Sue’s journey into the community sector began in 1997, when she joined Manor Farm Community Association as a volunteer while completing an NVQ in administration.
She still remembers her first day clearly, saying: “They gave me a typewriter and a tub of Tipp-Ex. I’d only ever used computers at school. I thought, oh no, I’m never going to be able to do this.”
From those early days, Sue worked her way through a variety of roles, from receptionist to duty officer, then into adult education, before becoming Charity Manager around 12 years ago. Over that time, she has been involved in a wide range of community services, from education and employment support to social prescribing. Reflecting on her journey, she says simply that she has "enjoyed every second."
Becoming a mum at 16, Sue was determined to continue her education and build a future for herself and her daughter, and community-based learning gave her that opportunity. She explains: “It was accessible, my mum could have my little girl in the evenings, and I could do my courses.”
Having spent most of her life in Walsall, Sue has a strong connection to the area and its communities. She has seen first-hand the value of long-standing local organisations and the role they play in people’s lives, saying: “There’s a lot of really long-standing organisations in Walsall, that’s a real asset we should be proud of.”
Alongside her role at Manor Farm, Sue is Vice Chair of Walsall Community Network and a member of the Walsall Together Partnership Board and plays an active role in partnership working across the borough. She brings a strong grassroots perspective, shaped by years of working directly with local people and organisations. For Sue, collaboration is key, and she says: “When we do things truly collaboratively, it really works.”
At the heart of her approach is a focus on people. Whether it’s helping someone access support, build confidence, or simply feel part of their community, Sue and her team work in a way that is practical, personal and responsive, saying “It’s about that individual.”
Outside of work, Sue enjoys keeping busy. She has recently taken up drumming and loves to travel, with trips to places like India, Vietnam and Nepal, and plans for Borneo to celebrate a milestone birthday.
