About our Facilitators

John Higson is the Community Accountant for Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council. He is a qualified accountant who has worked in a variety of organisations ranging from a major high street bank to a timber merchant. He has specialised in the not for profit sector for around 20 years, working for and with both small and large charities in that time. He has been the Community Accountant in Wolverhampton since September 2006 and worked with approaching 200 organisations in that time. He has delivered many well received and effective – rated ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ by more than 80% of attendees -  training sessions during that time for both WVSC and other bodies, within Wolverhampton and beyond.

Julia Harris is the Organisational Development Worker for Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council. She has been involved in supporting a large variety of organisations to adopt the appropriate structure, register as charities and/or companies and reassess their position and direction to meet required standards. She has worked with numerous groups in securing funding for a variety of projects including an outdoor mental health rehabilitation program and the construction of a skate park. 

Geeta Patel is the Senior Health and Well Being Officer for Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council and is the Outcomes Super Champ for the Third Sector in the City. Geeta has been active within the sphere of Community Development, Equalities and Third Sector for over 30 years and has particular experience of working with issues relating to Domestic Violence, Women’s issues, Anti-Racism, Housing, Participation in Decision-making and Health. 

Saffi Price is the Partnership & Participation Co-ordinator for Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council and Outcomes Champion for the Third Sector in the City. Saffi has many years experience in the not-for-profit sector both as a volunteer and in paid employment, working locally, sub-regionally and regionally around Community Empowerment, Equality, Partnership and Participation, and Outcomes. She has trained staff in the health sector and been working as a trainer and facilitator for the past 9 years.