Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity announces new trustees
Three trustees and three associate trustees will add new perspectives to shape the charity’s future
Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity today announces the appointment of three new trustees to its board. Selected for their sector perspectives and expertise, each individual will draw on their experiences to strengthen the charity’s ability to deliver meaningful change as it continues in its mission to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in the city region.
The new trustees, appointed on 2 October, are:
Lori Hoinkes, Chief Executive, Manchester Central
Lori leads one of the biggest event venues in the North West, bringing invaluable insight into charity events and fundraising
Aydin Djemal, Chief Executive Officer, BHA for Equality
Aydin has a long career in charity, including his current role supporting people of colour, LGBTQ+ folk and other groups frequently left behind by mainstream healthcare systems. He also has experience working in homelessness
Rachel Chesters, Founder and Managing Director, Start Communication
Rachel has been a passionate Ambassador for the charity since 2021, and is a champion for inclusive working practices, particularly as a young working parent
Their collective knowledge will help to guide Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity’s fundraising, ensure appropriate governance, and shape and deliver strategy.
Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity has also made its very first appointments to its new associate board, opening up opportunities for three young people in the city-region to bring their unique perspective to the charity:
Archie Burrows, apprentice surveyor, CBRE
Amy Harrowsmith, internal audit senior associate, PwC
Ali Roberts, business transformation lead, Manchester Central
Each of our associate trustees joined Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity in August 2025 for a 12 month term, developing their skills and profile to hopefully become the charity trustees of tomorrow.
Chair of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, Tim Heatley, said:
“We welcome a strong group of three new trustees to our Board today. The diversity and breadth of experience that they bring will be a huge asset to the charity moving forwards, and I’m looking forward to seeing that in action through new approaches and fresh initiatives. This is particularly important to us as the charity navigates these economically challenging times.”
“I would also like to thank our outgoing trustees for their hard work over the last three years. Their impact has been evident in the growth that Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity has enjoyed over the last three years.”
Fran Darlington-Pollock, Chief Executive, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said:
“Our trustees are the driving force behind the direction and mission of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity. Each of our new appointees brings exceptional experience and passion which will be invaluable in delivering on our mission, deepening our impact across the city-region. No-one should be without a home, and the support of our trustees is critical to achieving our ultimate goal: to end homelessness and rough sleeping here in Greater Manchester.”
Image: The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity Trustees and Associate Board 2025.