Our Trustees

Professor Richard Kirk is a very experienced Charity Trustee and Chair. He chaired the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF), which provides equipment for diagnosis, psychological and practical support for children and families throughout the north. Under his stewardship CHUF was voted 2015 North East Charity of the Year. He is currently chair of the Tyne Rivers Trust – the only environmental charity caring for the Tyne rivers and its tributaries from Alston and Kielder to the Tyne estuary. His professional career was treating children with heart disease and he developed an international reputation especially for those with heart failure requiring transplantation. He remains involved in medicine as a trustee of the Lily Foundation supporting critical illness in children and adults with mitochondrial disease. His much loved dog, Oscar not only travelled the world with Richard and his family but as a therapy dog Oscar brought children confined to hospital much joy and comfort.

He brings his wealth of experience, knowledge of the charity sector, vision and enthusiasm to our Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter, established in 1896, and one of the oldest North East Charities.

Steven is the COO/CFO of Blu Sky, bringing extensive leadership experience in finance, operations, and organisational development to his role as a trustee at NDACS. With a background spanning strategic planning, governance oversight, and building high-performing teams, he supports the charity with strong financial stewardship and a pragmatic, values-led approach. Steven is passionate about helping organisations grow sustainably and ensuring they have the structures and support needed to deliver meaningful impact in their communities.

Tom has worked at the intersection of marketing, strategy and technology for more than 30 years. With a background in brand development and digital transformation, he has founded and led creative and digital agencies, helping organisations bring clarity to their story and build systems that improve the way they communicate and operate. His work increasingly focuses on using data, automation and emerging technologies to create more effective and sustainable ways of working.

Alongside his consultancy work, Tom is committed to supporting the third sector and is proud to serve as a trustee of Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter. He brings strategic insight, practical problem-solving and digital experience to support the charity’s ongoing development and to help strengthen its long-term sustainability for the animals in its care.