Our executive team
Waythrough is led by a committed executive team.
Paul Townsley - Chief Executive Officer
I’ve worked in the health and social care sector for most of my life, starting out as a volunteer, then moving to front-line practitioner, manager, and – most recently – CEO. Working in these roles has helped me understand, from multiple perspectives, how an organisation like ours functions, and what people working in services need from leadership.
I’m passionate about constantly working to improve and evolve what we do to better meet the needs of the people who use our services, which is why I’m so excited about leading Waythrough as we start this new chapter.
What we’re setting out to do will take time, but I know we’ve got the expertise and determination we need to achieve our vision of breaking down the barriers between services and giving more people the support they need and deserve.
June Riley - Executive Director (Finance)
I’ve worked in the public and charity sector for many years after qualifying as a graduate trainee accountant in the NHS. Since then, I’ve spent a large part of my career working in housing care and support in various organisations, including as Director of Financial Management at the Housing Association. The provision of good, affordable social housing and quality care and support is close to my heart and I believe that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.
I started working at Richmond Fellowship in February 2020 as Group Director of Finance, and have worked on the merger with Humankind from our early conversations through to the creation and launch of Waythrough.
As Executive Director for Finance, I ensure Waythrough is financially stable and sustainable as we take our plans from ambition to reality. As one of the largest charities in the UK, we have the chance to change the way the services we provide are designed and delivered, and I’m proud to be a part of this new and exciting organisation.
Evan Chiswell - Executive Director (Partnerships, Innovation and Business Development)
I’ve worked with a range of different marginalised and vulnerable groups, including adult offenders, people with mental health needs, male sex workers, people who are street homeless, older people and people with a learning disability.
I’m also a founding trustee of Survivors Manchester, a charity that supports male survivors of sexual abuse or rape, and campaigns on a national scale.
I believe passionately in the services we provide and in the potential of Waythrough to create even more impact in the lives and communities of the people we support.
Whilst I enjoy the Business Development side of my role, there’s nothing I enjoy more than speaking to people who use our services and hearing their ideas and insights first hand. It’s these conversations that lead to the best innovations and the strongest partnerships – two things that we’ll need to focus on in the coming months and years.
Ted Haughey - Executive Director (Operations)
I’ve been working in the health and social care field for 18 years, from volunteering to my current role as Executive Director. I’ve worked across the country in a wide variety of services and specialisms including supported housing, street homelessness, young people and substance use.
I worked for Humankind since 2014, and having had such broad experience across multiple services have long wanted to see more integration and a less fragmented approach to people dealing with more than one issue. Which, let’s face it, is describes most of us!
I’m incredibly proud to work for Waythrough and excited about our future because we’re bringing together the skills and experience of thousands of people who already make a big difference in the communities they work in.
Anna Headley - Executive Director (Clinical, Quality and Performance)
I started my career as a General Nurse before specialising in neurosciences and working in acute care, where I witnessed the impact of substance use on people and their families first hand.
Having worked in health and social care for over 25 years, including 10 years with the NHS, I wanted to be part of an organisation that supported people into recovery before they experienced permanent damage or injury. My experience has shown me how often substance use is connected to wider social and health issues, which is why I’m so happy to be working for Waythrough.
I love working for an organisation that is so passionate about working with people, seeing their value, and respecting their individuality. On a daily basis, I meet people who have been affected by substance use, homelessness and mental health challenges, who – if they can access the right support – can discover their value and purpose and then thrive. I’m proud to be part of that.
Roya Vaziri - Executive Medical Director
After qualifying as a doctor in 1998, I’ve gained a diverse range of experience, from surgical specialities in the North East of England to completing my training in General Practice in the South West.
I first became interested in substance use through my work as a GP providing care to people who were experiencing homelessness. Seeing how often these and other issues cross over in people’s lives reinforced my belief that interventions and services must be conceived and delivered more holistically.
I was appointed as Humankind’s Medical Director in 2018, so it’s now with great pride and passion that I’m working with new and existing colleagues to making sure Waythrough delivers the highest quality care now and into the future.
Dave Marsh - Executive Director (IT and Digital)
With 20 years of Information Technology (IT) and digital experience within a wide range of organisations including 10 years within the NHS and charities, I’m couldn’t be more proud to be Waythrough’s first Executive Director for IT & Digital.
I’m a technologist at heart and passionate about the impact my team can have supporting colleagues to make a difference to the lives of people accessing our services – whether in person or through digital platforms.
I believe technology and digital teams have the power to transform organisations for the better, but technology alone doesn’t add value. To really make an impact, IT and digital services need a committed team that’s tuned into an organisation’s vision and values and to people’s day-to-day needs. That’s what we have at Waythrough, and I look forward to leading the team into the next chapter.
Kathryn Summerfield - Executive Director (People and Culture)
I know that the well-being of our people directly impacts our ability to deliver excellent care and support, and I see my role as leading our efforts to create a workplace where everyone – volunteers, employees, and leaders – can thrive.
Before joining Humankind, I spent over 20 years in various HR roles in different sectors, building my knowledge and understanding of attracting and developing talent, enhancing wellbeing, and promoting diversity. Now, as we become Waythrough, I’m focused on how we create the conditions for all of us to grow, personally and professionally.
I firmly believe that a balanced life is key to being happy and productive, and will continue to advocate for this approach to our culture and ways of working.
