Our Team - Fusion Maidstone

STAFF TEAM

Chief Executive Officer – Sue Maidens

I joined the charity in August 2020. I lead on the charity’s vision to create lasting meaningful change for individuals and families facing long-term disadvantage and inequality. With a strong background in community development, I have dedicated my career to building partnerships, driving innovation, ensuring that every initiative is community-led and delivers measurable social impact. My leadership combines strategic thinking with a deep commitment to compassion, inclusion and accountability. Since coming into post as CEO, I have overseen the growth of the charity’s programmes, strengthened relationships with supporters and stakeholders and championed initiatives that improve lives while promoting long-term sustainability. I am passionate about creating opportunities for others. I believe that lasting change is achieved through collaboration, integrity and empowering communities. I work closely with trustees, staff, volunteers, partners and the community to expand the charity’s reach and to maximise its impact. I remain committed to ensuring that every decision reflects the charity’s core value and mission, helping to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Jamie Fox

I joined the Fusion family back in 2023, and since then I have had the opportunity to see first-hand the difference our services make to the community, and that continues to inspire me every day.
I’m passionate about creating welcoming, supportive spaces for the people we serve and helping our organisation continue to grow and develop in meaningful ways. I feel very fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated team and I’m excited to support the next chapter of Fusion’s journey.
Jamie is responsible for the day-to-day running of the centre including Health & Safety and HR.

Head of Events & Marketing – Chloe Hubbard

Back in 2022, I joined Fusion with one simple goal; to help more people. Since then, it has been incredible to watch the charity grow and evolve into the thriving community hub it is today. Being part of that journey has been both inspiring and rewarding, and I’m proud to have contributed along the way. As Fusion continues to grow, so does the team behind it, and I’m excited to now be stepping into the role of Head of Events and Marketing. I’m looking forward to bringing my creativity, energy, and organised chaos into this new position, helping create meaningful events, strengthen our community presence, and support the charity’s continued development and impact. Chloe is responsible for managing Fusion’s events and all Fusion’s marketing including social media and the website.

Family Therapeutic Helping Hand Advisor – Jade Comber

Jade joined Fusion in June 2026 as our Helping Hand Advisor. This role provides information, advice and guidance support to local people experiencing crisis and multiple social, economic and health concerns, thereby improving their wellbeing, health prospects and social inclusion.

Finance officer – Gill Prince

Gill is our Financial officer. who joined us in August 2021. Gill has experience working in a variety of companies over the years ranging from The Stock Exchange in London to a toy manufacturer in Folkestone.

Coffee Shop Supervisor – Alison Newman

Hi I’m Ali and I am the coffee shop supervisor. I have been in various catering roles for 23 years from schools to care homes and restaurants. I am a friendly bubbly person and happy to answer any questions and always happy to hear any suggestions.

I am really enjoying my time here at Fusion and hope to be a friendly face for many years to come.

Receptionist – Venetia Gibbs

Venetia joined the Fusion team in October 2022 as a part time receptionist. Venetia describes Fusion as a safe place to be and work. With a ready smile and a helpful attitude all will feel welcome as they come through our doors. Venetia lives in Maidstone and enjoys arts and crafts.

Commercial Cleaner – Laura Butcher

Laura joined the Fusion team in December 2022. Previously a long standing volunteer at Fusion Laura has been part of the charity for many years. Laura says “I still attend some of the services Fusion have to offer and I love that I am part of the Fusion family”.

Outreach Worker – Shivon De Rose

A bit about Shivon:

“Hi, I’m Shivon. I am joining the Fusion Family as an Outreach Worker here in Park Wood.
My background spans 40 years in all the Services except the fire brigade, I wouldn’t have passed the height rule at only 4ft 10!

I am a peoples person and enjoy enhancing the lives of others by way of support, signposting and encouraging others to live their lives to their full potential.”

Volunteer Coordinator – Wendy Leatt

Hi, my name is Wendy and I am the Volunteer Coordinator at Fusion. I have a background in Hospitality, and the best part of that for me has always been working with people. I enjoy supporting and helping people and my role here at Fusion will be to support and keep up to date with the Volunteers. I will always be around to talk to if anyone has needs or concerns around their volunteering.

I believe in community and I understand how important Fusion is to Park Wood and am very keen to be part of this family and all who use and support it.

