Our team
HARP’s dedicated team of staff and volunteers support nearly 1,000 individuals experiencing homelessness annually.
HARP’s dedicated team of around 120 staff support nearly 1,000 people experiencing homelessness annually. They are assisted by over 115 regular volunteers, including the Board of Trustees, who contribute in various areas such as shops, catering, fundraising, and activities. The Executive Management Team reports to the Board of Trustees.
Executive Management Team
Our Executive Team is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of HARP and comprises
Vanessa Hemmings
Chief Executive
Vanessa became CEO of HARP in July 2022, bringing over 30 years of experience in the homelessness sector. She is a passionate leader dedicated to ending homelessness. Before joining HARP, Vanessa oversaw Operations, Young People’s support directorates, and Recovery activities at Single Homeless Project, one of London’s largest homelessness charities.
Jacqueline Saxby
Director of Finance & HR
Jacqueline has been leading HARP’s Finance and HR Directorates since 2018, bringing extensive experience from various sectors. A qualified accountant, she has served as Finance Director across private companies, start-ups (including a Dragon’s Den investment), legal firms, and charities. Her diverse background strengthens HARP’s financial and operational leadership.
Nicky Bowling
Director of Property Development
Nicky joined HARP as a Trustee in 2007 and played a key role in developing HARP’s Bradbury Centre. A Chartered Accountant with nearly 40 years of experience, her career has largely focused on the property sector, where she has applied her financial expertise to drive successful projects and initiatives.
Agata Elliott
Director of Communications & Fundraising
Agata joined HARP in December 2023 and leads the Fundraising and Communications, Charity shops and Volunteering Directorates. With over 16 years of experience in Fundraising, Marketing, and Communications, she has previously worked with housing associations and charities, including Origin Housing, Groundwork London, and Single Homeless Project.
Samantha Cowie
Executive Director of Operations
Sam joined HARP in August 2025 as our Executive Director of Service Operations. Sam joined us from St Mungo’s where she was Head of Criminal Justice Services. Sam has nearly 30 years experience in homelessness services and was awarded an MBE just before she left St Mungo’s by Prince William in recognition of her commitment to this issue.
Our trustees
HARP’s Executive Team is overseen by our voluntary Board of Trustees, chaired by Michael Raffan. The Trustees ensure effective governance, meeting Charity Commission regulations, and supporting the delivery of HARP’s strategic plan.
Michael Raffan
Michael is a solicitor and partner at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, a leading international law firm. He chairs the Board and the Governance Subcommittee.
Alistair Barr
Alistair is the Treasurer of the Board and chairs the Finance Subcommittee. Before retiring, he had a career in risk management with Standard Chartered Bank.
Iain Campbell
Iain has a background in business and sales, and before retirement, he was the Managing Director and Vice President of an engineering business.
Lilias (Mac) Felton
Mac is one of the founding Trustees of HARP and chairs the Personnel & Services Subcommittee. She also serves on the Governance and Premises subcommittees. Her background includes work as a local councillor, and she sits on the boards of several other community organisations.
Mike Nevin
Mike chairs the Premises Subcommittee and is a member of the Governance and Finance subcommittees. He is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in finance, management, and governance.
Dr. Haroon Siddique
Haroon is the Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Working Group. He is a GP Partner at Thorpe Bay Surgery and Southend Medical Centre, as well as the Clinical Lead for Southend Integrated Healthcare for the Homeless (SIHH). He is also an Honorary Fellow of the Faculty for Homelessness and Inclusion.
Ian Martin
Ian is Chief Executive of Estuary Housing Association and brings a wealth of housing experience to his Board membership of HARP. Ian is also a Non-Executive Director of the National Housing Federation.
Peter Thorn
Peter was a founder of HARP and an inaugural Trustee. His interest in homelessness and the community spans over 30 years. He is part of the Fundraising Subcommittee and, before retiring, had an extensive career in banking.
Helen McDonald
Helen is the founder of Helenore and a trained advocate and psychotherapist, with extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma.
Alex Brown
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How you can help
There are so many ways you can help us end rough sleeping in Southend
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Learn about homelessness
Find out more about the causes, impacts and type of homelessness