Trustee
Andrew Underdown
Andrew Underdown joined the Bond Board as Trustee and Treasurer in 2022 and is enthusiastic about the Bond Board’s work in improving access to good quality housing.
Andrew came to Rochdale in1976 to work for the probation service, and, through his career, worked for social inclusion and rehabilitation, including experience as Probation Regional Manager for NW Region and on the Correctional Services Accreditation Panel. Involvement in strategy and oversight of finances developed through Economics and Management degrees, a period chairing Rochdale Council Finance Committee and as Trustee and Treasurer/finance lead for the local homelessness charity, Petrus Community 2010-2022.
For leisure, he is a keen hill walker and volunteers on peatland restoration with the National Trust’s Marsden Moor estate.
Trustee
Els Draper (Chair)
Els is an independent consultant and NED specialising in creating services for more vulnerable members of our society. Previously, Els was Head of Customer Vulnerability and Accessibility at Barclays where she created and delivered their market leading customer vulnerability strategy. Els is passionate about the development of sustainable, solutions that empower and support service users.
Trustee
Sarah McCarthy (Vice Chair)
Sarah has been a Trustee since 2015 and was involved with the Bond Board around 20 years ago when working at Bury Council. For around 30 years, Sarah has worked for a number of local authorities, in the North West, where she has been responsible for commissioning supported housing services for people who are homeless. Consequently, she welcomes the opportunity to be part of an organisation that provides access to housing and support, especially within the private sector.
Trustee
Tom Fisher
Tom Fisher, originally from South Wales, has been living in Manchester since 2011. He is passionate about supporting those affected by poor housing and experiencing homelessness and has been working in the charity sector for nearly 10 years. Tom is currently a Business Development Manager at Centrepoint, national youth homelessness charity, where he supports the organisation to development and grow its operational footprint through developing bids and implementing service delivery. He is studying for a Masters in Voluntary Sector Management, to develop his skills in charity governance and management to continue to support organisations and people. Tom joined The Bond Board in February 2023, having previously been a Trustee for Northmoor Community Centre, a charity supporting residents of Longsight, Manchester.