Head Office Contacts

Whatever you need, we're here to help come rain or shine.
 

We’re here to support you when organising your events and activities. We have a range of contacts, on hand, to help you with whatever you need. 


Meet the Team 

 

The executive team are responsible for the effective day to day deliveries of work, projects and management of the various specialist teams working within CSSC. 

Matt Bazeley OBE - Chief Executive

Matt has had a highly successful and distinguished career in the Armed Forces, spanning nearly 30 years in the Army, seeing service in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Africa and Afghanistan.

We have a long-standing and close relationship with the Armed Forces, which has included competing against each other in hard-fought representative sports fixtures since 1921, and more recently the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in 2019. The appointment of Matt to the role of Chief Executive will help further cement our ongoing affiliation with the Armed Forces. Upon his appointment, Matt said: “I’m both thrilled and humbled to have been appointed as CSSC’s new Chief Executive. It will be a real honour to lead the organisation, which is now celebrating 100 years of providing sport and wellbeing to civil servants and the wider public sector.”

Matt is excited to get stuck in and will continue working closely with our members, volunteers and staff to take CSSC forward on the next part of our journey.

Wendy Eley - Group Operations Director

Wendy joined CSSC in 2018 after a 19-year career in the Civil Service. She is the Group Operations Director and was previously the CSSC Honorary Treasurer. Wendy joined the civil service in 1999 as an Administrative Assistant, reaching the Senior Civil Service 16 years later.  During her civil service career she worked in three different Government Departments, but spent the majority within the Ministry of Defence on large Army estates programmes.

Wendy is particularly passionate about promoting openness and understanding of living with a mental illness and speaks regularly at conferences. In addition, she regularly writes and presents on building confidence, developing career networks and overcoming ‘imposter syndrome’, as well as promoting social mobility.

Wendy Eley - Group Operations Director

Wendy joined CSSC in 2018 after a 19-year career in the Civil Service. She is the Group Operations Director and was previously the CSSC Honorary Treasurer. Wendy joined the civil service in 1999 as an Administrative Assistant, reaching the Senior Civil Service 16 years later.  During her civil service career she worked in three different Government Departments, but spent the majority within the Ministry of Defence on large Army estates programmes.

Wendy is particularly passionate about promoting openness and understanding of living with a mental illness and speaks regularly at conferences. In addition, she regularly writes and presents on building confidence, developing career networks and overcoming ‘imposter syndrome’, as well as promoting social mobility.

Alastair Smart - Group Financial Controller

Alastair joined the Civil Service in 1992. He began his career in finance working for the Royal Air Force in HQ Strike Command. During his five years in their finance department, he built up a wealth of knowledge about all aspects of financial management and working with a diverse set of stakeholders.

His passion for finance still remained, and in 2003 the opportunity to join CSSC as finance supervisor arose, and he is now the Group Financial Controller. Highlights of his 17 years with the organisation include developing a successful finance team with talented and highly qualified staff, and an efficient and effective budgeting and forecasting system. He has also managed a number of successful audits and led from the front in safety and compliance, using skills picked up whilst working in the insurance sector.

 

 The Senior Leadership Team's responsibility include direction and accountability of business operations throughout CSSC Sports & Leisure, as well as all subsidiary businesses.

Daisy Clarke - Strategic Development

With over seven years’ experience at CSSC, Daisy has in-depth knowledge across the alignment of strategic wellbeing priorities with the Civil Service, having built strong relationships with internal and external affiliates and stakeholders. Daisy is passionate about driving forward sport and physical activity provision for the civil service and public sector and is developing CSSC’s overarching sport and physical activity strategy. 

Before starting her career mission of getting the nation moving more, Daisy spent three years in the French Alps pursuing her love of snow sports. Now at CSSC, Daisy still likes to fit in as much skiing and snowboarding as possible, but also enjoys 'gentler' activities like playing football and squash. As well as going on long walks with her French Bulldog, Bob, Daisy is an avid pub quiz goer with her husband Rob.

Natalie Goddard - Customer Experience

Natalie joined CSSC in July 2019 as the eCommerce Manager, and was excited to bring her years of corporate background knowledge and experience to the civil service sector to the organisation.

Natalie’s role at CSSC quickly grew and she became the Head of Customer Experience. She has effectively transformed the CSSC eCommerce business, growing relationships with key partners, streamlining process and techniques for the benefit and experience of the CSSC members.

