A look at the Vegetarian Society's governing body
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Dale Hoyland (Chair)
First appointed 26 October 2015
Having worked for a national environmental and sustainability charity for a decade, Dale Hoyland has developed key skills including strategic development, project and financial management, and facilitation.
He now works on innovative preventative healthcare projects and solutions to tackle climate change. Dale has one daughter, is (very almost) a life-long vegetarian and is keen to help others initially reduce their meat consumption then support them to become vegetarian / vegan.
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Conn O'Neill (Deputy Chair)
First appointed 5 October 2018
Lifelong vegetarian, Conn O'Neill, manages external affairs for a diabetes technology company.
Having previously worked for a national health charity and a leading UK politician, he brings both charity sector and campaigning experience to the table. Fond of replicating enjoyable restaurant meals at home, Conn especially enjoys Italian and Indian food.
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Andrew Johnson (Treasurer)
First appointed 17 December 2015
Andrew Johnson worked for over ten years in project management and IT, after which he started, ran and later sold his own business.
For the last five years, he has worked as a lawyer and deputy company secretary with a leading insurance company. Andrew, his wife and his three children are all vegetarians.
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David Bennett
First appointed 10 September 2011
David Bennett is a graduate of London University and a Chartered Surveyor. He spent most of his working life in the London area but now lives in Lincolnshire.
David has been a committed vegetarian for over 50 years and has been the Chair of the Vegetarian Society from 2013-2018. Among his other interests David includes education and he has been extensively involved in school governance for over 30 years.
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Clare Crowther
First appointed 19 September 2009
With a director-level background in marketing and business development, Clare Crowther has helped organisations to change and develop for nearly 20 years.
Being vegetarian is very important to Clare – she believes it is a kinder and more considerate way to live. Clare is keen to ensure a secure and prosperous future for the organisation and the vegetarians it supports.
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Michelle Hallmark
First appointed 17 September 2021
Michelle Hallmark is business development director at a communications agency which focuses on supporting socially-driven and non-profit organisations. She is an expert in crisis communications, and behavioural and organisational change.
Formerly a journalist, Michelle has worked with more than 100 organisations on media, copywriting, communications strategy and marketing. She is a former housing board member and current trustee of a Lancashire-based charity which provides advice, counselling and housing support services. Michelle has been vegetarian for 30 years, is a mum of two, and lives down the road from our head office in Altrincham.
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Michael Harriot
First appointed 17 November 2014
Vegetarian since 1984, Michael Harriot is a member of the Co-operative National Members Council. He is also Chair of a Community Book Co-operative, which runs a second-hand bookshop and online store.
He has worked in the charitable sector for 19 years, and set up a local family service charity in 1998. Michael currently works for HMRC in a tax compliance role.
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Debbie Jones
First appointed 15 September 2007
Debbie Jones is a freelance travel writer and journalist, writing under the pen name Olivia Greenway.
A former delicatessen owner and caterer, she takes a keen personal interest in food production, chefs and cooking practices, especially those with a vegetarian angle. Occasionally writing food stories and conducting interviews, she is a regular restaurant reviewer. She became a vegetarian back in 1980, therefore is a good home cook by default.
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Anne Plaskett
First appointed 17 September 2021
A vegetarian since 2017, Anne has a long career with food, holding senior positions in UK and European manufacturing companies in a number of different disciplines. She then went on to lecture in a wide range of food subjects whilst gaining a Masters Degree in teaching and learning, designing academic courses and mentoring students in Higher Education.
Anne is Co-Founder of Marvellously Meat Free a vegetarian and vegan recipe website supporting individuals moving towards and sustaining a meat free diet and is also a qualified meditation teacher and reiki practitioner.
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Sophie Randles-Dunkley
First appointed 17 September 2021
A fundraising professional with over 20 years’ experience, Sophie Randles-Dunkley has developed and delivered fundraising events, campaigns and projects for some of the UK’s most prominent charities.
A relative latecomer to vegetarianism, she wants to help others discover the joy of a veggie lifestyle, and make it easier for everyone to make the switch. She brings skills in fundraising, marketing, volunteer management and charity leadership to further the work of the organisation.