Meet Our Staff
Find out about our great team of dedicated staff. Please remember that many of our staff work part-time hours so may not be able to respond to an enquiry straight away.
Charlotte Winterbottom
Policy and Partnerships Manager
Charlotte joined RAD in December 2021 and is our Policy and Partnerships Manager. She has responsibility for our rural poverty work including; Feeding Derbyshire, financial and digital inclusion.
Charlotte is originally from Greater Manchester and fresh out of University as a Politics graduate spent time working for Manchester and Bolton local authorities in housing, regeneration and policy roles. She then moved to Melbourne, Australia for 10 years (after a flippant “should we”) question from her husband. There she worked for the State Government of Victoria on a range of community programmes helping to respond to drought, bushfires, newly arrived refugees and population growth. On her return from Oz she’s been working in the voluntary sector, initially for the Workers Education Association and most recently spending four years at The Volunteer Bureau in Glossop, supporting community development work and business development.
She lives in High Peak with her husband, two young sons, two girl rescue dogs and a boy rescue cat. She spends most of her time outdoors; walking, watching football (both sons and Manchester City) and can also be found attempting to play cricket for Charlesworth Women’s Cricket Team. She also does lots of volunteering and is the Treasurer of Hollingworth Juniors Football Club which she says is “like another full time job”.
If you would like to contact Charlotte, email c.winterbottom@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk or call 01629 592970/07871 729990
Please note that Charlotte works part-time, 30 hours a week, and does not usually work on a Friday.
Debra Weetman
Finance & Administration Manager
Charlotte joined RAD in December 2021 and is our Policy and Partnerships Manager. She has responsibility for our rural poverty work including; Feeding Derbyshire, financial and digital inclusion.
Charlotte is originally from Greater Manchester and fresh out of University as a Politics graduate spent time working for Manchester and Bolton local authorities in housing, regeneration and policy roles. She then moved to Melbourne, Australia for 10 years (after a flippant “should we”) question from her husband. There she worked for the State Government of Victoria on a range of community programmes helping to respond to drought, bushfires, newly arrived refugees and population growth. On her return from Oz she’s been working in the voluntary sector, initially for the Workers Education Association and most recently spending four years at The Volunteer Bureau in Glossop, supporting community development work and business development.
She lives in High Peak with her husband, two young sons, two girl rescue dogs and a boy rescue cat. She spends most of her time outdoors; walking, watching football (both sons and Manchester City) and can also be found attempting to play cricket for Charlesworth Women’s Cricket Team. She also does lots of volunteering and is the Treasurer of Hollingworth Juniors Football Club which she says is “like another full time job”.
If you would like to contact Charlotte, email c.winterbottom@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk or call 01629 592970/07871 729990
Please note that Charlotte works part-time, 30 hours a week, and does not usually work on a Friday.
Emma Simpson – CEO
Chief Executive Officer
Emma was appointed to the post of CEO of RAD in January 2024. She first joined RAD in June 2006, but then left at the end of 2011 for a two-and-a-half-year break in Guernsey, coming back in September 2014 as Head of Communications & Administration.
Emma is passionate about fuel poverty and works hard to raise awareness around the cost of energy in isolated, rural areas with a particular emphasis on the properties that are not connected to the mains gas network.
Her experience comes from a number of different areas. Horses and skiing have had an impact on her career path. She is a qualified riding instructor and has worked in England, Spain, America and Australia with horses. She has also had 4 seasons working as a Resorts Manager for a ski company in Italy. She still goes of to the mountains in the winter for the odd ski break. She lives in Wirksworth and loves walking the dog and wild swimming. She also cycles, but she doesn’t love that quite so much due to the hilly terrain around Wirksworth!
If you have a general enquiry about RAD’s work, marketing or would like to speak to her about the oil buying scheme call her on 01629 592970 / 07540 736118 or email e.simpson@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk.
Emma works 30 hours a week, usually Monday to Thursday.
James Wilson
Administrator
James joined Rural Action Derbyshire as an Administrator in 2025, helping out with the day to day running of the office. He has a working history over a variety of customer facing roles, both in person and over emails and phones, and takes great pleasure in problem solving and organising data.
In his spare time, he is a self-published author and avid baker, and can be found curled over his desk or oven, working on his latest masterpiece. Having grown up constantly picnicking Ogston Reservoir, James has an appreciation for the peace the rural environment can bring, and is a great believer in the healing power of cakes and the countryside!
If you wish to contact James, please email j.wilson@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk. He currently works part time, Wednesday to Friday.
Laura Mitchell
Engagement Lead
Laura is the Engagement Lead at Rural Action Derbyshire, where she leads communications and fundraising across the organisation, as well as heading up the charity’s scam prevention project. A passionate advocate for rural communities, Laura previously managed the Wheels to Work scheme at RAD and brings a wealth of experience from across the voluntary sector. Since returning to the UK in 2016, she has worked with a number of local charities and community groups, including helping to raise nearly £200,000 for a new skatepark.
Laura grew up in rural Derbyshire and understands the unique strengths and challenges of countryside living. Outside work, she enjoys walking, skateboarding, and attempting to tame her garden. She lives with her two sons and their Finnish Lapphund, Maija. With a career rooted in making a difference, Laura thrives on connecting with communities and ensuring their voices are heard.
