Meet our Team
Our CEO here at VAR is Tom, and you can get hold of him at ceo@varutland.org.uk
We have two managers at the charity; Jim & Jay.
Jim, our Transport Manager, is available on transportmgr@varutland.org.uk
Jay is our Finance Manager and can be contacted at finance1@varutland.org.uk
We have two brilliant Admin Assistants who work with us at VAR. Melinda is our Transportation Assistant and Lorraine is the VAR Admin Assistant.
You can email Melinda at transportadmin@varutland.org.uk and Lorraine at enquiries@varutland.org.uk
None of our Team could do what they do without the support of our brilliant volunteers, volunteer drivers and supporters. We're very lucky to say, we have too many to name individually, but they know who they are and we are very grateful indeed!
You can find a little bit more about our staff members below.
Tom Walters
CEO
Tom is the CEO at VAR and loves to get involved in making a difference in our rural community.
Outside of all things Rutland, he works with Community Groups in Leicester and sits on the Board of the Violence Reduction Network.
Dogs, Running (sports generally) and Family tick the free time boxes…
Jim Freeborough
Transport Manager
Having served 25 years in the Forces as a Transport and Logistics specialist, my skills were well suited to the position here at VAR, managing the Social Car and Community Transport schemes. It is not without its challenges, but I believe that the dedicated staff and volunteers that are part of Voluntary Action Rutland can, and do, make a massive difference to the community of Rutland.
In my spare time I practice the martial art of Taekwondo, and also enjoy drawing and reading.
Jay Rickards
Finance Manager
As Finance Manager for VAR since 2016, I am dedicated to ensuring the financial stability and success of VAR. With a passion for numbers and a love for adapting to challenges and changing financial climates, my goal is to optimize our financial resources and maximize our impact on the community we serve and create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Outside of VAR, I have a local licenced accountancy practice and love quality time with family and friends, travelling, music and getting lost in a good novel.
Melinda Batchelor
Transport Administration Assistant
I volunteered at VAR reception from January 2015 having resettled in Oakham. In 2019 I began working as Transport Administrator too and continued doing both until March 2020…
Living in this rural area with so little public transport and having to get my own family to various out of County medical appointments, I am aware how difficult this can be if you do not drive or have access to a car.
I know how vital our Social Car service is and am very grateful to all our volunteer drivers (the Community Vehicles to great work too).
Lorraine Watkinson
VAR Administration Assistant
I have worked for VAR since 2017, first as a caretaker and then more recently as Admin Assistant.
I really enjoy working with the community and making a difference, something I feel quite passionate about.
In my spare time I enjoy watching football and walking. I also love spending time with my family and have two grandchildren that keep me very busy.
