Lorrainne Smyth - Chief Executive

Lorrainne was appointed as Chief Executive in 2012. Prior to this she worked as Strategic Policy Advisor Community Programmes and Performance Manager at Cumbria County Council where she advised on community engagement and inclusion.  Lorrainne's background is in community development, specialising in rural communities.  Between 1993 and 2007 she worked at ACT as the Development Team Manager taking responsibility for a variety of projects.  She has worked extensively with parish councils, village halls, graduate apprentices and undertaken project development and delivery with communities throughout Cumbria.  Lorrainne has also held management positions in private sector training and development companies, local authorities and Third Sector organisations placing emphasis on shared learning and the development process.

Julia Wilson – Development Manager

Julia joined ACT in 2002 and is the Development Manager. She works part-time for ACT developing new project ideas and identifying funding opportunities.

Previous roles for ACT have included development work with communities in the south of the county and project management. Julia has 20 years experience in the voluntary sector and has worked for the Wildlife Trusts, Cumbria CVS and Brathay Trust.

 Hellen Aitken – Development Officer

Hellen joined ACT in 2006. In her role as Development Officer she focuses on the North of the county, supporting communities with Community Led Planning, Village Halls advice, Community Emergency Planning and other initiatives.

In recent years Hellen has taken the lead on delivering a number of community energy projects at ACT, particularly in relation to Fuel Poverty, a key issue affecting rural communities. Prior to joining ACT Hellen led a project for the Princes Trust, mentoring and facilitating learning for young people.   

Fran Richardson – Development Officer  

Fran joined the ACT team in September 2015 and is Development Officer working with communities in the south of the county. She supports the work of groups involved in Community Led Planning and offers advice to Village Halls on a range of practical and governance issues.

Fran has over fifteen years experience working for a national charity in which she created, funded and managed opportunities to engage volunteers in practical environmental work and training. She has a particular interest in sustainable living and social equity, including community led development, locally-owned renewable energy production and making sure that communities work to meet the needs of those who require support.

Dani Hudson - Office Manager

Dani joined ACT in 2005 after relocating from Yorkshire where she worked as PA to Chief Executive of a group of international companies.  As well as administering the Cumbria Rural Panel, Rebuilding Together and the Community Resilience Network she also provides PA support to the Chief Executive, organises ACT's events and conferences, and is currently mentor for our Business Administration Apprentice. Dani is the public voice of ACT. She is responsible for the smooth running of the offices, finances and support services to the ACT team and all those who call us with enquiries.

Rose Lord

Rose joined ACT in June 2017, working part-time as Development Officer for West Cumbria, supporting communities with emergency planning, community planning and other projects or initiatives. Rose has a strong background in heritage management and conservation planning; having worked for both the National Trust and North of England Civic Trust.

Previous work has included supporting community groups to develop and deliver heritage led projects involving research, interpretation, heritage audits, surveys and appraisals. Rose has also supported groups to access funding through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund, as well as regional and one-off funding sources.

Rose is interested in the role the historic environment plays in shaping people’s day to day lives and is keen to help communities explore ways to share and celebrate the more unusual and lesser known heritage of their local area.

Kerry Barlow –  Business Admin Apprentice 

Kerry joined the ACT team in September 2016 as our Business Admin Apprentice after returning back to Cumbria after serving in the forces. She is responsible for the general administration around the office. Kerry is hoping to achieve her Level 3 in Business Administration whilst working with us.