Who we are

From very small beginnings, the PB Unit now has 6 team members, mostly  based in Manchester.  We are:

Phil Teece joined the PB Unit in April 2008 as the Programme Manager.  Phil previously worked as a civil servant for over 20 years in a number of departments including Department for Work & Pensions and the Inland Revenue.  His specialism is project management.  Prior to joining the Unit, Phil volunteered with a charity in Peru for a number of months.

Ruth Jackson joined the PB Unit in February 2008 as our Research and Information Officer. Ruth previously worked for a large local authority undertaking research into innovation and best practice, and managing projects developing innovative solutions. She supported the council in developing strategies around neighbourhood renewal and was her department's communications lead. 

Vince Howe works part-time for the PBU on a freelance basis.  Vince was a Senior Manager at Newcastle City Council and with responsibility for implementing and running the city's various PB projects including the initial pilot in 2006, until he left in 2009. 

Alan Budge is the PB Unit's Co-ordinator in the north of England. Alan has been closely involved with many of the innovative PB programmes in Keighley and Bradford, so brings a wealth of practical experience both of delivering PB and from being the neighbourhood partnership manager for Keighley.

Jez Hall works part-time , mainly on developing PB with Children & Young People. He has maintained links with European bodies working on PB and has written and presented widely across the UK, including on training days and at conferences. The rest of his time he works at Lancaster University on social enterprise issues.

Jenny Lazarus has worked for Church Action on Poverty for 18 years.  During that time she's been involved in a number of different projects.  She now runs the PBU's administration.