Our Team

Burmantofts Community Friends is managed by a board of trustees with representatives from the local community, councillors, professionals, members, and volunteers.

Denise Ragan
Chair of Trustees

About Denise
Denise was one of the three elected local Councillors for our ward of Burmantofts and Richmond Hill for over 8 years and knows the area well. “I am honoured to represent BCF as chair, this is such an important local charity and very close to my heart. After serving as a councillor, I know how important it is to work hard to improve the area for local people.

Elaine Burrow
Vice Chair

About Elaine

I first came across BCF in 2014 and reconnected recently through my current role. I have prior working knowledge of the local area and its diverse community. I am impressed by the friendly and hard working team and look forward to supporting BCF’s growth as a member of the board. My strengths lie in relationship building, partnerships and stake holder management and I have a solutions based approach.

Tricia Gradys
Company Secretary

Donald Forrester
Treasurer

About Donald

Donald joined BCF as a trustee last year and is now also our treasurer. “I’ve been a friend of BCF through my work with the local charity Emmaus. I have been the Chief Executive Officer since 2011 getting to know the Burmantofts community well when they donate to and buy from the shop in St Mary’s St.”

Alganesh Habtemariam

Trustee

About Alganesh
Alganesh has lived in the Burmantofts area for over 15 years. “It is my pleasure to be a trustee for BCF as I am passionate to help local older people in my community and learn some new skills and knowledge.
Jean Stafford
Trustee
About Jean
I’ve been involved for a year. I wanted to help out because BCF was brilliant with my mum. She got a lot of help from them; they really support you. They will come to the home if needed and help update the house to make sure it’s safe and secure.  I am retired from the NHS after 40 years of service. I have been happy to continue and help where I can.

Councillor Asghar Khan
Trustee

About Cllr Khan
Cllr Asghar Khan is the representative member for Burmantofts & Richmond Hill ward. He was Lord Mayor of Leeds 2021-22, also the Scrutiny Board Chairman for Strategy and Resources and CWU NE Political Lead.
Moira Flynn

Trustee

About Moira
I was pleased to be invited onto the Trustee board as I have worked in 3 similar organisations over the years, and know how valuable the work, schemes like BCF do, is and how important it is to the local area.

Paul Kelly
Trustee

About Paul

Paul has lived in Burmantofts for over 8 years and wants the best for the people who live here, he’s passionate about social opportunities for all.

Farooq Muzammal
Trustee

About Farooq

Farooq joined the BCF board of trustees in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the private sector. Currently Farooq co-runs an ethical care provider, alongside his many volunteering roles across the third sector. 

Our Staff

Tom Armstrong
CEO

About Tom

Tom has overall responsibility for managing BCF and works with the trustees to make sure we meet our charitable objectives. He is proud to be involved and thanks all members for their continued support.

Sheila Davenport
Service Coordinator

About Sheila
Sheila manages our weekly groups, trips, events, and celebrations and does an amazing job of making everyone feel welcomed and wanted. If you have a place you want to visit or an idea for a group, let Sheila know and she’d be happy to have a chat.

COMING SOON
Operations Manager 

About

Coming soon 

Mary Baillie

Member Engagement Worker
About

Mary can help with bills and benefits information, digital engagement and more. Mary manages our Monday breakfast cafe, here you can also get help with tech and digital inclusion. Tuesday’s 1 till 2 is outreach drop in at BCF offices, you can help on any topic on a first come, first seen basis. Mary can also arrange home and office appointments

John Dracup
Finance Officer

About John
John manages the finances, budgets, and accounts for BCF.

Sabs Faris
Volunteer Coordinator

About Sabs
Sabs manages our volunteers, making sure it’s a fun and rewarding experience. BCF needs volunteers to support and boost our work, and it’s Sabs job to make sure we have plenty. And that’s Stripe on the right. 

Kelly Walker
Cook / Food Educator

About Kelly

Kelly runs the kitchen for our weekly food groups and manages our regular community cooking groups. Always making sure there’s tasty options for everyone available.

Sean Carr
Wellbeing Worker

About Sean

Our Enhanced NHS project worker helps BCF members stay fit and well at home and return home from hospital, when support is needed. He also manages our weekly community clinic with NHS nurses.

Sophie Warner
Community Cohesion Worker

About Sophie
Sophie runs our community groups such as men’s club, women’s wellbeing, dementia friendly group and supported shopping. Sophie is always starting new groups and offers a warm welcome to everyone.

Maggie the Dog
Assistant to Manager

About Maggie

Maggie is a cockapoo and was a rescue dog. She helps out at the office sometimes to take notes and make people smile. Fun fact, Maggie is the most requested member of BCF staff by our members. Her favourite things are ball and sausages.