Meet the Team
Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS) is a thriving charity providing training and counselling services to the communities of Gloucestershire. Our headquarters are in the centre of Stroud which has been home to GCS since our inception in 1978. We deliver counselling services both from our counselling rooms based around the county and remotely as well as training in counselling skills and counselling qualifications.
Meet the team
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John has joined the GCS Board of Trustees in 2024.
His bio will be updated shortly.
Meet our Trustees
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Nigel Brabbins brings a a wealth of commercial business expertise to GCS. With a career spanning 35 years, Nigel has held executive positions in various industries and demonstrated his leadership abilities. His background includes executive roles in logistics, distribution, promotional merchandise, security services, and IT/software companies, where he specialized in leveraging new technologies for service delivery. Nigel’s experience in utilizing technology to improve service delivery aligns with GCS’s mission of providing accessible and effective counselling services. As a Chartered Director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Nigel’s governance and leadership expertise are valuable assets in his role as a Trustee.
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With a career of more than two decades spanning several government departments, Hannah is a dedicated Civil Servant. An experienced Director, she specialises in leading large teams delivering cutting edge technologies. Hannah is passionate about inclusion, diversity and equity. Dedicated to employee wellbeing and with personal experience of counselling, she is a strong supporter of GCS’s mission to provide affordable counselling. Having held board positions in two other organisations she is excited to be bringing her experience to GCS as a Trustee.
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Rachel Poynor has over a decade of experience in the charity sector. Her roles in project management, service development, and fundraising have spanned various causes, including end-of-life care, criminal justice, homelessness, and eating disorders. Rachel’s first-hand training and personal experiences have given her a deep understanding of the transformative power of counselling. She is also passionate about developing robust monitoring and evaluation processes in charitable organisations.
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Sara’s 25+ year executive career began with Officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and has developed through cross-sector, senior operational management and leadership roles, both in the UK and overseas.Founding Director of her own coaching business, Sara is passionate about empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives and believes in the impact that GCS support has within communities in Gloucestershire.Previously a trustee of the Military Wives Choir Foundation, Sara looks forward to sharing her experience in her role as a Trustee of GCS.
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Kirsty Button brings over 25 years of experience in marketing and customer experiences within the financial services sector. With a deep understanding of customers, she has a proven track record in delivering good customer and commercial outcomes. Her experience spans a variety of marketing roles, regulatory responsibilities including GDPR, running a P&L, data science, AI, transformation and delivering change.
Kirsty has seen first-hand the benefits of counselling and is hugely passionate about mental health and well-being.
Edward Weir
Trustee
Edward Weir brings with him a diverse background in the public and charity sectors. Currently serving as the Strategic Business Manager for Severn Health Primary Care Network, Edward brings a wealth of expertise in strategy, operations, and people management. His previous role as a Director at the Royal College of Physicians showcased his exceptional abilities in driving organisational growth and efficiency. Edward’s training as a systems psychodynamic Executive Coach gives him a perspective on organisational dynamics. He resides in Stroud with his family and is deeply committed to supporting the GCS and its vital work.
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John has joined the GCS Board of Trustees in 2024.
His bio will be updated shortly.
Meet our Trustees
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Nigel Brabbins brings a a wealth of commercial business expertise to GCS. With a career spanning 35 years, Nigel has held executive positions in various industries and demonstrated his leadership abilities. His background includes executive roles in logistics, distribution, promotional merchandise, security services, and IT/software companies, where he specialized in leveraging new technologies for service delivery. Nigel’s experience in utilizing technology to improve service delivery aligns with GCS’s mission of providing accessible and effective counselling services. As a Chartered Director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Nigel’s governance and leadership expertise are valuable assets in his role as a Trustee.
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With a career of more than two decades spanning several government departments, Hannah is a dedicated Civil Servant. An experienced Director, she specialises in leading large teams delivering cutting edge technologies. Hannah is passionate about inclusion, diversity and equity. Dedicated to employee wellbeing and with personal experience of counselling, she is a strong supporter of GCS’s mission to provide affordable counselling. Having held board positions in two other organisations she is excited to be bringing her experience to GCS as a Trustee.
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Rachel Poynor has over a decade of experience in the charity sector. Her roles in project management, service development, and fundraising have spanned various causes, including end-of-life care, criminal justice, homelessness, and eating disorders. Rachel’s first-hand training and personal experiences have given her a deep understanding of the transformative power of counselling. She is also passionate about developing robust monitoring and evaluation processes in charitable organisations.
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Sara’s bio will be updated shortly.
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Kirsty’s bio will be updated shortly.