Who’s who
Founder & International Director: John Kirkby
By working at senior management level in the consumer finance industry for 17 years, John was able to gain valuable management experience and knowledge that has equipped him with the skills he now requires to lead Christians Against Poverty.
It was in June 1996 that John believed God was calling him to sacrifice a lucrative career in the finance industry to start CAP. Armed with just a few pounds and a desire to use his financial knowledge to help the poor in his home town of Bradford, John set off on the incredible journey of CAP. Over the last ten years John has overseen the growth and organisational development of the charity as well as pioneering the work in Australia and New Zealand.
John says, “I am overwhelmed by what God has done. To see thousands of lives changed every year is truly wonderful. I do believe that God has given us a 21st Century answer to one of the most pressing social needs within society today. Jesus met peoples’ needs with love, compassion and practical help. Our desire is to simply do the same and watch the miracles unfold. Please get involved in this amazing God inspired ministry”.
John is the International Director of Christians Against Poverty, speaking and working across the world to challenge people to reach out to the poor and needy.
UK Chief Executive: Matt Barlow
Matt joined CAP at the beginning of 1999 and has successfully managed the growth of the charity’s centre network. As a strategic planner and thinker, Matt has also built the systems, departments and organisational structure to provide an infrastructure on which CAP can expand to become a nationwide service.
Prior to working at CAP, Matt, a marketing graduate from Lancaster University, had gained two years experience of project management for a development charity in the third world.
Matt says: “Since becoming a Christian in 1992, I have had a real passion to see the oppressed and downtrodden ministered to and to see the church empowered to reach its local community with the awesome liberating message of the gospel. CAP does all of this and does it with excellence, which is why I am so proud to lead CAP here in the UK”
In June 2006 Matt was appointed as Chief Executive of CAP UK having previously worked for five years as CAP’s Operations Director.
CAP’s management board is made up of four trustees, a client representative and four staff members.
Chairman: Janet Thogerson
Janet brings a rich diversity of experience to her role as a CAP Trustee Director. She has served as a Magistrate and has worked as a nurse and manager within the Health Service. Janet currently works for Bradford Cancer Services, is a Non Executive Director of a Bradford Primary Care Trust, Chairman of Headrow Housing Trust and runs her own aromatherapy business.
Trustee: Peter Green BA (Hons) CFP ACII ACIB APFS.
Peter is a Chartered Financial Planner and brings a wealth of business experience having owned his own Financial Services Company for over 20 years. Peter is also a Trustee of several other charities working to relieve poverty and oppression.
Trustee: Debbie Thompson
Debbie is one of CAP’s earliest clients and brings a unique understanding and perspective to the board of trustees. Through her experience of being both a client and employee, Debbie is able to input a grassroots perspective at the most senior level of the charity.
Trustee: Tim Morfin
Trustee: Pastor Representative: Ian Nundy
Ian is the leader of New Horizons Church, the home of our Dewsbury CAP Centre. New Horizons is a church committed to reaching its community, and has been working in partnership with CAP for over two years. Ian has seen many lives transformed through the service offered by the CAP centre in his church during that time. With our partner churches being such key stakeholders, Ian offers a unique insight into how CAP interacts with and supports the local church.
Client Representative: Paula Wright
Paula, a Durham client, was elected by CAP clients to represent them on the management board in September 07.
Staff Representative: Ellie Gage
Ellie was elected by the other members of staff to recognise their interests at the highest level in the charity. Having worked for the charity for two years, Ellie’s commitment and dedication to CAP were recognised by other staff in her appointment.
