Michele Armstrong- Chief Executive Officer

 Michele started with this organisation, then called the Wear Valley Volunteer Development Agency, in Aug 1998 as the manager. Michele evolved to Chief Officer when 2D was launched in May 2001.

Her commitment to the Voluntary and Community Sector is clearly shown in her dedication to ensuring the sector is at the forefront of partnership working and that Teesdale and Wear Valley is represented on a local, regional and national level.

Michele has set a high standard for 2D and heads a dedicated team of experts. "For me 2D is a team effort; personal development is important and the dedication of the team is something I don't have to question!"

Contact: m.armstrong@2d.org.uk

Ann joined the organisation in 2000 when it was the Wear Valley Volunteer Development Agency.

Ann provides administrative services both in house and externally. She ensures the day to day running of the office and makes sure we pay the bills on time!

An increasingly important part of Anns role has been to manage the conference / training facility, in this day and age of declining funds 2D has had to look to generate some of its own income whilst providing a useful service to community and voluntary groups. Anns professionalism has ensured that groups and organisations continue to re-book the facility time and time again.

Contact: a.cairns@2d.org.uk

Tanya France-Sergeant- Administration Assistant


Tanya came to 2D last June through a 'Routeway to Emploment' scheme in conjunction with Groundwork.

Having proved to be a true asset to the organisation Tanya became a permanent member of the team in September 2008.

Tanya provides a high standard of administrative support to the whole staff team and assists in delivering a high quality service to members, clients and customers.

Phil Davies- Development Officer

Phil works as a senior member of the 2D team to deliver an agreed programme of work with clients and other stakeholders, ensuring awareness of and commitment to the delivery of the core functions and requirements of quality systems.

It is predominantly Phils role to fulfil the day to day functions of the CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) particularly in the areas of support, information and advice to members and voluntary and community groups.

In order to provide groups and agencies with the best possible service, Phil has attained a number of qualifications in advice and guidance, management and funding advice amongst others. He also built up a wide range of contacts in the sector, an extensive library, information leaflets and electronic data to provide the most up to date help and advice.

Contact: p.davies@2d.org.uk

Lindsay Wright- Development Officer

Lindsay Wright joined the team in August 2002.

Lindsay also works as a senior member of the 2D team to deliver an agreed programme of work with clients and other stakeholders, ensuring awareness of and commitment to the delivery of the core functions and requirements of quality systems.

Lindsay's role involves working with local voluntary and community organisations to enable them to identify their needs and to develop and support the implementation of programmes to meet those needs, including the development of volunteering opportunities.

Kirsty Hill- Marketing Development Officer

Kirsty joined the 2D team in September 2004 with the aim to promote, develop, enhance and maintain the profile, customer understanding, and corporate identity of 2D.

Day-to-day tasks involve produce all documents, including a quarterly company magazine, leaflets, annual reports and all publicity materials in both print and web format.

Ongoing tasks include co-ordinating 2D’s marketing strategy and using ‘Issues Marketing’ to push the 2D brand into the local media.

Contact: k.hill@2d.org.uk

Katja Francis- Development Support Worker

 In October 2004 Katja began working for 2D as a registered volunteer working on the Quality Standards for 2D. She had completed a degree in Business Administration and wanted to gain some experience in an office environment.

4 years on Katja meets with individuals who want to volunteer and matching them with appropriate opportunities.

Another aspect of the role is to register organisations that require the help of volunteers. Katja will also provide continuous support and guidance to new and existing volunteers and organisations.

Contact: k.francis@2d.org.uk   

Rachel Brayfield- Development Support Worker

Rachel meets with individuals who want to volunteer and matching them with appropriate opportunities.

Another aspect of the role is to register organisations that require the help of volunteers. Rachel will also provide continuous support and guidance to new and existing volunteers and organisations.

One of Rachel’s aims in this role will be to develop ‘information points’ throughout the Wear Valley and Teesdale areas to promote volunteering benefits and opportunities.

Contact Rachel: r.brayfield@2d.org.uk

James Deacon-Brown

James Deacon-Brown, is working as a Mentor in partnership with Bishop Auckland College and Groundwork West Durham.

James can offer individuals, who are going through training or volunteering, additional support through guidance, assistance and information. This can involve listening to their views, helping clients to plan an achievable way to gain from their programme.

James also works alongside Robert Fothergill (below) as a Children and Young People's Participation Worker. He works closely with local groups that involve children and young people.

Contact James: j.deaconbrown@2d.org.uk

Robert Fothergill- Children & Young People's Partcipation Worker

Robert Fothergill started September 05 and his role includes developing initiatives to involve young people between the ages of 5 and 19yrs in decisions about public service delivery that effects them and their peers. He works closely with local groups that involve children and young people.

The role has developed considerably since its establishment in the Autumn of 2005. This has seen a broadening of the age range to cover from birth to age 19 and a strong partnership has been built with a cross-section of organisations in the districts as a result.

These posts have a primary focus on inclusive participation work for children and young people in decisions that affect them, with a particular emphasis on the Every Child Matters agenda. This has included raising the profile of this, particularly in the voluntary and community sector.

Contact: r.fothergill@2d.org.uk   

Michael Dixon- Play Co-ordinator for Willington and Crook  

Michael Dixon is the newest addition to 2D. His role includes promoting and delivering play opportunities for children aged 5-13 in the areas of Crook & Willington. He will also be working in partnership with local groups that involve children and young people.

Michael, from Bishop Auckland, has come from a background of youth work and has over 3 years experience of working with children and young people. He has spent the past 20 months leading a youth project in the area of Crook. He has also been heavily involved in promoting and working alongside other youth provision services in the area.

Michael will be organising a programme of summer activities for children in the area as well as establishing sessions in local schools and children’s centres. He is currently looking for volunteers to help him with the running of the project so if you are interested in volunteering or would like to know more about the project please get in touch with Michael.

Contact: m.dixon@2d.org.uk