Andy Burdett  VR – Head of Volunteer Delivery

With over 25 years in the Civil Service and 13 years at CSSC,  Andy has a vast array of experience, especially in the field of Volunteer Management. Keen to support Volunteers, Andy is responsible for leading all aspects of CSSC Volunteer Delivery, where he has been leading a team of Volunteer Team Leaders, overseeing the continual development and change of the volunteer role. With a passion for CSSC, volunteering and a true advocate of the benefits and aspirations we deliver, Andy has built a reputation for getting difficult things done and for working and remaining calm under pressure.

A keen developer of people, mentoring and coaching to help people bring the best out of themselves. With a large array of skills including many teaching, coaching & mentoring qualifications. In any free time left, Andy enjoys golf, windsurfing and paddleboarding. As well as being a member of the Volunteer Army Reserve.

Andy Burdett  VR – Head of Volunteer Delivery

With over 25 years in the Civil Service and 13 years at CSSC,  Andy has a vast array of experience, especially in the field of Volunteer Management. Keen to support Volunteers, Andy is responsible for leading all aspects of CSSC Volunteer Delivery, where he has been leading a team of Volunteer Team Leaders, overseeing the continual development and change of the volunteer role. With a passion for CSSC, volunteering and a true advocate of the benefits and aspirations we deliver, Andy has built a reputation for getting difficult things done and for working and remaining calm under pressure.

A keen developer of people, mentoring and coaching to help people bring the best out of themselves. With a large array of skills including many teaching, coaching & mentoring qualifications. In any free time left, Andy enjoys golf, windsurfing and paddleboarding. As well as being a member of the Volunteer Army Reserve.

Matt Davies - Member Recruitment

Prior to joining CSSC in early 2019, Matt worked in advertising and design, marketing and sales within the private sector for nearly thirty years, sixteen of which were running his own graphic design agency and nine within the golf and leisure industry. Matt has also worked as a sponsorship consultant for one of the UK’s leading professional development golf tours, Jamega Pro Tour. Matt is thoroughly enjoying the challenge of utilising all his private sector experience and implementing a more commercial account management approach to membership recruitment for CSSC.

Away from CSSC, Matt is a proud father of three children, an avid golfer and angler with a passion for F1, MotoGP and World Superbikes. He also shares, with his wife Lian, a love for Australia where they have been 12 times!

Laurel Spring-Layman

With over fifteen years' of experience at CSSC, Laurel has been key in shaping the organisation into what it is today. With a specialist knowledge in management and leadership skills, Laurel joined the organisation as the HR Manager and, over her time with CSSC, has transitioned into the role of HR Business Partner - managing strategic people projects to take up the role of Head of Insight Strategy and Wellbeing within CSSC as part of the Senior Leadership Team. Laurel is passionate about people and driving forward their development to ultimately spur the growth of the organisation in turn.

Outside of her role, much of Laurel's time is spent with her husband and three children, enjoying movies and tv shows, extra curricular volunteering and also writing.

Laurel Spring-Layman

With over fifteen years' of experience at CSSC, Laurel has been key in shaping the organisation into what it is today. With a specialist knowledge in management and leadership skills, Laurel joined the organisation as the HR Manager and, over her time with CSSC, has transitioned into the role of HR Business Partner - managing strategic people projects to take up the role of Head of Insight Strategy and Wellbeing within CSSC as part of the Senior Leadership Team. Laurel is passionate about people and driving forward their development to ultimately spur the growth of the organisation in turn.

Outside of her role, much of Laurel's time is spent with her husband and three children, enjoying movies and tv shows, extra curricular volunteering and also writing.

Dave Nath – Head of Digital Architecture

Dave joined CSSC in 2021 and started as a Digital Delivery Manager. His knowledge of IT applications and infrastructure proved invaluable and he quickly progressed to the Head of Digital Architecture. Whilst working with large websites and database applications, he developed a passion for enhancing both the customer and the user experience. His role is to ensure that we have the digital capabilities required at CSSC to achieve our strategic and day to day objectives.  

As a Project Manager Dave worked on a wholesale IT Change Programme which included application, hardware, software, and support provision for Oxford Brookes University. He worked with Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, to embed the cloud first approach, organising workshops for technical, teaching and research colleagues. Outside of IT, Dave’s interests include motorbike rides, board-games and going for a good walk.  

Jade Knowlden - Programme & Project Management

With over 10 years of experience at CSSC, Jade has developed a specialist skillset in the realms of programme & project management. Since joining in 2011, she accepted a role as CSSC’s London Event Co-ordinator. As her career progressed, she became part of the Digital Service Programme where her passion for project management bloomed which prompted her desire to pursue the role as a career. Jade is passionate about CSSC and what it stands for, she thrives on delivering projects which improves our membership experience.

Outside of work, a fun fact about Jade is that she has a black belt in Kickboxing! She enjoys reading, a sunny holiday, and a country walk. She is an occasional gym go-er and badminton player!