Laura can be contacted on 07738983656 or at l.mitchell@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk, her working hours are Monday to Friday 9am-3pm
Melanie Richardson
Project Coordinator – Feeding Derbyshire
Melanie Richardson has recently stepped into the role of Project Coordinator at Feeding Derbyshire, working closely alongside Paula Dealtry. With many years of experience in the food insecurity sector and over 15 years living in Matlock, she brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by rural communities when accessing essential services.
Ready for a fresh challenge, Melanie is excited about what can be achieved in this role and the positive impact it can help deliver across the county.
Outside of work, Melanie can often be found on her allotment, where she grows her own fruit and vegetables. Any surplus produce is happily transformed into homemade jams, pickles, and ferments. A keen reader, she enjoys books of almost any genre and has set herself the goal of exploring more literary classics this year. She never turns down a theatre trip, firmly believes that Christmas isn’t complete without a panto, and is currently embracing a new guilty pleasure—learning to line dance.
Michelle Grosse
Project Officer – The Willow Project (Maternity Cover)
Michelle is the Project Willow Officer, covering for Skye during her maternity leave. She brings over ten years of experience in the charity sector, including nine years as Retail Area Manager at Ashgate Hospice. Based in Chesterfield, she lives with her husband Paul, her son Liam, and two dogs, Chip and Lola. She is excited to support the team, learn more about the project, and contribute wherever she can.
Nick Archer
Design and Content Creation Officer
Nick is a writer and photographer who joined Rural Action Derbyshire in 2023, now working as the Design and Content Creation Officer, bringing his creative skills to promote the charity’s various projects.
He has a strong passion for street and art photography, using his camera to capture the vibrancy of urban life and community stories. Nick also loves film and cinema and stays active through cycling, as well as walking and climbing.
He is a proud ally and works to support diversity, equality, and inclusivity.
If you would like to get in contact with Nick, please email n.archer@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk.
Please note that Nick works part-time, 30 hours per week.
Paula Dealtry
Food Lead – Feeding Derbyshire
Paula joined RAD in December 2020 working part-time on the Wheels to Work project. “I applied for the role as I found RAD a very interesting and worthwhile organisation with a good ethos and working on causes very close to my heart”.
She has since increased her hours to full-time and works on the Feeding Derbyshire project supporting the school holiday clubs and community pantries.
Her previous background is in senior sales management for a hot drinks company where she worked for over 20 years. For the past 7 years she has run her own coffee supplies and dog walking businesses, both of which she still continues to enjoy.
When she is not working, she loves to spend time with her 2 children, family and friends and her many pets.
If you would like to contact Paula, email p.dealtry@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk or call 07549 127707.
Rona Rawson
Rural Community Development Officer
Rona joined RAD in 2023 to progress initiatives in local communities including Village Halls and Community spaces. She is keen to utilise her community and developmental skills. Rona has qualifications in Business and Finance Management, and has had experience of working in a variety of sectors, including for the past 20 years, the Voluntary Sector in Derbyshire.
Rona lives in the High Peak; where she lives with her husband, Ian, and her dog Bouncer (by name and nature). Her interests outside of work mainly involve walking, music, food and drink with fun company! She has a camper van and takes every opportunity to escape and discover other parts of the UK and may be spotted at the odd music festival.
If you would like to contact Rona, please email r.rawson@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk
Please note that Rona works part-time, usually Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Sam Tock
Project Coordinator for Digital Support Derbyshire
Rona joined RAD in 2023 to progress initiatives in local communities including Village Halls and Community spaces. She is keen to utilise her community and developmental skills. Rona has qualifications in Business and Finance Management, and has had experience of working in a variety of sectors, including for the past 20 years, the Voluntary Sector in Derbyshire.
Rona lives in the High Peak; where she lives with her husband, Ian, and her dog Bouncer (by name and nature). Her interests outside of work mainly involve walking, music, food and drink with fun company! She has a camper van and takes every opportunity to escape and discover other parts of the UK and may be spotted at the odd music festival.
If you would like to contact Rona, please email r.rawson@ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk
Please note that Rona works part-time, usually Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Simba
Wellbeing Officer
With an impressive academic background, Simba joins RAD as our esteemed Wellbeing Officer. A graduate of the Royal College of Canine, he earned his Canis cum Laude in Advanced Fetching and Sitting, alongside a BA Honours in Vocational Charm. His studies took him to the prestigious J.T. Terrier School of Wagging, and included an exclusive six-week secondment at the Brunneis Oculos Centre of Excellence on the Isle of Dogs.
Simba’s career highlights include his pioneering work in the Great Ape Wellbeing sector, providing cuddles to humans in need, and his contributions to Tumirub technology.
At RAD, Simba brings his holistic approach to calmness, motivation, and self-actualisation, ensuring a stress-free environment. His compensation package includes treats, belly rubs, and ear scratches. Though he currently resides with CEO Emma Simpson, he assures us that he remains impartial—unless bribed with biscuits.
Skye Peat
Project Officer for The Willow Project
Skye Peat is the Project Officer for The Willow Project, helping to raise awareness of rural domestic abuse and deliver vital training.
She previously worked on the project for two years before heading off to work for a Canadian events company, but soon realised she missed making a real difference in people’s lives.
Growing up in rural Derbyshire, she knows firsthand both the beauty and challenges of rural life. A big fan of the outdoors, Skye loves road and mountain biking, CrossFit, and walking her very fluffy cockapoo, Bear—who’s usually not far from her side!
Skye is currently on maternity leave; her role is being covered by Michelle Grosse.
