Meet the team

Dawn McGahan

Senior Caseworker

The Fund is about supporting people through challenging times, whether that be some legal support, careers advice [or] bereavement support.

"Before I joined the Chemists’ Community Fund team in 2013, I worked as a branch manager in the healthcare sector for many years, supporting people who needed end of life nursing and care services.

My role with the Fund is to offer a friendly ear, emotional support and helpful information – all in confidence. When our members or their families need financial support, I liaise with them while they prepare the applications that go to our grants committee for consideration. This has given me a real insight into how the Fund makes a meaningful difference to people’s lives, which makes my job so enjoyable.

My spare time is filled with rescued animals and eating, along with catching up on things I’ve had to postpone due to lack of time!"

Kim Sutton

Caseworker

We know that everyone’s circumstances are different. We can work with you to tailor our support so that it fits your exact needs.

"Initially joined the Chemists’ Community Fund as maternity cover in January 2019 and since October 2019 have been kept on as a caseworker.

My role is to help RSC members apply for support and find appropriate support services. I also help coordinate the schedule of wellbeing and retirement planning workshops. Before I joined the Chemists’ Community Fund I worked as a secondary school Senior Science Technician where I organised many extracurricular activities for disadvantaged students. After this I worked within the NHS where I learnt I wanted to work in a role where I could help others.

In my spare time I like trying new arts or crafts, and as a self-confessed foodie I love finding new places to eat!”

Emily Finney

Caseworker

We offer those, who perhaps don’t know how to approach their problems, solutions to difficult situations.

"After working and volunteering for my local Citizens Advice Bureau, particularly with people struggling to cope with debt, I joined the RSC. Here, I support the day-to-day activities of the Chemists’ Community Fund, helping to point our members toward the right sources of help and process applications for financial support from those who have hit hard times. I also work with our nationwide network of volunteers, linking members who need a bit of support with our volunteers. I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help when you’re feeling particularly low and vulnerable and that taking that first step can be the hardest.

With a serious sweet tooth, and a considerable lack of willpower, I am always the first to sniff out any treats in the office. When not at work, I enjoy running and have a particular obsession with all things netball."

Vanessa Thompson

Caseworker

We are here to offer support and guidance to our members and their families – no concern is too small

"I started working for the Chemists’ Community Funds Team in February 2021. Prior to this, my career had been from a legal background. I completed an undergraduate degree in Law and went on to complete the Legal Practice Course. More recently I had been working as a Legal Executive in a firm in Cambridge for several years. My practice areas were within the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence department. I had experience with dealing with a variety of cases from injury at work matters to public liability claims.

My background gave me an insight into complexities of day to day case work but also brought to focus that my passion is for delivering excellent one to one care for my clients and instrumenting change on an individual level.  I have been able to apply my skills in a new area where it can be impactful. In my current role, I act as a point of contact for our members and able to guide them through the support the Chemists’ Community Fund can offer.  I am proud to be part of a team which not only helps to support our members through their own challenging circumstances but a team that is constantly involving and has dealt with the most remarkable period  in all our recent histories and has been able to meet and respond to our member’s needs.

Outside work, I love travelling. Coming from a West African background and having lived in Kenya, I am constantly looking for new places to explore. In the last year, I have been lucky to explore places closer to home with my faithful dog, Ozzie on our walks. I love to unwind with family and friends, find my centre on a yoga mat and tend to my garden."

Keir Hollingsworth

Caseworker

The Fund offers a tailored and holistic approach to our members and takes pride in the quality of our support.

“I joined the Chemists’ Community Fund in February 2023. Before this, I worked in the publishing side of the RSC in a journal editorial role.

My main responsibilities include signposting members to appropriate support, processing applications and generally helping members, and their families, who are going through a challenging time. I find my job very satisfying, as I love to help people. I am proud of any support and comfort that the Fund can offer. I would like to encourage any member who is thinking about contacting us to get in touch. We are all here for you.

Outside of work, I am a bit of a film buff and regularly go to the cinema. I support “The Minstermen” York City FC and go to see them play as often as I can.”

Stacy Spalthoff

Operations Coordinator

The Fund is there to support the members in need. If you are struggling or going through a challenging phase, we may be able to help you directly or by signposting the right source of help.

"I joined the RSC in January 2024 as the Operations Coordinator for the Chemists’ Community Fund Team after spending many years in Learning and Development coordinator roles within the pharmaceutical, non-profit, and consulting sectors. However, I am so pleased to be back working within a non-profit organisation. Being able to support and help people has been a key element within all my previous roles, so working in the Chemists’ Community Fund team is very much aligned with this. My current role is to help support the team with various tasks, including processing payments for all members who receive financial support from the fund and the day-to-day administration of the new CCF digital case management system.

In my free time, I love listening to podcasts, getting lost in a good book, going for long walks, and generally unwinding with family and friends."

Anna Dearden

Chemists’ Community Fund Manager

The Chemists’ Community Fund assists RSC members in many different ways, this includes partners, dependants, and past members.

“I joined the RSC in 2018 after working for the Royal National Institute of Blind People for many years, developing and managing a variety of projects and services for people with sight loss.

My current role is to ensure that we provide relevant and timely support for RSC members and their families at what can be often difficult and challenging times in their lives. This is achieved through the hard work of Fund staff and our dedicated volunteers. I link with other occupational benevolent funds to share ideas, and benchmark our processes and grants with others in the sector.

Outside work I am a novice chocolate maker, with the team always happy to try my test batches. I am also a keen but not always successful gardener.”

Maggie Houghton

CCF Support Manager

Whether you are just starting your studies, trying to juggle family life with work, or have retired, we’re here to help if things don’t go to plan.

"My current role is to make sure we provide the right support at the right time to those in the RSC community who need it. We have a fantastic team of experienced caseworkers who are here to help with any challenge- big or small. I ensure that we have the right resources and services in place- and make sure our grant giving makes a real difference- for those who reach out to us for support.

In my spare time enjoy running and crocheting -both whilst listening to true crime podcasts- and travelling and live music, often combined."