Mark Reading
Chief Executive
I have more than 20 years’ experience within the Third Sector, both from an infrastructure and funding perspective. I’ve previously worked as a grants officer and grants manager at local, regional and national level. My role at CCA focuses on ensuring our objectives are delivered to the highest standard.
John Heselwood
Deputy Chief Executive (RHE Programme Lead)
I joined CCA in 2006 and have held a variety of roles in that time. My current role involves working with communities, councils, landowners and housing associations to enable rural affordable housing developments that meet local housing need. I also advise communities on neighbourhood plans and support the Chief Executive with governance, strategy and core management duties for the organisation.
Adele Rylance
Finance and Operations Co-ordinator
I joined CCA in November 2023 as the Office Admin Assistant having previously worked for the NHS for 14 years. My roles within the NHS included Medical Secretary and Cancer Support Worker. I have a lot of office experience within sensitive and caring teams. This experience will help my career within CCA. I enjoy supporting the CCA team and learning all about the numerous projects and services.
Kevin Janes
Community Development Manager
I joined the team at CCA in 2018, bringing with me over 10 years’ experience of providing advice and support to social enterprises, community businesses and other not for private profit organisations. In addition to this, I have experience of managing and advising on community regeneration, community development and anti-poverty programmes.
Laura Penn
Community Engagement Officer
Laura joined CCA in October 2024 as a Community Engagement Officer having previously worked in Cheshire West for 2 years as Community Development Worker. She have an LLB in law and a background in social housing where she obtained an HNC in building surveying. Laura has over 5 years’ experience as a voluntary trustee for a charity and is pleased to be continuing work with charities and community groups with Cheshire Community Action.
Alyssa Baines
Community Pathfinder
I have worked with CCA for just over 10 years on various projects, which have mainly involved supporting vulnerable adults and making sure they can live independently at home for as long as possible. In September 2023 I joined the Community Home First team, which aims to support hospital patients be discharged home as comfortably as possible, and to ensure they have the support they need to avoid potential readmission. I enjoy helping to empower people to have a decent standard of living, with as much independence as possible.
Rebecca Kenny
Community Pathfinder
I joined CCA in October 2023 as a Community Connector where my aim is to work with patients and family in order to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home and to signpost to organisations that can help on their return. I have experience of working within the community to support elderly people in isolation to build or rebuild confidence and provide low-level mental health support.
Lucy Okell
Community Pathfinder
Having previously worked out in the community as a mental health link worker and social prescriber, I joined CCA to work as a Community Connector based in the Countess of Chester Hospital. Here I’m working to improve the flow of patients through the hospital by connecting them to VSFSE services to help improve their wellbeing once they get home. I am a qualified counsellor and am passionate about helping people holistically, looking at both their mental and physical health.
Becky Whitmore
Community Engagement Officer
Becky joined us in 2025 as the Project Support Officer and Office Administrator. Becky has extensive experience working in the community sector, having previously held roles in social housing, a children’s charity, and community development. She brings a broad range of skills and experience to the organisation. Becky studied Fine Art at university and in her spare time enjoys making things and being creative.
Emily Barlow
Community Pathfinder
I joined Cheshire Community Action in September 2025 as a Community Pathfinder. I have previous experience in the health sector, working for the NHS mental health services and third sector organisations. I’m currently studying a masters degree in counselling and psychotherapy. As a Community Pathfinder, I support patients to have a smooth transition from hospital to home, including signposting to services to support their overall wellbeing – empowering individuals to be as independent as possible, whilst feeling comfortable and supported.
Vicky Smith
Community Pathfinder
Vicky joined Cheshire Community Action in October 2024. She has a strong, dedicated and knowledgeable background in administration within a healthcare setting, having previously worked as a medical secretary for nine years with the general surgery team at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Prior to this Vicky was a community carer and has the skills and passion for patient care that will assist her in her role supporting the smooth transition of patient’s discharge from hospital back to their home.