Meet our team
We’re passionate about changing lives.
Meet the Team
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Co-Founder, CEO & CSO
Steve Freer is the Co-Founder and CEO of TempusNovo, an award-winning organisation dedicated to helping people with convictions rebuild their lives through sustainable employment.
After nearly 30 years in the UK Prison Service, Steve witnessed first-hand how many people leaving prison were destined to fail simply because they lacked opportunity. Determined to challenge this cycle, he and co-founder Val established TempusNovo in 2014 with a clear belief employment is the most powerful intervention in reducing re-offending.
Starting with no external funding and using their own resources, Steve and Val built TempusNovo from the ground up. Today the organisation is approaching £1 million in annual turnover and has supported over 1,400 people with convictions into sustainable employment, working with leading UK employers across logistics, manufacturing and hospitality.
Steve believes strongly that organisations delivering social change must also lead by example internally. He takes leadership seriously when it comes to supporting, valuing, and protecting the wellbeing of staff. Building a culture where people feel trusted, empowered and able to do their best work. This people-centred approach has been fundamental to TempusNovo’s success.
Through collaboration with prisons probation services and forward-thinking employers, Steve continues to champion practical evidence-based solutions to criminal justice reform, demonstrating that when opportunity replaces judgement, lives families and communities can change for the better.
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Administrator and Case Worker
In my new role as an Administrator and Case Worker, I am dedicated to creating opportunities for second chances and supporting sustainable long-term change in the lives of ex-offenders and their families. With a strong belief that with the right support, guidance and opportunities it can transform lives. I am excited to help individuals rebuild their futures and achieve lasting success.
My previous experience within the criminal justice system has provided valuable insight into the challenges and barriers many people face when seeking employment and moving forward. This understanding enables me to offer informed compassionate and practical support tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances.
Being part of a dedicated and passionate team is both rewarding and inspiring. Together we share a common purpose by helping individuals overcome obstacles and realise their potential and build brighter more stable futures through sustainable employment. Witnessing the positive impact of this work not only on individuals but also on their families and wider communities is what makes this role so meaningful.
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Faye Doherty- ESG Assistant
Faye brings broad experience in customer service, operations, project management, and people management from various challenging roles. As a business owner and President of her local Chamber of Trade & Commerce, she values supporting the community and helping others succeed.
Faye spent time with TN staff to gain an insight into helping individuals rebuild their lives and immediately recognised the team’s passion.
“Having seen the fantastic work Tempus Novo do, I was immediately drawn to the charity and keen to work with the team to support and join the mission.”
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Case Worker Yorkshire
Emily was introduced to Tempus Novo by one of her lecturers at University, and one of our Ambassadors.
“After hearing about the work TN do, I was keen to volunteer here. Volunteering at TN has been an absolute privilege and it's been a pleasure to witness individuals' flourish and re-introduce themselves into main-stream society. I am very passionate about the work TN do and becoming an official member of the team is a wonderful opportunity. I have recently graduated with first-class honours in Forensic Psychology and now work part-time here whilst studying for a Masters in Forensic Psychology at Leeds Trinity University.”
Emily now supports Kath, aiding in assessments, supporting service users, and also liaises with job centres and probation.
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Case Worker
Alina joins Tempus Novo as a caseworker after working within the prison service for 3 years.
In her previous role she assisted in helping prisoners internally whilst they served a custodial sentence and has now decided to explore and support those when they are due to be released. After seeing the work that Tempus Novo achieves, she is determined to help ex-offenders rehabilitation into a more secure environment and lifestyle after release.
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Co-Founder, CEO
Val joined the prison service in 1988 and was posted to HMYOI Huntercombe where he worked for 2yrs before transferring to HMP Leeds in 1990.
He has a comprehensive understanding of offender management having overseen Offender Management teams in prisons, and currently sits on the MOJ Employment Advisory Board at HMP Hatfield.
Val is also recognised as an influential leader on prison reform and is a member of a select alliance working with the Centre for Social Justice think tank on future policy.
He sits as an executive in residence at Sheffield Hallam University and contributes as a member of the employer advisory board.
He is also a Leadership Fellow of St Georges House, Windsor Castle, where leaders from all sectors come together from across the globe to effect change for the better in society.
As Managing Director, Val oversees the charity's operations. A key element of which includes managing the relationships between the prisons, business partners and the employers.
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Operations Manager Yorkshire
Caroline comes to TN with a wealth of experience gleaned from working for over 35 years in the Private Sector. She is a seasoned professional in Customer Service, Project Management and Business Development.
In addition to her professional expertise, Caroline has served as a Magistrate on the West Yorkshire Bench for the past 10 years, demonstrating a deep commitment to community service and fair judgment.
Passionate about second chances and driven by a strong sense of empathy and social responsibility, Caroline is eager to contribute to Tempus Novo's mission and is committed to helping individuals rebuild their lives, leveraging her experience to provide tailored support, and fostering inclusive communities.
