By raising awareness and understanding of the issues and advocating for human-centred solutions, we help decision makers improve systems and have a more positive impact. We achieve this through training and development programmes and consultancy aimed at the business community to help them better advise and guide their colleagues, customers and communities and by providing direct access support outside of Gateshead.
With his extensive background in Lean operations gained from the Private Sector, coupled with his recent experience in senior leadership roles in the Voluntary Sector, Phill brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Additionally, Phill is a founding trustee of an award-winning charity based in the North East and was also recently recognised with a Point of Light Award from the UK Prime Minister for work in the Voluntary Sector.
Having started in business development and project management at a young age, Rachael has built a successful career over the last 18 years, working across a range of sectors including years spent in the VCSE and education sectors. Rachael has developed a diverse range of clients across different industries in public and private sectors, having managed and supported projects for blue chip companies, local authorities, SMEs and charities.
Rachael's specialties include Customer Relationships Management, Sales Development and Strategy, Communication, New Business Development and Account Management.
Rachael is incredibly passionate about the North East and developing opportunities for people living in the region. She's is particularly dedicated to better outcomes for children and believes every child should be able to grow and develop, have access to education and achieve their dreams.
Adam Matthews has been part of Society Matters CIC since 2019, originally joining as a Social Welfare Instructor responsible for designing and delivering specialist training across the UK. Over the years, Adam has become a driving force behind Society Matters’ national training offer, creating all of the organisation’s CPD-accredited programmes and leading the development of its highly acclaimed training team.
With more than a decade of experience at Citizens Advice, Adam has worked in a range of specialist roles including welfare benefits, debt, immigration, and housing. His background also includes work in mental health services and communications, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the challenges faced by people navigating complex systems. Adam is highly experienced in supporting individuals through benefit tribunal processes, offering both technical expertise and practical guidance.
In 2024, Adam returned to Society Matters following a period in the Cabinet Office, where he worked as a Design and Delivery Manager supporting the development of learning in Government. He brings this strategic experience back into his current role, where he oversees social delivery, service design, and the continued evolution of Society Matters’ high-quality training and support services.
Becky joined Society Matters in 2022, bringing experience from a range of public‑facing roles across consumer services, care, and the dental sector.
As Society Matters Coordinator, she plays a key part in ensuring the smooth running of day‑to‑day operations. Becky leads on administrative coordination, finance and feedback reporting, and acts as the first point of contact for all enquiries. She also provides vital support to the Social Delivery Manager, helping to keep projects organised, on track, and responsive to the needs of our partners and communities.
Gareth joined Society Matters in 2022 as our newest social welfare trainer. Gareth initially worked for our parent charity, Citizens Advice Gateshead first as an adviser on our Help through Hardship line in partnership with the Trussell Trust. Gareth went on to become a generalist social welfare adviser.
Alongside Chris, Gareth delivers our online and face to face courses, bringing with him an up-to-date knowledge of social welfare issues.
Sharleen joined the Society Matters team in Jan 2024 as our Outreach Coordinator. Sharleen has an extensive background in Contract Centre Operations such as Adviceline, Witness Services, Sage Gateshead to name a few.
Sharleen has a passion for helping people into work and thrives on any challenges presented.
Chris Joined our Team in 2022 making him one of our longest serving Trainers here at Society Matters. With over 7 years working in Social Welfare Advice, Chris is able to utilise his expert knowledge to deliver a satisfying training experience, drawing from his own experience working in the field. As an advisor he has supported clients with issues spanning from Energy Bill disputes, Welfare Benefit issues to Housing & Homelessness and Immigration. In his spare time Chris is a huge Film nerd, making him a force to be reconned with in any movie quiz
