Voluntary Action Surrey East (VASE) strengthens the voluntary, charity, community and social enterprise sector so communities across East Surrey can thrive. We provide the tools, knowledge, and networks that help local organisations create lasting, meaningful impact.
VASE brings together the long-standing histories of two respected community support organisations: Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge Voluntary Action. Today, we work closely with the East Surrey VCSE sector, funders, stakeholders, volunteers, health partners and local authorities to ensure community groups have the support they need to flourish.
Our mission is simple: to empower people and organisations to build stronger, more connected and inclusive communities across East Surrey.
We do this by supporting voluntary and community groups with practical guidance, specialist expertise, and opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to:
Our values shape how we work and guide every partnership we build:
Community First
We believe people and communities thrive when they are supported, connected, and empowered.
Collaboration
We bring organisations, volunteers, funders, and local authorities together to create collective impact.
Equity and Inclusion
We work to ensure every group and individual has a fair chance to contribute and succeed, removing barriers wherever they exist.
Sustainable Impact
We support approaches that strengthen organisations for the long term—building resilience, encouraging innovation, and promoting evidence-based decisions.
A strategic leader and community builder, Sam's experience is underpinned by an MSc in Global Development and a strong VCSE track record. She focuses on driving impact through partnerships, sustainable development, and strengthening community organisations across Tandridge and Reigate & Banstead.
With a background in filmmaking and event management, Trish coordinates projects and enables connections within the VCSE sector and beyond. She is excited about supporting community action by connecting volunteers with community groups and finding creative ways to increase capacity and engagement.
Zanaib brings strong financial and advisory experience to the team. With a background in supervision, training, and debt advice, she supports the organisation with reliable, transparent financial management. Zanaib holds an MBA in Finance and is ACCA-qualified.
Urmi helps East Surrey’s VCSE sector make its voice heard loud and clear. With experience in journalism, PR and digital marketing, she brings ideas, energy and creativity to accessible, inclusive communication— supporting Tandridge, Reigate & Banstead VCSEs share stories confidently and spark community connection.
Louise manages the Community Companions scheme which currently runs within the district of Tandridge. She is passionate about empowering people and brings excellent communication skills and compassion to the scheme helping to make meaningful connections and reduce social isolation for lots of older residents who live alone.
Ray is the Chair of Trustees at Voluntary Action Surrey East. He has served in numerous third sector voluntary appointments and his final employed role was at the MOD, where he was the Chief Executive of an Arms Length Body supporting Reserve Forces & Cadets. Ray is a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London and the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Croydon.
Jon is an MBA-qualified senior leader with over 20 years’ experience in charity and non-profit organisations. A long-time East Surrey resident, he is passionate about community, governance, and making resources work for impact. Jon brings strategic insight and a collaborative approach to help VASE strengthen local networks and volunteering.
Until her retirement, Barbara was a Chartered Accountant and worked primarily in general practice, dealing with tax and accountancy matters for small businesses and individuals. She joined what is now Voluntary Action Surrey East in April 2017 to act as trustee treasurer. She was able to use her accountancy knowledge to set up and operate the financial systems and controls.
Yvonne has worked in education for the past 17 years and before that she worked within the NHS for several years, in both child development and adult mental health services. She is currently an assistant headteacher at a local primary school in Redhill.
After originally volunteering with Tandridge Voluntary Action, Tom saw first-hand the vital work of the organisation and led to him applying to the board in 2020. As the youngest member of the board he is keen to encourage more young people to serve as trustees, as only a small proportion of trustees nationally are under 30. In his day to day work he is a civil servant.
Julie is an experienced former NHS Chief People Officer, previously at Guy’s and St Thomas’ until 2024. She now provides coaching and consultancy to the NHS across London and the South East. She has served as a school governor, as a member of Coventry University Vice Chancellor's Health Advisory Board, and currently volunteers with Citizens Advice and as a trustee of Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care.
Mike is a former senior manager in local government responsible for a range of corporate services. Now retired, he hopes to bring his experience to VASE to help it meet the challenges of the future as it continues to provide vital support to local organisations and communities.