I joined the CA Plus as a trustee in the summer of 2020. I soon realised I had joined a fantastic organisation who are dedicated to help charities effectively manage their financial affairs. So, when Julia (the previous incumbent), asked me to take on the position of Chair of the Board, I was very happy to agree, albeit after a slight delay whilst I reduced some other commitments.

Prior to becoming the chair my most recent work experience was as a part time Finance Officer at a local domestic abuse charity. Before that, I’d spent a large part of my working life as an IT Project Manager at Royal Mail HQ based in Chesterfield. After taking early retirement in the late ‘noughties’, I spent a further five years working for The Wildlife Trusts in their grants department. Nowadays, other than my commitment to the Board, I spend a fair chunk of time supporting a local Community Garden based in Beeston and even more time walking our ever-energetic cocker spaniel!

My name is Richard Almond and I’m in my late 50s. I was born near Liverpool and lived in Lincolnshire for a large part of my life but have lived in Nottingham for the past 21 years. I live with my two beautiful rescue cats and four rescue chickens!

I was previously a  buyer of large & small appliances for an independent retailer and worked for the company for 28 years until redundancy. I’ve worked at John Lewis Nottingham since 2011 and I’m now semi-retired, working 2 days per week.

In my spare time I do lots of volunteering and love to travel. Canada was most definitely my most memorable trip but the Greek islands are probably my favourite place. I’ve been a volunteer with Notts LGBT+ Network for 15 years, a Trustee for the majority of that time and Treasurer for the past 5 years. In my early twenties, I was involved with Lions Clubs International as Club and District President for the Leos (Young Lions) and have volunteered for Nottinghamshire Pride, Hospital Radio and Talking Books for the RNIB.

It’s really important to make a difference with whatever I do and give back to the community to which I belong.

I have worked with Community Accounting Plus for the past four years in my role as Finance Manager at The Toy Library, and I have come to deeply value the expertise and support the organisation provides. I’m delighted to now contribute to CA Plus as a trustee.

Before joining The Toy Library, I spent twenty years at Bulwell EAZ, a partnership of schools dedicated to improving opportunities for children and young people. I also volunteer as a trustee One Vision Partnership in Bulwell and Nottingham Education Trust.

Originally from Lincolnshire, I moved to Nottingham in 1998 as my children were preparing for college and university. That same year, I completed my AAT qualification and began working as an accountant at a local printers before moving into community‑focused roles in Bulwell.

Outside of work, I enjoy being a grandparent, walking, swimming, and travelling with friends.

I have worked for 10 years in local government finance and then a further 14 years as a System Accountant at Loughborough University. Around 2 years ago I started volunteering at SFiCE Foundation, a small local charity focussed on supporting those in food poverty. I am now treasurer and a trustee there. SFiCE Foundation is a customer of CA Plus, that is how I met John & became a trustee at CA Plus.

I am also now working part-time (in theory!) as a Finance Manager at RideWise, another small local charity. RideWise aims to promote sustainable forms of travel, especially cycling and walking. I have recently been given a bike by them as a perk of the job! I'm hoping to make use of it in an attempt to get fitter.

I have worked in the voluntary sector for the last seven years following a fifteen year career in financial services mainly as a Business Relationship Manager in two high street banks. My banking career saw me work with a number of charities and it was a sector I felt I could make a difference in. I have been CEO of the Friary for nearly five years. We are an organisation based in West Bridgford, Nottingham that supports those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This is via our Drop-In Centre and linked services. 

Away from work I spend the majority of my time with family, walking our three dogs (two greyhounds and a whippet) or watching and participating in sport. I particularly like to go for a run as a means of switching off from the businesses of life!