Team

Mike McGing 

Director of BIAS

Mike has worked as Director of BIAS since 2012 and was also CEO of another London-based Irish charity. He has over 30 years of experience within both the statutory/voluntary and corporate sector in a variety of management roles.  

Mike is passionate that the Irish community is not over looked for services and entitlements, becoming the ‘Forgotten Irish’.  A key aspect of the role is ensuring that the BIAS team feel valued, motivated and help those most in need in our community.  

Shai Jacobs 

Advice Manager 

Shai has been with BIAS for over two years and is passionate about ensuring those most in need can access services and entitlements. Shai’s role is to directly manage the welfare team. They are responsible for the quality of the services and for dealing with issues as they arise. They have side hobbies of managing the BIAS IT and fine-tuning the client database. 

Susan Pearce 

Advice Worker 

Susan has worked with BIAS for over four years and has had many amazing outcomes for clients, enabling them to access welfare entitlements, services. She enjoys the one-to-one nature of building a positive relationship with the clients. Prior to this role Susan had worked with Citizens Advice for several years. Susan’s passion is ensuring that all clients get all the benefits that they are entitled to. 

Ellen Stafford 

Active Ageing Coordinator (p/t) 

Ellen has worked in variety of management roles over many years, including a leading South East London Irish Charity. Ellen brings skill and experience in her management of community-based services. She ensures that our services support the Irish Community to maintain health and wellbeing. 

Ellen enjoys meeting and supporting many of our club members and line manages our club worker.

Cheryl Barrow 

Finance Manager

Cheryl is a qualified accountant and has many years of experience both in the corporate and voluntary sector. She has worked with BIAS for over two and a half years and is responsible for ensuring compliance with financial controls, monitoring of BIAS grants alongside the other day to day finance operations.

Maggie Hollowed 

Club worker 

Maggie has many years of experience delivering a variety of community-based health projects within the community, including fitness classes and events across the borough. She enjoys being able to motivate and encourage participation. 

Maggie is new to the team but is looking forward to running the two BIAS clubs and helping to develop and expand the remit.