Governance
Our Board of Trustees are the backbone of our organisation; they meet several times a year, including an away day that focuses particularly on vision, strategy and planning.
Our trustees provide strategic oversight for the direction of the organisation and offer a range of relevant skills to ensure we are doing what we were set up to do. They are from a variety of backgrounds and offer support and guidance and challenge and help us stay aligned to our mission and aims.
They also ensure we comply with any regulatory needs as set out by the Charity commission. If you are interested in finding out more or joining our board please email admin@n-gage.org.uk to arrange an informal discussion.
The Board represents a group of people passionate about seeing change in the communities we work in, and a sustained impact in young people’s lives.
Polly McAllester
- Chair
As a leadership coach and consultant I work with individuals, teams and organisations to support them in achieving their goals. Whether that be exploring team dynamics, evolving strategy and team alignment, or one to one coaching, my work helps individuals and organisations to thrive. Prior to setting up my own business I developed my career in HR working for financial and commercial property companies in London, California and Manchester.
I now split my time between the corporate and not for profit sectors and began working with the youth sector in Greater Manchester in 2020. I met Christie in June of 2020 and was immediately struck by the impact that N-Gage makes in our communities. Having worked together over a couple of years I was delighted to be asked to join N-Gage as a Trustee.
Cliff McConkey
- Treasurer
Originally from Northern Ireland I have lived in Stockport for the last 25 years, together with my wife Jane and my 18 year old son Callum. I first was introduced to the work of N-Gage through Ivy Church where I am a member and have followed its progress over the years, and have been extremely impressed with the impact it has had on young lives in that period. I believe that our society does fail our youth, and that there is so much wasted opportunity within young people who don’t fit neatly into the education and social structures we want them to. Therefore, I am exciting to be considered for the role of Treasurer of N-Gage, in order to help N-Gage as it seeks to further its mission to reach more young people, and give them opportunity to do something great.
My current job is CFO of a large global medical communications agency called Inizio Medical, a company who I have worked for in different roles over the last 25 years. From my experience with this company I will bring some of the professional skills I have gained there to the Treasurers role in N-Gage to ensure we manage well the resources that have been entrusted to us, and also to input creatively to the strategy we have as an organisation moving forward to further the reach to more young people. Within my professional career the most important has aspect has be valuing the individuals who I work with and also work for, in order to bring out the best in all of us, this will equally be important as a treasurer of N-Gage and will influence how I approach the role. I believe that N-Gage has already achieved a lot but it has the opportunity to move on to greater things, and I would love to play at least a small part in that.
Anna Embrey
- Trustee
I am delighted to join the board of trustees at N-Gage. I am a passionate advocate for the arts and education with a wealth of experience from both the world of education and creative industries.
Currently serving as Director of Music at Bridgewater School, Worsley, I have spent over a decade inspiring young people through music and performance. Before transitioning into education, I enjoyed a successful career as a theatrical agent, working closely with talented performers and creatives across the industry.
As a musician myself, I continue to champion the value of music in young lives. Outside of work, I am a keen netball player and proud mum to a son and a loyal brown Labrador, both of whom keep me on my toes!
I am excited to contribute energy, insight, and experience to the board, helping to further the mission and reach of N-Gage.
Clive Searle
- Trustee
My name is Clive Searle. I spent the vast majority of my working life in primary education – with twenty-five years as the headteacher of Worthington Primary School in Sale, Trafford. I retired from teaching at the end of August 2023 and became a trustee of N-Gage immediately after retirement.
During my teaching career I had the opportunity to work alongside remarkable children and adults from all walks of life – it was a career I loved. In my role I collaborated with countless other agencies working to provide a brighter future for all. As chair of Trafford Primary Headteachers’ Association for sixteen years, I worked closely alongside a range of local authority officers within education and finance, as well as all heads in the borough. In addition, I was a trustee of a local charity which placed volunteers within Trafford primary
schools for twenty-five years.
I am married and have one son, and recently I became a grandfather for the first time. My family are all season ticket holders at Manchester City FC, and I have been attending
matches since the early 1970s. I sing in a local church choir – something I have done since I was seven years old. I love DIY and gardening, walking in the countryside and socialising with friends.
Alistair Chamberlain
- Trustee
My name is Alistair Chamberlain and I have been a trustee at N-Gage for the last 6 years.
I am a primary school teacher in Sale and first met Christie when I taught his oldest daughter.
I have worked in Trafford schools for the last 16 years. I wanted to be involved in an
organisation that supported young people and N-Gage seemed like the perfect charity to be involved with. I have responsibility for safeguarding at N-Gage and supporting school staff.
It is a great organisation to be involved with and the work they do with young people makes
huge difference to their lives.
Callum Marks
- Trustee
I’m born and raised in Manchester, I have worked in the media industry since the age of 16 at various national radio stations and in the past few years I’ve been growing my own podcast production agency, Listening Dog Media.
During my career I’ve been lucky enough to develop my skills and knowledge within content and digital media so when Christie asked me to join N-Gage I felt I could help to spread the word about the great work he and the team do in supporting young people across the city.
Katy O'Mara
- Trustee
I am delighted to be joining the Board of Trustees at N-Gage and to have the opportunity to support such meaningful and impactful work. Having spent over ten years working in corporate marketing, I have developed a strong background in strategy, communications and building meaningful connections. I am excited to now apply these skills in support of a cause that makes a genuine difference in young people’s lives.
As a mum myself, my perspective on the opportunities we create for the next generation has become even more meaningful, strengthening my belief that every young person should have the opportunity to become whatever they aspire to be, regardless of their background or circumstances. Too often, potential can be limited by a lack of access, awareness or opportunity, and I strongly believe in helping to open doors to possibilities that young people may not have realised existed.
I look forward to contributing my experience, energy and perspective to help N-Gage continue empowering the next generation to broaden their horizons, realise their potential and create brighter futures.