Meet Our Team

Owen Evans

Chief Executive

Owen is responsible for the overall and strategic leadership of the organisation and represents the Welsh children’s sector at a variety of Welsh, UK and international forums.

Sean O'Neill

Policy Director

Sean is responsible for work in the fields of child poverty, children’s rights, safeguarding, looked after children, advocacy and issues relating to refugees, asylum-seekers and migrating families. He also oversees the work of the Policy and Development Team, including the Young Wales participation initiative.

Karen McFarlane

Policy Officer

Karen is responsible for development work in the field of disadvantaged children, including those living in poverty and disabled children.

Anna Westall

Policy Officer

Anna is responsible for development work in the field of family support, early years, childcare and children’s rights.

Nigel Oanea-Cram

Development Officer, Care Experienced Children

Nigel is responsible, in conjunction with Voices from Care Cymru, for delivering the Getting Ready project in three local authority areas in Wales – Anglesey, Carmarthenshire and RCT - to young people leaving care.

Kate Thomas

Development Officer, Price of Pupil Poverty

Kate is responsible for the second phase of our project entitled “Taking a Whole School Approach to Improving the Well-being of children from low income and disadvantaged families.” She is working with schools in consortia areas across Wales to further this work.

Chris Richards

Senior Participation Officer (Projects)

Chris focuses on leading the delivery of our Young Inspectors programme, the UK Youth Parliament campaign, the Young Carers Network and the All-Wales Participation Workers Network.

Tegan Waites

Senior Participation Officer (Young Wales)

Tegan oversees the work of the Young Wales Project Board, our consultation activities with children and young people, and works to develop and deliver a strategy to grow the reach and prominence of Young Wales.

Mandy Davies

Development Officer, Participation

Working directly with a diverse range of children and young people, and the practitioners and the organisations that support them. Mandy is part of the Young Wales Cymru Ifanc team.

Gareth Hicks

Development Officer, Participation

Working directly with a diverse range of children and young people, and the practitioners and the organisations that support them. Gareth is part of the Young Wales Cymru Ifanc team.

Claire Sharp

Senior Training Officer

Claire oversees the Children in Wales training and commissioned training programme, as well as the work of the Training Officers. Claire has particular expertise in training around child protection, safeguarding and children’s rights.

Mike Mainwaring

Training Officer

Mike delivers commissioned and open training, and develops bespoke courses. He has particular expertise in training around substance misuse, youth homelessness, participation and children’s rights.

Sarah James

Communications Officer

Sarah is responsible for Children in Wales’ information and communication services. This includes researching policy, managing the Children in Wales website, producing a range of materials for members and the Children in Wales magazine.

Louise O'Neill

Membership & Marketing Co-ordinator

Louise is responsible for supporting Children in Wales’ members to ensure that they receive their range of benefits. She also assists with marketing the organisation effectively and organising events and conferences.

Alice Bailey

Policy Information Assistant

Alice is responsible for producing a range of information for Children in Wales, both for the website and through electronic briefings. Alice is also the first point of contact for general enquiries to the organisation.

Jenny McMillan

IRM Contract Manager

Jenny is responsible for co-ordinating work relating to IRM Cymru. This includes liaising with applicants, agency staff, panel members and advisors.

Fiona Probert

Administrator (IRM and CIW)

Fiona is responsible for all aspects of the administration of the IRM Cymru. This includes the Review Panels, Development Days and Briefing Sessions. Fiona also undertakes human resources work for Children in Wales and oversees the work of the Administrative Assistants.

Cathy Groves

Finance and Operations Director

Cathy has overall responsibility for managing Children in Wales’ budget and finances, and is also responsible for ensuring that the organisation’s offices and equipment are maintained. Cathy also oversees the work of the Finance and Training Teams.

Paula Timms

Fundraising Officer

Paula leads on Children in Wales’ fundraising activity to enable the organisation to develop, diversify and sustain its activity.

Adam Howells

Finance Officer

Adam is responsible for the day to day administration of Children in Wales’ finances. He also co-ordinates IT support for the organisation.

Caroline Taylor

Administration Manager

Caroline is responsible for matters relating to the governance of the organisation. This includes the Trustee Board, Policy Council, and the revision and development of policies and procedures.

Fiona Probert

Administrator (IRM and CIW)

Fiona is responsible for all aspects of the administration of the IRM Cymru. This includes the Review Panels, Development Days and Briefing Sessions. Fiona also undertakes human resources work for Children in Wales and oversees the work of the Administrative Assistants.

Kelly Mason

Administrative Assistant/ Training Administrator

Kelly is responsible for all administrative tasks linked to our training courses, together with our conferences and events.

Louis Baverstock

Administrative Assistant

Louis carries out and assists with a range of duties within the admin and training teams. He also helps out with IT and general office duties.