Action Foundation has strengthened its Senior Management Team with the appointment of a new Head of Finance and Resources – Chris Buglass and a new Head of Client Services – Emily Malcolm.
We caught up with the dynamic duo to find out a little more about them and what they’ll be bringing to their new roles…
Head of Client Services, Emily Malcolm
Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in Darlington but have been a bit of a wanderer over the years, living in Italy, Switzerland, Spain and Ghana. Yet there has always been a pull back to the North East with my family here, and I am now settled and living in Newcastle.
When I’m not walking, I am dancing (salsa, bachata or kizomba). And when I’m not talking, I am singing. I also love the outdoors and have dug out the old tent recently and been discovering the beautiful Northumberland landscape.
What’s your career background?
I have been working with international development charities and the United Nations (for example the UNHCR) over the last decade. My work has focused on supporting vulnerable people around the world through managing programmes supporting livelihoods, education, protection/safeguarding and well-being.
What’s your new role?
As Head of Client Services, I am excited to overview and support the amazing project managers and their teams to provide our quality services for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants that interact with Action Foundation.
What drew you to apply for a job at Action Foundation?
I am excited to be part of a growing organisation that has an important vision and makes a daily impact. I feel this job is a chance to learn, make a difference, and be innovative at a time when change has become a way of life.
Head of Finance and Resources, Chris Buglass
Tell us a bit about yourself
I currently live in Greenwich in London, but am in the process of relocating back home to the North East. I grew up in Northumberland, had my first house in Newcastle and I am very excited about returning home. I have been married to Frankie for seven years and we are very proud cat parents to Iggy. When I’m not working for Action Foundation, I am a semi-pro musician and I am very much looking forward to gigging properly again in the North East.
What’s your career background?
I started off in Retail, working as a Finance and Operations Manager for Marks and Spencer. After 10 years and working in many stores across the country, I moved to be the Business and Operations Manager for Newham Music – the Music Education Hub for the London Borough of Newham. They provide music education, performance opportunities and outreach programmes to children across the most diverse borough in the country. I absolutely loved working there and am very proud of the work that the team achieved in my time there, with the highlight being a mass performance of 800 Newham kids at the Royal Albert Hall!
What’s your new role?
I am the new Head of Finance and Resources for Action Foundation. The role is part of the Senior Leadership team and as well as Finance, it will cover IT, Equipment, Health and Safety, Policy and Compliance and HR – all the good stuff!!
What drew you to apply for a job at Action Foundation?
I’ve really enjoyed my last three and a half years working for a Charity/Education organisation and am very passionate about working in this sector. Action Foundation does incredible work – I was bowled over by the number of colleagues in my last job who told me what a great and worthwhile move this would be – and it’s incredibly exciting to be working towards community and cohesion and support for the most vulnerable in our community, in a city that I am proud to call home.
