Management

Organisational Structure

Beechwood is a charity and Company Limited by Guarantee, and therefore accountable to the Charity Commission, Companies House and the public at large.  The company directors are the trustees and Council of Management.

The Beechwood Articles and Memorandum set out the Charity Commission requirements in relation to the charity's trustees. Beechwood has a Council of Management and an Annual General Meeting.

The day to day management is overseen by the Chief Executive, Allen Whittaker who signs an annual agreement outlining the responsibilities of himself and that of the Trustees.

Council of Management

The most important asset for Beechwood is the quality of its management and Council members.  The Council members are all volunteers and they give freely of their time.  Their dedication and enthusiasm for Beechwood's cause has provided the basis of many of Beechwood's successes while their continued support is required for the achievement of the future plans.

Allen Whittaker - Chief Executive

Allen is the Chief Executive of Beechwood Cancer Care Centre, having previously been Managing Director of the associated trading company Living With Cancer Ltd. He brings to the table a vast experience of management, training and consultancy and was previously self-employed.

Throughout 2000 Allen dedicated most of his working life to the Beechwood cause and in July 2000 took over as Chief Executive.  Allen specialises in business strategy and financial planning and has previously been involved in dealing with budding entrepreneurs to corporate clients and therefore has a depth of experience in business matters. One of his previous jobs was Operations Director of a business support organisation, largely funded by commercial sponsorship, Stockport Business Venture.

Allen is Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of a local primary school and is an active member of Stockport Rotary Club.

Tony Wilson - Chairman, Council of Management

Tony Wilson is 48 years of age and he joined the Board as a Trustee in 2005. He is married with two daughters, and has varied business interests both in the Uk and overseas. Tony has always believed that 'life is precious and short' and after being involved in charitable causes on a low-key basis, decided that Beechwood was just the place to donate his time and expertise for the benefit of those affected by cancer.

Jackie Collins - Vice Chair, Council of Management

Jackie lives with her husband in Marple Bridge and has recently retired. After qualifying as a nurse, most of her life was spent practising and teaching occupational health nursing. She was formerly Head of Division of an academic unit in a West Midlands university and has also taught in a School of Nursing. In early 2002, Jackie was diagnosed with cancer and attended a programme at Beechwood which stirred her interest in complementary therapies to the point that she undertook Reiki training to level 2.

Arthur Wilson C.B.E. - Council of Management Member - Council Member

Arthur Wilson C.B.E. was appointed as a trustee of Beechwood Cancer Care Centre in November 2000.  He is a qualified accountant with 50 years in local government, latterly as Director of Finance (5 years) and Chief Executive (21 years) for Stockport MBC until 1995. Since that date he has become Vice Chairman of North Area College; trustee of Age Concern; Income Tax Commissioner; Honorary Treasurer for residential Home for Elderly (charity); Director of Stockport Community Trust; Director of Acute Hospital Trust - Stepping Hill (until 2000). Arthur's interests are Stockport Rotary Club, Metro Swimming Club and Stockport Youth Choir.

Marjorie Whyte - Council Member

Marjorie, a former patient at Beechwood, is actively involved in nursing and fund raising activities.

Satish Mehta M.B.E. - Council Member

Dr. Mehta is a local GP who brings to the table his expertise in the medical field.  He is extremely interested in holistic therapies for cancer patients and specialises in mental health for elderly patients. As well as managing his own practice, he is a well respected member of the local community, a member of Rotary and a trustee member of the Executive Committee of MIND, Stockport.

Frank Butterworth - Council of Management Member

Frank has recently joined Beechwood Cancer Care Centre Council of Management to give his expert opinions on the marketing of Beechwood and its Positive Living Programme. He was instrumental in the re-vamping of the current leaflets.

John Lutton - Council of Management Member

John has been Managing Director of the La Sande Goup of companies, commercial developers, for 13 years. Prior to this he was a partner of Alexander Lutton & Co, consultant surveyors and the Chesire-based chartered accountants. Eccles Bond Lutton & Co. Having 30 years experience in commercial property, John was approached to join the Beechwood Council of Management to provide guidance and assitance on all Beechwood's property matters.

Sue Ware RN, MA, BSc (Hons) - Council of Management Member

Sue is married with 2 children and lives in Stockport. She is a cinical nurse with 25 years experience and currently works as a Lead Cancer Nurse and a community-based MacMillan nurse specialist. Sue has a strong interest in supporting people to live with cancer and, in particular, the role that complementary therapies and approaches have to play within this. Her interests include sailing, theatre and walking.

Alan Sutton - Council of Management Member and Chair of Finance

David Hopkins O.B.E. - Council of Management Member

Reuben Fielding - Council of Management Member