Meet our trustees
A strong and diverse board of trustees supporting Tempus Novo.
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Trustee
Professor Danielle McDermott
Professor Danielle McDermott is Director of Psychology & Criminology at the University of Law, a Chartered Psychologist and Professor of Custodial Practice. She brings extensive experience of the criminal justice system combining academic leadership and research with frontline practitioner experience within His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service.
Before moving into academia, Danielle spent seven years working in the Psychology Department at HMP Leeds, where she became Treatment Manager for the Safer Custody Unit supporting vulnerable prisoners at risk of self harm and suicide. Her work within the Prison Service was recognised with a Certificate of Commendation from the Butler Trust.
Danielle’s research focuses on self harm, suicide, violence, rehabilitation and improving educational and employment outcomes for justice involved individuals. She has published widely, advised organisations across the criminal justice sector and contributed to initiatives including the development of an MSc in Applied Custodial Leadership in partnership with Unlocked Graduates.
She holds a PhD in Forensic Psychology from the University of Leeds, is a Chartered Psychologist registered with the British Psychological Society, an award-winning educator and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Danielle also serves as a Trustee of the Wise Owl Multi Academy Trust.
Having previously supported Tempus Novo as an Ambassador and through research and evaluation work, Danielle now brings her expertise in psychology, rehabilitation, education, evidence based practice and strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees supporting Tempus Novo’s mission to help people with convictions rebuild their lives through sustainable employment.
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Trustee
Tom is a retired Solicitor after 34 years in private practice, during which he acted for a number of charities, both pro bono and on a fee-paying basis. Tom joined an educational charity as Director of Administration and Compliance.
In September 2022 he moved to part-time working, dealing with governance matters only, for that charity.
Since November 2022 Tom has been the Chair of the Harrogate Arts and Mercer Gallery Development Trust, a local arts-based charity. Tom knows from firsthand experience the difference that well run and dynamic charities can make and was delighted to be asked to contribute to the invaluable work being delivered by Tempus Novo.
Married with four adult children and, to date, six grandchildren, Tom lives in Harrogate. He is an enthusiastic walker and is now enjoying having time to explore some of the many ancient Caminos in Europe.
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Trustee
Jill is an experienced commercial lawyer, board adviser and senior business leader with more than 30 years’ experience working with organisations across a diverse range of sectors. During her career she has worked at the heart of businesses, advising boards and senior leadership teams on legal, commercial, governance and strategic matters and helping organisations navigate periods of growth, change and increasing regulatory complexity.
Her professional career has included senior roles as General Counsel, Chief Operating Officer, Head of Legal and Company Secretary giving her a broad understanding not only of the law but of how successful organisations operate and make effective decisions. She has worked across sectors including telecommunications, financial services, manufacturing, publishing, construction and professional services, as well as advising a significant number of businesses as their external or virtual in house counsel.
Jill has also built and developed legal functions from the ground up working closely with boards and executive teams to strengthen governance manage risk and introduce practical systems that support organisations as they grow. Her experience ranges from advising on major commercial agreements and regulatory issues to company governance, data protection, employment matters and organisational strategy. Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for taking complex legal or regulatory issues and turning them into clear practical solutions that people can understand and use.
Jill also brings valuable experience of the charity sector through her work with the Leeds Community Foundation Finance and Regulatory Committee where she has supported strong governance, regulatory compliance and effective decision making.
As a Trustee of Tempus Novo Jill combines considerable commercial and legal experience with a genuine commitment to social purpose. She is passionate about organisations that give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and fulfil their potential and is particularly drawn to Tempus Novo’s belief in the transformative power of meaningful employment.
Jill hopes to use her experience in governance, strategy, leadership and organisational development to support Tempus Novo as it continues to grow and strengthens its reach and create more opportunities for people leaving prison. Her combination of professional expertise, experience of developing people and commitment to positive change makes her a valuable addition to the Board of Trustees.
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Treasurer
Henry currently works at Deloitte, as a Director in their Debt and Capital Advisory team. Henry started his career in Deloitte’s audit practice, gaining experience across a range of businesses as well as qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
After being introduced to Tempus Novo, Henry was struck by the large impact small changes can make on the lives of ex-offenders and their families.
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Trustee
Charles worked in Kenya and as a re-insurance broker in the London market before returning home to manage the family estate at Escrick Park, near York.
Passionate about reducing reoffending, Charles started and chairs for a fundraising committee for a residential rehabilitation centre in Hull run by the Forward Trust, supporting the recovery for addicted ex-offenders.
Charles has been Chairman of the Trustees of Selby Abbey and the Appeal, a governor of Queen Margaret’s School, Chairman of the CLA Yorkshire branch, a Trustee of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and High Sheriff of North Yorkshire in 2015/16.