Our Team
At GIPSIL, we’re proud to be led by a team of dedicated professionals who bring expertise, vision, and a commitment to our mission of empowering communities and supporting individuals. Below, you can learn more about the people steering our organisation and shaping its future.
Who we are
SLT DIRECTORS
SLT MEMBERS
BOARD MEMBERS
MEMBERS OF STAFF
Our Leadership
Julia Preston
Chief Executive,
2007 -
After beginning her career with the Ambulance Service, Julia joined West Yorkshire Housing Association in 1994, where she managed services for vulnerable people. She later worked with English Churches Housing Group (now Riverside). In 2005, Julia transitioned to become Supporting People Commissioning Manager with Leeds City Council.
She then returned to the sector in 2007 to lead GIPSIL, guiding the organisation through significant growth and transformation. With a focus on strategic leadership and building partnerships, Julia ensures GIPSIL’s services remain responsive to the needs of our communities.
In addition to her leadership role, Julia is a qualified coach and is proud to be recognised as a Ribbons Woman for her exceptional work at GIPSIL.
Louise Forrest
Director of Partnerships & Development, 2024 -
Louise began designing activity programmes for children and young people in 2007. She later implemented national government physical activity programmes across Yorkshire, working with schools and volunteer organisations. She then collaborated with Active Leeds, Public Health, and the Council to develop local health initiatives and an apprenticeship scheme in deprived communities.
Louise led the Leeds Physical Activity Strategy while coordinating Sport Leeds. In 2021, she joined GIPSIL, managing a team of 45 delivering social, emotional, and mental health support. She became Director in February 2023.
John Riley
Finance Director, 2000 - 2011, 2013 -
With over 20 years of experience at GIPSIL, John has also held Finance Director and Account Manager roles with private companies and was a Founding Member and Director of Crigglestone Day Care Limited, Wakefield. John is a Trustee for Leeds Community Spaces, CLP Homes Ltd, and Chair of The Pension Trust SHPS Committee. His expertise in financial stewardship and resource management is invaluable to GIPSIL.
Chelcey Huxley
Interim Director of Services
2025 -
Chelcey has built a meaningful and impactful career within the third sector, with a strong focus on supporting individuals facing multiple and complex needs.
With experience across both strategic and operational roles, Chelcey brings a wealth of practical insight and leadership to her work. Her academic background in psychology, combined with her professional training as an Accredited Psychotherapist, has equipped her with the therapeutic skills and trauma-informed approaches needed to develop services which support individuals who have experienced significant adversity and place them at the centre of their own support.
“I’m grateful to have worked closely with people like Julia, whose values-driven leadership I greatly respect. I’ve also seen the board become particularly strong over the years, and I’m excited about GIPSIL’s future”
Jan Betts, former board member for 25 years
Our Trustees
Our Board of Trustees plays a vital role in providing governance, oversight, and strategic direction for GIPSIL. Comprising individuals with diverse skills and experiences, the Board ensures we remain accountable and true to our mission.
Interested in getting involved?
Darren
Houghton
Chair
Managing Consultant at Korn Ferry
Peter
Gruen
Vice-Chair
Retired Councillor
Margaret Middlemass
Treasurer
Chartered Accountant
Sharon
Hamilton
Councillor
Local Councillor
Vanessa Duckenfield
Organisational Development
Director at Bettys & Taylors Group
Martin David
Dean
Retired Snr. Manager
LCC Communities
Alison
Oldfield
Solicitor
Eversheds Sutherland
Neera
Tyagi
Retired Project Manager
LCC
Stewart
Petrie
Board Member
Manager of Health Homes Project Liverpool
Future Board
Member
Coming soon
N/A
Future Board
Member
Coming soon
N/A
Future Board
Member
Coming soon
N/A