Jade Knowlden - Programme & Project Management

With over 10 years of experience at CSSC, Jade has developed a specialist skillset in the realms of programme & project management. Since joining in 2011, she accepted a role as CSSC’s London Event Co-ordinator. As her career progressed, she became part of the Digital Service Programme where her passion for project management bloomed which prompted her desire to pursue the role as a career. Jade is passionate about CSSC and what it stands for, she thrives on delivering projects which improves our membership experience.

Outside of work, a fun fact about Jade is that she has a black belt in Kickboxing! She enjoys reading, a sunny holiday, and a country walk. She is an occasional gym go-er and badminton player!

Jon Bunyan - Head of Sport and Physical Activity

Jon has been at CSSC for over 11 years supporting volunteers. Prior to working for CSSC, he was a in the Civil Service (DWP and Welsh Government). Whilst in the CS he volunteered for CSSC organising cricket, rugby and basketball events, and was also the Chair of the Wales region for a short period of time!

When not working Jon is heavily involved in basketball - coaching, administrating and playing! One of his volunteer roles allows him to be involved with project connected to the NBA, helping to promote the game in Wales.

 

 

Have you got a question for one of our volunteer team leaders?

For our volunteers, the volunteer team leaders are your first point of contact for support for anything related to your volunteering.

You can get in contact using the online form below. 

Amanda Bealing - South West Region

I started my career working in Housing, for different local authorities and charities, in a mixture of roles from supporting young people in accommodation to being the senior homeless officer at a local authority. 

I went on to work for Cats Protection, supporting all the regions volunteer branches. continuing to work with volunteers in the charity sector, working for Guide Dogs and the woodland trust, making sure that volunteers are recruited, trained, supported and rewarded. 

I live in Exmouth with my Husband and elderly one eyed cat Elsa. In my spare time I love running and entering local challenging races. I volunteer for the bumblebee conservation Trust doing bee walk, counting and identifying bees. 

Lucy Vizor - Eastern Region

Lucy is the VTL for the Eastern region. She's been with CSSC since January 2019 and recently became the Eco Champion for CSSC! This is one of her passions outside of work, along with a love of the outdoors and taking part in anything sports or creative related.

Lucy Vizor - Eastern Region

I'm Lucy and I'm the VTL for the Eastern region. I've been with CSSC since January 2019 and have recently become the Eco Champion for CSSC! This is one of my passions outside of work, along with the love of the outdoors and taking part in anything sports or creative related.

Rosa Brownlee - Scotland Region

I’m Rosa, the new VTL for Scotland!  I have previously worked on the front-line of numerous third sector advice agencies, namely Citizens Advice and Scottish Refugee Council. Volunteers were an integral part of each organisation, so I understand how vital their contribution is. I’m excited to bring my experience working with volunteers and my passion for sport and wellbeing together in this role!

Out of work, I was a competitive swimmer growing up so still enjoy swims in the Scottish lochs. As well as playing football with a local community team for women and non-binary people.

Michelle Chelu - Midlands Region

Hi I'm Michelle, VTL for the Midlands region. I've had several different jobs: I left school and joined the navy and then went into IT and for five years was a police officer before having my children. I then got involved in working for children's services. I've also worked for the National Trust as a Volunteering and Community Involvement Manager for over 600 volunteers at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire.

We have a VW Camper van and spend most weekends in the summer camping and going to festivals. I'm really crafty, love crochet and making things - but I'm not very good at finishing them!
I'm a qualified life coach and love helping people develop and reach their goals.

Michelle Chelu - Midlands Region

Hi I'm Michelle, VTL for the Midlands region. I've had several different jobs: I left school and joined the navy and then went into IT and for five years was a police officer before having my children. I then got involved in working for children's services. I've also worked for the National Trust as a Volunteering and Community Involvement Manager for over 600 volunteers at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire.

We have a VW Camper van and spend most weekends in the summer camping and going to festivals. I'm really crafty, love crochet and making things - but I'm not very good at finishing them!
I'm a qualified life coach and love helping people develop and reach their goals.

Jennifer Yarrow - London Region

Hi, I’m Jenny. I am the Volunteer Delivery Team Leader for London and Team Leader for our fantastic volunteer delivery coordinators based at the CSSC head office in High Wycombe. 

I joined the CSSC events team in 2014 and made the move to volunteer delivery in October 2022. I have been involved in and organised some exciting events and projects over the years and looking forward to more coming my way.

Outside of CSSC I enjoy a good book, movie and spending time with my Cocker Spaniel, Teddy. I am a retired competitive cheerleader but I still support my London team and follow national and international competitions.

