Meet the Team

Meet the team

Rachel Peters, CEO

Rachel joined VCWB in October 2022, bringing more than 17 years of experience in housing, community development, health and safety, and partnership working. At VCWB, Rachel has developed strong links across the West Berkshire voluntary and charity sector, connecting local organisations and supporting collaboration across the community. She facilitates several Voluntary Sector Voice Forums, helping voluntary and community organisations share knowledge, raise issues and work together to strengthen local services.

Bernie Prizeman, Community Services Manager

Bernie Prizeman, Deputy to the CEO

Bernie brings many years of valuable experience within the voluntary and community sector. Throughout their career, Bernie has delivered outreach services, exhibitions, training and information support for people living with sensory loss. Bernie has also worked with organisations supporting young people in education, developing a strong understanding of the importance of accessible information, inclusive support and empowering individuals to achieve their goals. With a wealth of experience in sensory loss, community outreach, training and education, Bernie is passionate about helping people access the support, information and opportunities they need.

Jacqui Letsome, Finance Officer

Jacqui has worked within West Berkshire’s voluntary and community sector for over 30 years, bringing extensive experience in charity administration, finance and community services. Jacqui first joined VCWB in 2004 and has held several roles within the organisation, most recently becoming Finance Officer in 2021. Alongside her work with VCWB, Jacqui also provides financial support to two other local charities and works as a Parish Council Clerk in North Hampshire. With her wealth of experience across the voluntary sector, charity finance and community organisations, Jacqui plays an important role in supporting the effective financial management and smooth running of VCWB.

Chris Read, Volunteer Recruitment Officer

Chris joined the VCWB team in 2013 and brings extensive experience in volunteering, education, training and assessment to his role. Chris supports potential volunteers by helping them identify suitable volunteering opportunities that match their interests, skills and aspirations. He also works with local organisations, advising them on effective ways to promote volunteering opportunities and attract the right volunteers. Having first volunteered as a teenager, Chris has a strong personal belief in the value of volunteering, both to individuals and to society as a whole. He is a qualified teacher, trainer and assessor, bringing valuable knowledge and experience to his work supporting volunteers and community organisations. Chris is passionate about helping people discover the benefits of volunteering.

Pankaja Samant, Project and Training Officer

Pankaja joined VCWB in 2021 and has since become a valued and integral part of the team. Her varied role combines community engagement, training coordination, administration and digital communications, helping to support the organisation and its work across the local voluntary sector. Pankaja plays an important role in organising community-focused events, coordinating training opportunities for voluntary and community organisations, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day administration of VCWB. Pankaja holds both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Computer Science from a technical university in India. She brings her strong digital and organisational skills to VCWB, helping the organisation connect with its community and promote its services effectively.

Ross Wilson, Handybus Coordinator

Ross brings a diverse background in science, engineering and IT security to his role at VCWB. He holds a degree in Chemistry, which he jokes is now so long ago that it was “more like Alchemy”! After graduating, Ross spent two years working as a Water Treatment Engineer before moving into the technology sector. Ross went on to work for several leading IT security companies, gaining extensive professional experience across both the UK and Asia. Today, Ross coordinates VCWB’s Handybus service, helping people who experience difficulties accessing public transport to travel more easily and stay connected with their local community. With his varied professional background and practical approach, Ross plays an important role in supporting accessible community transport and local residents.

Sue Bennett - Suicide Prevention Outreach Worker

Sue joined WBSPAG as an Outreach Worker after retiring from her role as a Nurse Practitioner in 2022, following an impressive 31-year career working in general practice. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sue began her outreach role by providing local businesses and sports clubs with information about available sources of support and help. Her extensive experience in healthcare gives her a valuable understanding of the challenges individuals and communities can face when seeking information, advice and support. Sue is passionate about community outreach, raising awareness and connecting people with the right sources of help, helping to ensure that local organisations and their communities know where to turn for support