People
Who is Otley 2030?
Otley 2030 is nothing without it's wonderful staff, trustees and volunteers, all of whom give up a tremendous amount of time to make this organisation what it is.
Staff
We currently have 2 members of staff: A Community Larder Coordinator, who is employed 4 days a week, and a project worker. We ensure our staff are supported in all aspects of their work and well-being.
Trustees
As of our Annual General Meeting in December 2025, we have 5 trustees. They range from 45 to 83 and all bring a diverse range of knowledge, experience and compassion to our board. See below for their bios.
Volunteers
We have ar 40+ wonderful volunteers, who help run our Community Larder, organise events, attend meetings, write columns and countless other things.
We are incredibly grateful for all of the time the above people put into Otley 2030. If you'd like to join our team, visit our VOLUNTEER PAGE to learn more!
Staff
Project Worker
Claire Blindell
This role has been established so that Otley 2030 has a consistent communications and engagement strategy across all platforms. The main responsibilities include managing the O2030 website and social media, as well as writing press releases and blogs. On top of this, the Communications and Engagement Lead must liaise with key stakeholders and members of the community to ensure our communications are hitting home. Claire Blindell, who has worked for a number of years as a freelance copywriter and as a journalist for the BBC, was selected for this role by the Interim Committee in January 2021.
Community Larder Coordinator
Jade Harris
The main responsibilities of this position are to coordinate all of the fantastic volunteer who help run the Community Larder, to ensure the Larder operate effectively and safely, and to develop the project further through partnerships and fundraising.
Jade was appointed in 2024, and the Larder continues to grow and develop alongside our community response and needs.
Trustees
Ruth Woodhead
Having lived in Otley for over 40 years and being brought up in Ilkley by parents who were keen walkers I very much identify with and love the area and its environment.
I trained and worked as a Social Worker in Leeds retiring as Chief Officer Children’s Services. Whilst working in Leeds I was given leave of absence for 3 months to volunteer at an NGO in Ethiopia for families with twins and triplets. From then on, I returned to Ethiopia during leave from work.
On retirement I went to work in Ethiopia at the NGO. I also became involved with the training of Social Workers throughout Ethiopia and worked with the Children and Families Supreme Court team.
Later I went with VSO and worked in Namibia supporting NGOs who collaborated with people with disabilities throughout the country. In both countries I saw the impact of climate change on the local population as well as the exploitation of the countries by the richer Western world.
Since returning to the UK, I have been a Trustee on NGOs working with Asylum Seekers and with Quaker projects. I hope my experiences will be of help to Otley 2030
Siobhan Lendzionowski
Bio to be added soon...
Mick Bradley
In my 10 years living in Otley I have wanted to make a positive difference which led to my involvement in developing the Otley Neighbourhood Plan & then nearly 8 years ago becoming a Green town councillor.
Getting involved as an early member of Otley 2030 was an obvious thing to do as I fully support its aims. To engage with & involve a cross section of our community to act locally in many ways supporting the goal of a fairer & sustainable, low carbon town.
I am standing to continue as a Trustee to be involved in the overview of the many initiatives which innovative and passionate members have initiated: veg box delivery, alternative East of Otley model plan, Otley doughnut, community fridge, etc.
I would like to see Otley 2030 continue to grow its influence and size of active members to achieve real positive change in our town.
Helge Urdal
Bio to be added soon...
Ann Forsaith
Bio to be added soon...