New LATCH team member!

Jasmine Jones joined LATCH this month as our new Head of Operations, here she shares with us a bit about her background, career and motivation in joining the charity.

I am delighted to have joined LATCH. This is a fantastic organisation which has a clear and demonstrable impact for families. I am excited about this new role, Head of Operations, where I will support the development and implementation of the corporate plan, and lead the digital transformation of the organisation.

Day-to-day, I will ensure that LATCH is operating efficiently to deliver its objectives and, in a position to demonstrate its impact. I am looking forward to my role in providing support and leadership to the established and hardworking team of Social Workers working with the families across the catchment area of the Children’s Hospital for Wales and the support team working tirelessly behind the scenes.

This is an exciting time to join LATCH and to work closely with our CEO, Menai, to raise the profile of LATCH and to be a part of the organisation’s growth. I have come to LATCH after several years running Gypsies and Travellers Wales, an organisation that provides advice, advocacy and challenges discrimination.

My career started shortly after completing my undergraduate studies at Aberystwyth, where I had the opportunity to work on Department for International Development (DFID) funded health projects, predominantly in Africa as a Project Officer. This was a great introduction to development work, allowing me to work on projects from conception to completion, understanding the project cycle, the numerous elements and learning from the project staff and consultants. I then spent a few years teaching key stage one in international schools in Iraq and the UAE whilst spending the long school holidays traveling.

Since returning to the UK and the charity sector I have held various roles and have built up over fifteen years of experience in the charity sector where I have overseen service delivery, project management, fundraising and operational development.  I have spent time working for various causes, such as health, human rights, education and water and sanitation both here in the UK and overseas.

I feel passionately about the value of education and the importance of continuous learning. A few years ago, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and International Development at the Institute of Education at University College London and I am planning to finish an MSc in Social and Public Policy this year at Cardiff University.

When I’m not working or studying you will usually find me outdoors with my family. We have four children including twin toddlers who keep us very busy.

I love to travel, enjoy gardening and feel refreshed and destressed whilst walking. You will usually find me in the Brecon Beacons but over the years I have been fortunate to get further afield with scrambles on Crib Goch and trekking to Everest Base Camp.

LATCH CEO, Menai Owen-Jones, said: “After a comprehensive and competitive recruitment process, we are delighted to welcome Jasmine into the role of Head of Operations. This will be a vitally important role in the next stage of the organisation’s growth, and we are very pleased that Jasmine has joined us on our journey.”