Nick Linney - South and South East Regions

I’m your new VTL for the South and Southeast region. Originally from California, I’ve been in the UK for 10 years, working with volunteers at various charities throughout that time. Most recently, I was at a charity for grassroots sports clubs using sport to support young people, so I’m excited to stay within the sport and leisure sector. I’m most excited to meet CSSC volunteers and understand how I can help support them and how to get more people involved!

I enjoy staying active and regularly play football and ultimate frisbee. I recently played pickleball for the first time and concluded that I’ve found a new hobby! I’m also a keen but very novice gardener and enjoys growing food in my back garden.

Nick Linney - South and South East Regions

I’m your new VTL for the South and Southeast region. Originally from California, I’ve been in the UK for 10 years, working with volunteers at various charities throughout that time. Most recently, I was at a charity for grassroots sports clubs using sport to support young people, so I’m excited to stay within the sport and leisure sector. I’m most excited to meet CSSC volunteers and understand how I can help support them and how to get more people involved!

I enjoy staying active and regularly play football and ultimate frisbee. I recently played pickleball for the first time and concluded that I’ve found a new hobby! I’m also a keen but very novice gardener and enjoys growing food in my back garden.

Lisa Holland – North East and Yorkshire Regions

I’m your new VTL for North East and Yorkshire. Over the years I’ve worked for a variety of different charities recruiting and supporting volunteers. With activities, ranging from medical professionals on an air ambulance to providing peer support to people newly diagnosed. I’m really looking forward to meeting, supporting and getting to know the amazing volunteers and looking to recruit more.  

When not at work I’m always busy learning new skills whilst trying to renovate a crumbling Victorian home. As well as looking after a 2 year old grandson, walking a little Greek rescue dog in the beautiful hills around the village where I live in West Yorkshire.

Kate Hanlon - North West Region

Kate joined CSSC in January 2022 as the VTL for the North West. She has several years of experience in various different roles throughout the charity sector, most recently being the Volunteer Manager for a children’s cancer charity, with volunteering being her passion. Kate began her career as a Personal Trainer and is really excited to join CSSC to promote the benefits of being active, experiencing new opportunities and also the importance of having hobbies and interests away from the workplace. Being a proud Warringtonian, she feels extremely privileged to be the VTL for this region and cannot wait to meet existing volunteers as well as welcome new volunteers to the team.  

When not at work, Kate has a passion for travelling; experiencing new foods, places and cultures and has been lucky enough to travel to some incredible destinations – spending a lot of her spare time on TripAdvisor and AirBnB.

Kate Hanlon - North West Region

Hi! I’m Kate and I joined CSSC in January 2022 as the VTL for the North West. I have several years of experience in various different roles throughout the charity sector, most recently being the Volunteer Manager for a children’s cancer charity and volunteering being my passion. I began my career as a Personal Trainer and so I am really excited to join CSSC, promoting the benefits of being active, experiencing new opportunities and also the importance of having hobbies and interests away from the workplace. Being a proud Warringtonian, I am extremely privileged to be the VTL for this region and cannot wait to meet existing volunteers as well as welcome new volunteers to the team.  

When I am not at work I have a passion for travelling; experiencing new foods, places and cultures and have been lucky enough to travel to some incredible destinations – spending a lot of my spare time on TripAdvisor and AirBnB.

Emma Price - Wales Region

I’m your new VTL for Wales with over 15 years’ experience in the third sector, providing leadership and support to staff and volunteers within various settings, working with key stakeholders in understanding the importance of volunteering.

Being from Wales I’m extremely privileged to be the VTL for this region and I’m really looking forward to meeting existing volunteers as well as welcoming new volunteers to the team.

When not in work, I enjoy spending time with my family and weekends away by the sea and learning new activities.  

As you may not have access to this website during your event, you can save the general enquiries number in your phonebook and we’ll help you get to the right person.

For general enquiries please call us on 01494 888 444 

Volunteer Team

Your team is here to support you with everything you need for your event, activity or opportunity. 
You can get in touch on  01494 888 444 (option 4) or

Send a message

 

Event Team 

We oversee and deliver our sports event programme in collaboration with SRBs, Regional, and national organisers. For help call 01494 888 444 (option 2) or  

Send a message

Web Team

The web team oversees and manages all web content, including the uploading to and overall maintenance of the website. Get in touch at 

Send a message

Communications & Affiliate Team

Oversees all member, regional and area emails, ensuring a fair and consistent message, using our tone of voice. Get in touch at

Send a message

Finance Team

Responsiible for all accounts payable and receivable processes for national and regional activities. If you have any questions, please get in touch. 

Send a message