Our team of salaried staff and volunteers are often drawn from those that have been through our programmes and activities.

Staff

STEVE DOGGETT (CEO)

Steve is a Qualified Probation Officer and Social Worker with over 20 years’ experience in the sector. He has had an interest in veterans involved in the CJS, even before his early career began as a Probation Officer in North Tyneside and Northumberland before moving into Organisational Development and Training roles. He has worked as a Practice Tutor Assessor (TAQA VQ Award & PTLLS) supporting new staff to attain their VQ qualifications and training. He won Probation Service Awards for Work on Equality & Diversity, Skills for Effective Engagement Development (SEEDS) & devised a new desistance, strength-based Positive Pathways Programme for the Probation service.

Steve also trained as a qualified Mental Health Social Worker, and he is an advocate for improving mental health and wellbeing in society. He latterly worked in a policy role at HMPPS as a Quality and Effective Practice Manager leading on some key national projects (MOJ). Since leaving to work on digital projects Steve remains a passionate advocate for the work of the Probation Service, Veterans, Mental Health & ADHD, featuring regularly on social media channels as @ProbationSteve.

"I'm delighted to be Forward Assists CEO and follow in Tony Wright’s innovative footsteps by developing unique needs led and person centered interventions for veterans and their families. I wish Tony well with his well deserved retirement."

SHARON STEPHENSON

Sharon's studies and career path have been heavily influenced by an underpinning interest in wanting to understand and support people to help themselves and each other. She worked in a variety of roles motivating people through change and promoting learning & development within the Probation Service for 15 years before leaving to pursue independent training and consultancy projects.

She has especially loved working on the design & evaluation of a range of award-winning programmes and is a big supporter of evidence-led, person centred approaches. She co-founded a creative, well-being business within the north east  for 4 years which delivered workshops and events and also crafted a small product line & exhibition pieces. This provided a good opportunity to refine fresh skills in budget management, website development, marketing and content creation. All of her previous roles have involved multi-organisation work including a variety of charities, partnership development and relationship building. Most recently, she has tipped the work-life balance in favour of spending more time with her family. She is keen to offer creative energy, an analytic sensibility and listening ear to new projects.