I have worked in the third sector most of my career. I started out volunteering whilst undertaking counselling training- a career path I chose after witnessing from an early age the devastating effects poor mental health can have on individuals and families.

Once I had qualified, I specialised in substance misuse counselling where I gained a wide range of experience including working in the community and within the criminal justice system before taking up management positions.

Since then, I have undertaken further study and hold qualifications in Further Education, Health & Social Care, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Developing Professional Practice in Senior Management.

I joined n-compass in 2008 as a Service Manager before taking up the Services Director position in 2018 overseeing all service delivery across the region. In this role I led the implementation of new services worth over £4m across the Northwest often involving complex TUPE transfers and various partnership arrangements, whilst ensuring no loss of service to those we exist to support.

Now, as the CEO of n-compass I lead the executive leadership team, working closely with our board of trustees to fulfil our charitable purpose. We do this through the delivery of £6m worth of service delivery, with a team of 150 passionate staff members, more than 130 volunteers and with the support of social work students.

I feel privileged to hold this position and to lead such an amazing organisation with colleagues that are truly passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of those we support. Together, we work hard to reach as many people as possible and provide high quality, person centred, impactful services.

Alongside my role at n-compass I am a proud Trustee of Galloways – a Northwest sight loss charity and of Blackpool Ice Drome Charities Association (BIDCA).

Joanna Solanki