Mobility and have had published pieces in The Mighty, The Hexham Courant, and Scope. I also have featured on TV/online with The Guardian, The One Show, ITV, Strictly Come Dancing, The Last Leg, and BBC Newcastle.
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But it’s not just my passion for accessibility and accessible arts experiences that I bring to the board. I set up my own charity, Project Parent, in 2014. Project Parent provides gift boxes to parents who have to stay in hospital over Christmas looking after their poorly child. I run my own accessible dance school and teach dancing in-person and online, I am a professional model and social media influencer, I am an experienced PR and social media manager, AND I grew up in the Tyne Valley in Northumberland. This lived experience, knowledge, expertise and insights, I bring to Mortal Fools as a Board member. 

​Everyone has been so incredibly accepting and helped me grow as a trustee, professionally and personally. I'm so proud to be a trustee for such an incredible charity and be part of the positive changes it's making for young people.

Richard Wise
he/him
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Chair
Partner, Ryder Architecture.

I joined the board of Mortal Fools as I am now at a point in my life where I would like to make a wider contribution to the community beyond my job, and particularly supporting people who have significant challenges to overcome.

​The work Mortal Fools does resonates with me, as does their mantra that the creative arts are at the core of everything we do, and the use of theatre and drama can help people unlock their personal brilliance.