Business Lead – Jason Martin

Jason joined us in 2024 to help us grow our income and to be able to offer more support to the Park Wood community. He was born in Maidstone, and after living in different places around the world including Germany and Israel, he returned to Kent to work with charities and social enterprises.

His hobbies are singing, playing guitar and designing furniture.

In addition to our staff team we have a wonderful team of volunteers.

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are truly the backbone of Fusion, and we couldn’t run the centre without them. We have 256 registered volunteers with 65 currently active. Their input into the management and running of the organisation is invaluable as is the generosity shown by giving their time to support Fusion and the community.

Each new volunteer completes an induction and compulsory training, is assigned to a member of staff based on their interests and is given a clear role description for their specific volunteering responsibility. Volunteers are supported to develop their skills, confidence, communication and connections as part of their volunteering journey. All volunteers are encouraged to try different types of volunteering across Fusion and in some cases to apply for new staff positions and/or trustee vacancies. Since 2020 we have deliberately grown our volunteer team to increase community ownership of Fusion, to improve community input into our activities and to offer more local volunteering opportunities for people wanting to feel connected and involved.

We love our volunteers and the passion and expertise they bring to our work. Our volunteer retention levels are very high, which we think demonstrates how valued and empowered our volunteers feel.

There are various volunteer roles at Fusion including Activity Lead, Admin, Coffee Shop Assistant, Driving, Fundraising, Events Coordination, Reception, Social Media, Marketing & Promotion.

If you are interested in volunteering at Fusion contact wendyleatt@fusionhlc.org.uk or pop into the centre to find out how you can get involved. Would like to see the specific volunteering opportunities we currently have at Fusion? See what we have available on our volunteering page here.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Gary Cooke – Chairman

Gary joined Fusion January 2012. He is the Kent County Councillor for Maidstone South East which includes Park Wood. He actively supports the Park Wood community and has supported and helped to instigate a number of community based initiatives. He is also our Safeguarding trustee.

Louise MacPhearson – Vice Chair

Louise joined the Board in November 2023. Louise is the CEO of Age UK Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, a charity with which she has a long association. Louise has observed Fusion’s growth, especially over the last 4 years, acknowledging that Fusion is well embedded in the community and is a trusted hub. Louise became a trustee to help and support the staff and volunteer teams and to support the charity’s continued growth and development.

Richard Pearce – Treasurer

Richard joined the trustee board in January 2024. Richard became aware of Fusion whilst working as part of the Riverside Rotary team on the refurbishment of the Park Wood Allotment plots. Prior to taking early retirement in 2018 Richard was a director in a building services consultancy in central London working on major projects in the UK and overseas.

Tad Taberer

Tad has been a Trustee at Fusion since February 2016. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Maidstone Community Support Centre. He has worked in the charity sector since 1992, starting with working with people who have learning disabilities and mental health barriers, and now in his current position.

Angela Holness

Angela joined the Trustee board in January 2020. She works in admin at Treetops Primary School and is very passionate about the community.

Catherine Pearce

Catherine joined the trustee board in December 2024. Catherine was initially aware of Fusion as a Volunteer Driver for Involve taking clients to Parkwood for Diabetes and Eye check appointments.
She and her husband Richard are both active members of Maidstone Riverside Rotary club and got involved with Fusion working on the Parkwood Allotment plots. As Richard got more involved in helping Fusion – they both helped at the first Fusion Panto in 2023 and she was very impressed with what Fusion was doing in the community so when she became aware that they were looking for another Trustee she decided she wanted to be more involved and being a Trustee was the opportunity to do so.
Catherine worked in the Food Industry in technical roles for 35 years before retiring in 2018 and becoming a Volunteer Driver for Involve. She has been a Rotarian since 2007.

Lee Gardham

Lee joined the trustee board in January 2026. Lee works as a Catering Manager for Cygnet Healthcare and is a local resident. Lee has a long association with Fusion and has delivered some of our cooking programmes as a community chef.

Natascha Edwards

Natascha joined the trustee board in January 2026. Natascha has been employed by the NHS as a Practice Manager for the past 16 years. As such Natascha brings a deep understanding of the healthcare system and has first hand knowledge of the diverse needs of patients and communities.

Shaf Allyman

Shaf joined the trustee board in May 2026.