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Project Director
Ross has got extensive experience within Welfare to Work, Recruitment and Learning & Development industries. He has worked across Traineeships, Apprenticeships and many different Government funded programmes to support and guide different demographics into sustainable outcomes.
Ross firmly believes in the Tempus Novo model, and is determined to build on the great work that TN are doing to remove the stigmas attached to ex-offenders by moving them into employment and ultimately changing lives for the better.
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Head of People, Performance and Partnerships
We’re delighted to welcome Paul Clarke to Tempus Novo as our Head of People, Performance and Partnerships. Paul brings a strong mix of HR insight, employer engagement, and real-world experience in building partnerships that actually work. He’s spent his career helping organisations think differently about recruitment connecting them with talent they might otherwise overlook, and making sure the right support is in place to turn opportunities into long-term success. Straight-talking and people focused, Paul is known for cutting through the noise and getting to what really matters supporting individuals to succeed and helping employers build stronger, more inclusive teams. He works closely with HR teams and hiring managers, offering practical, no-nonsense guidance that makes inclusive hiring feel achievable, not complicated.
Paul’s approach is collaborative but honest he’ll challenge where needed, support where it counts, and always keep the end goal in sight. Whether it’s improving retention, opening up new talent pipelines, or delivering on social value commitments, he’s focused on outcomes that benefit both people and business. Driven by a genuine belief in second chances, Paul is passionate about helping people with convictions move into sustainable employment and showing employers the real value that comes with it.
Please join us in giving Paul a very warm welcome to Tempus Novo!.
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Jeff Williams - Case Worker
Jeff Williams joins Tempus Novo as a Case Worker following a distinguished 41-year career in the Prison Service leaving at the rank of Supervisory Officer (SO) as Jeff would say, “all the best people do”.
Jeff brings extensive experience across a wide range of custodial roles combining strong operational knowledge with many years working in offender management. Throughout his career he has been committed to supporting individuals who want to break away from offending behaviour and build more positive stable future.
In his role as an Offender Supervisor Jeff worked closely with Probation Services and a range of external partner agencies playing a key role in coordinating support and achieving positive outcomes for those in custody. His collaborative approach and deep understanding of the criminal justice system make him a valuable addition to the Tempus Novo team.
Jeff is particularly drawn to Tempus Novo’s proven track record strong links with major employers, and its ethos of providing extended meaningful support well beyond job placement, these principles he believes are central to long-term success and real change.
Finance Team
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Finance Director
Mike holds several Board level appointments, alongside his role as advisor at Drink Warehouse UK Ltd, an award-winning drinks wholesale business. He also co-founded a SAAS business in 2015, offering online sport education in the equestrian field. He is also co-founder of a company that promotes women in motorsport and advises two charities on financial matters. He recently sold another business he co-founded in 2016, offering business mentoring to tech start-ups, to the management team.
His passion is partnering with CEO’s, executives and entrepreneurs helping them understand the business numbers and providing practical advice on strategy execution and acquisitions. He has seen the drink wholesale business grow from £4.2m in 2015, when he became involved to £13.5m by the end of the current financial year in May 2019, a CAGR of 34%.
With many years in a diverse range of business sectors ranging from industrial chemicals to high end branded goods, he helps simplify the mystique around finance and helps entrepreneurs to manage their respective businesses more efficiently.
He qualified as an Accountant and holds an MBA in International Finance.
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Fundraising Manager
Steve has worked in the charity sector for many years. In 1985 he established DISC (now Humankind) a major charity which, as Chief Executive, he built up to covering the north of England with 500 staff and a range of services embracing employment, housing, substance misuse and young people. For the past 10 years he has worked as business adviser, consultant and bid writer in the charity sector.
Director of Fund Raising
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Fundraising Director
We’re thrilled to welcome Lisa Suter to Tempus Novo as our new Fundraising Director.
Lisa brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, business development, and stakeholder engagement with a proven track record of delivering high-impact results. Before joining Tempus Novo, Lisa served as LEAD Business Development at NEBOSH, where she was kown for her strategic thinking, organisational excellence, and ability to cultivate meaningful partnerships.
Throughout her career Lisa has been recognised for her professionalism, reliability, and commitment to excellence. She thrives in fast-paced environments, expertly managing complex priorities while consistently delivering work of the highest standard.
Lisa’s collaborative leadership style underpinned by integrity and a strong work ethic, makes her a trusted and valued partner—both internally and across the wider stakeholder and donor community.
Passionate about our mission, Lisa is dedicated to ensuring every fundraising initiative drives sustainable impact and lasting change. We’re excited about the expertise, energy, and vision she brings to our team.
Please join us in giving Lisa a very warm welcome to Tempus Novo!
The Ripple Effect
We had the pleasure of collaborating with Tempus Novo ambassadors, Joe and Dave from The Dunwells, on our very own Tempus Novo tune. Watch below to hear the finished song and see how it came together!