We’ve recently welcomed Vicky Miller and Vicky Rountree here at Action Foundation. Vicky M joins our Senior Management Team as Head of Business Development and Communications whilst Vicky R is our new ESOL Project Officer with Action Language.

Vicky Miller

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born in County Durham and brought up in an Armed Forces family. I returned to the North East in 2003 after 27 years of living in numerous places in the UK and abroad. I’m a mother of two teenage boys and have settled in beautiful, rural County Durham. I love my long dog walks at the weekend with our Labrador, Echo (we also have two cats, Spud and Fluffy) as well as cooking and travelling.

What’s your career background?

I studied Human Geography, Modern History and Housing in Scotland and I have worked in social housing for 20 years in a variety of roles from placemaking, new-build housing and community development, to writing strategies, customer experience and developing services. I have set up support and employability services for residents and worked with stakeholders and communities to draw in significant investment to increase the resilience of places and individuals.

What’s your new role?

My new role as Head of Business Development and Communications is responsible for all areas of income generation and communications and will continue to develop, sustain and improve our fantastic services to refugees and asylum seekers.

What drew you to Action Foundation?

I have worked with some amazing voluntary and community sector organisations, particularly during the pandemic where action and dedication from the sector supported a huge number of vulnerable people. The commitment and passion I saw has made a lasting impression on me. I have been following the work of Action Foundation for a few years now and have been blown away by the compassion and drive to make a change. I know the role can be challenging, but it will be very rewarding too.

Vicky Rountree

Tell us a bit about yourself

I currently live in  Darlington in a half-completed renovation project with my partner Sam and ancient Patterdale terrier, Colin.

What’s your career background?

I’m from a training/learning development background, both the admin and delivery. I’ve worked in training for several different sectors including construction/plant machinery and first aid training. I taught ESOL and functional skills for several years and have been an active volunteer with Darlington Assistance for Refugees since 2020.

What’s your new role?

ESOL Project Officer with Action Language.

What drew you to Action Foundation?

The work, the people, the values. I worked as a freelance ESOL teacher for Action Language pre-Covid and loved both the job and working for the organisation. I’ve been keeping an eye on job vacancies at Action Foundation for the past year or so, just waiting for the right one to come along!