The Unit Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Leon Mexter is the Chief Executive and has worked at the Unit since 2001. Leon has overall responsibility for the operational management and strategic development of the Unit. He works closely with the Board of Directors and the staff team, to develop the strategic and business plan for the organisation, and ensure that the Unit is working to meet its charitable objectives.

Within the Unit, Leon supports the Network of Integrated Youth Support Services (IYSS), which includes the Regional Heads of IYSS Group, the Regional Youth Work Leads Group and the Regional Forum for Voluntary Youth Organisations. A significant role for Leon is in maintaining strong links with our regional and national partners including the Institute for Local Governance, the Network of Regional Youth Work Units, the Confederation of Heads of Young People’s Services and the National Council for Voluntary Youth Organisations. Leon is a member of a number of regional groups including the NE Generation Programme Board, the North East Child Poverty Commission, the advisory group for the Centre for Creativity and Learning, and the Board of Northern Architecture. Leon also has a role in developing new areas of work including establishing new partnerships, for example with the cultural sector, and research proposals with Universities in the North East.
Leon also oversees the developmental work at the Unit, including the recent development of the Diamond Model and coordinating the Net Assets project on social media and campaigning with young people.

When Leon is not at work, he enjoys time with his family and his new son, Freddie. Leon remains a stalwart member of the Mallards Cricket team, and he is hoping that Freddie will one day follow in his dad’s size 14 footsteps, and join the team.

OFFICE MANAGER

Caroline joined the Unit back in August 2002 as a part-time administration officer, and in 2005 she was appointed Office Manager in the Unit, full-time. Caroline’s overall responsibility is to manage and maintain the Regional Youth Work Unit – NE office to ensure an effective and efficient support service.

Caroline works closely with the Chief Executive at the Unit providing professional administrative and finance support, and is also responsible for all administration and finances for NE-Generation. Caroline is responsible for all administration support at meetings for the Board of Directors, Heads of IYSS and L.A. Youth Work Leads. Caroline maintains all financial activity within the Unit using Sage accounts software. She helps to assist in preparing and monitoring budgets, producing reports and statistics for both the Board of Directors and funders when necessary. Caroline also works closely with the appointed accountants to the Unit, Haines Watts on a regular basis.

When Caroline is not at work, she enjoys time with her family and friends, eating out and generally just chilling. On Sunday mornings (even those cold, wet and windy ones!) Caroline supports her 12 year old nephew and his football team Chester-le-Street FC.

ADMINISTRATION AND INFORMATION OFFICER

Ria originally started part time at the unit in November 2010. She joined the full time team in July after graduating from Newcastle University with a 2:1 BA Honours in Media, Communication and Cultural Studies.

As Admin and Information officer she is required to work on general documents for the office, providing administration support to the Chief Executive and Regional Development officers. She also manages the upkeep of the Unit’s website, social media and promotional material. In her new position she works alongside NE-Generation, Truth About Youth and Net Assets, also becoming the Administrator for Keyfund Participate North East. Her work background includes hospitality, events and radio work; which includes audio and visual editing.

After completing three years at Newcastle university she congratulated herself with a trip to Peru to do the famous Inca Trail. In her spare time Ria loves to travel; even if it just around the UK visiting various friends and family! She also enjoys listening to music and socialising.

ADMINISTRATION APPRENTICE

Rachel started at the Regional Youth Work Unit in March 2010 as an Administration Apprentice after completing her NVQ Level 1 in Business Administration at Gateshead College. In the time Rachel has been here she has completed her NVQ Level 2 and is has now started her Level 3. To complete this she goes to Gateshead College every Tuesday.

Rachel’s current responsibilities are: