The role of Jackie Freeman at Age UK
Jackie Freeman joined the board of Age UK in May 2021, bringing with her a wealth of experience to support the charity's mission. Her primary role involves overseeing the organization's financial strategy, a critical function for any non-profit dedicated to serving vulnerable populations. As the Chair of the Strategic Finance Committee, she helps ensure the charity operates with sound financial principles, maximizing the impact of every donation and resource.
Her background as a Chartered Accountant provides the expertise necessary to manage complex financial landscapes, which is essential for a large charity operating across the UK. This oversight helps maintain public trust and ensures that funds are directed toward the services that most benefit older people, from advice lines to local support programs.
Professional background and career highlights
With more than 30 years of experience across the commercial and third sectors, Jackie Freeman has held numerous high-level finance roles. This diverse background gives her a unique perspective on managing finances within a non-profit context.
Career timeline
- Finance Director at PizzaExpress: In the commercial sector, she previously served as the Finance Director for the well-known restaurant chain, PizzaExpress. This role developed her strategic financial planning and leadership skills in a high-pressure commercial environment.
- Executive Director of Corporate Services for Marie Curie: Her transition into the third sector involved a senior appointment at the charity Marie Curie. This position required her to apply her business acumen to a non-profit setting, directly impacting the charity's ability to provide end-of-life care.
- Interim and Consultancy Projects: In addition to her board positions, Freeman undertakes interim and consultancy projects within both the commercial and non-profit sectors. This keeps her skills sharp and allows her to contribute to a variety of organizations.
Other governance roles
Beyond her work with Age UK, Jackie Freeman's commitment to the non-profit world is evident through her other governance positions. These include:
- Trustee of Shape Arts: A charity that works to address exclusion in the arts and cultural sector, providing a platform for disabled artists.
- Trustee of The Roundhouse Trust: Supporting the iconic London venue in its mission to empower young people through creativity.
These roles demonstrate a consistent dedication to using her financial and strategic expertise to help charitable organizations thrive.
Clarifying identity: Distinguishing between Jackie and Jacqueline Freeman
When searching for information, it is important to distinguish the Age UK trustee from other notable individuals with a similar name, particularly Jacqueline Freeman, the ageism advocate. While both contribute to the discourse around aging, their professional backgrounds and affiliations differ significantly.
Comparison of notable 'Freemans'
| Characteristic | Jackie Freeman (Age UK Trustee) | Jacqueline Freeman ('58 & Unapologetic' Founder) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Chartered Accountant, Chair of Strategic Finance Committee for Age UK | Media Strategist, Ageism Advocate, Founder of '58 & Unapologetic' |
| Focus | Financial governance and charity leadership within Age UK | Public discourse on ageism, media strategy, and positive aging |
| Known For | Financial oversight at major charities like Marie Curie and Age UK | Viral LinkedIn posts and articles addressing ageism in the workplace |
| Location | Primarily associated with UK-based organizations | Also has a presence in New Zealand and a global platform |
The value of financial expertise in non-profit governance
The role of a Trustee, especially one with a finance background, is vital for a large charity like Age UK. The sound financial management overseen by Jackie Freeman is crucial for several reasons:
- Sustainability: It ensures the charity remains financially viable for years to come, continuing its work for future generations.
- Accountability: It provides transparency and accountability to donors, volunteers, and the public, demonstrating that resources are being used effectively.
- Strategic Planning: Financial expertise allows the board to make informed decisions about resource allocation, ensuring new programs and services are financially sustainable before they are launched.
- Risk Management: It helps the organization identify and mitigate financial risks, protecting the charity from potential instability.
For more information on the work of Age UK, you can visit the official website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/.
The impact of experienced leadership on senior care
Jackie Freeman’s leadership in finance is part of a larger picture of governance that benefits older people across the UK. Strong, well-managed charities are better equipped to provide essential services and advocate for the rights of older people, from tackling loneliness and poverty to promoting health and well-being. By ensuring the financial health of Age UK, she contributes directly to the stability of these programs, allowing frontline staff and volunteers to focus on delivering quality care and support.
