Team - Timebanking UK

Sarah Bird

Sarah has 15 years of experience working in timebanking. After setting up and running a time bank, she became passionate about the model and the way it values people for who they are and what they can do, regardless of their age, ability or background. Sarah went on to be a timebanking consultant and project manager for Timebanking UK and is now the organisations dedicated and inspiring chief executive.

Sarah continues to develop partnerships and networks across the UK and envisages a country where people in every town and city can access a mechanism of coproduction. Sarah is constantly seeking collaboration and support to grow the timebanking movement to take the pressure off statutory health and social care services. She delivers talks, presentations and training days and is always happy to show how the timebanking model can benefit individuals, communities and organisations.

Sarah loves her pet dogs and has recently branched out, acquiring some chickens. She loves travelling, gentle runs (she recently completed the Bath Half Marathon – remotely) and growing sunflowers.

<<back to list

Martin Simon

Martin Simon’s work has extended from that of a poet and a philosopher to a leading social activist, from a left wing radical to a humanist and a social innovator. Throughout his working life he has been driven by a passion for participation, mutuality and social justice.

<<back to list

John Biesse

John’s role is to develop new time banks, with local communities and in partnership with other organisations who can see the potential and benefits that a time bank will offer to local people.

<<back to list

Rebecca Cobb

Rebecca has over 20 years of experience working in not-for-profit communications and engagement. The last five years have seen her focussing on reaching and supporting university students experiencing isolation.

Having joined TBUK in November 2022 she is taking a lead on all things communications, and aims to raise the profile of Timebanking UK at every level. Rebecca wants Timebanking UK to be an instantly recognisable brand on everyone’s lips.

She can provide 1:1 communications and engagement support for member time banks by appointment.

Rebecca lives with her family in West Yorkshire. She loves creating and can often be found drawing, painting or sewing. She’s a great cook (if she does say so herself) but wishes she was a better gardener!

<<back to list

Femi Oyetunde

<<back to list

Alex Piesse

Alex manages Timebanking UK’s Social Media Communications.

<<back to list

Rizi Shafique

<<back to list

Lord Low of Dalston CBE

Colin Low, a law scholar and former chair of the RNIB, has been a lifelong campaigner for the rights of blind and disabled people, especially in the field of education.

Lord Low says, “Everyone in society is of value no matter what their age, ability or background. Timebanking helps people realise their self-worth, building local support networks helping to address the social care crisis and end loneliness. Timebanking UK provide the resources needed to set up and run time banks in communities and I’m pleased to support their vision and mission.”

<<back to list

Craig Ryan

Craig is a freelance journalist, copywriter and researcher, writing mainly about government, economic policy, work, the NHS and Europe. He is also a partner at Lexographic, which provides expert communications services to trade unions, charities and small businesses, and editor of Healthcare Manager magazine. As well as being a trustee of Timebanking UK, Craig is treasurer of Stroud Valley School Parent Teachers Association and chair of Stroud branch Labour Party.

<<back to list

Ian Clark

Ian is a retired management consultant (FCIMC) and fundraising director (FCIF). He has served as a Trustee of several national charities, generally focused on financial, fundraising and governance matters. He mentors a variety of small charities, helping them to grow and become more effective in a sustainable manner.

<<back to list