Meet the Hope into Action Team

Jon Kuhrt
CEO

I joined Hope into Action in January 2023, having worked in homelessness for 30 years. I worked for 4 years as a Rough Sleeping Adviser for the government and was previously the CEO of the West London Mission for 8 years. Before that I was a Director at the Shaftesbury Society and a hostel manager for Centrepoint.

Mark Oldaker
Head of Operations

I joined Hope into Action in September 2021 as an employee after previously being a trustee. I am an accountant and have worked in various sectors, including social housing for the last 10 years or so. I am passionate about the Psalms, process improvements, becoming paperless, empowering others and humous.

Kate Doran-Smith
Head of Delivery and Training

I started as an Empowerment Worker then quickly became City Lead back in 2013 when Hope into Action was starting in Norwich. After 5 years there I then joined the central Exec Team in 2018. I’m as dedicated now as I was back then to see tenants offered excellent holistic support and churches and EWs brilliantly trained to provide it.

Laura Cuthill
Head of Franchise and Safeguarding

I joined Hope into Action back in 2017. I spent 6 months as an Empowerment Worker and then 4 years as a City Lead before becoming the Franchise and Safeguarding Lead in January 2022. I am passionate about enabling others to get involved with Hope into Action.

Phill Edmundson
Nottingham Team Lead

Phill has recently taken over as the Nottingham Team Lead. 

Matt Morton
Cambridge Team Lead

In July 2018 I joined the Cambridge team as an Empowerment Worker. In September 2021, I transitioned into the Cambridge Team Lead role. It’s a joy to work for Hope into Action. It’s a fantastic model and we are seeing more and more churches wanting to open homes for those most in need in their communities.

Debs Green
Norwich Team Lead

I joined in April 2019 as an Empowerment Worker. In April 2022, I took on the role of Team Lead for Norwich. As an Empowerment Worker I loved the depth of trust that could be established with our tenants. As a City Lead, it’s a privilege to be able to empower and see churches realise their potential to house the homeless.

Maria Seaman
PeterboroughTeam Lead

 I joined Hope into Action in June 2025, having been involved in homeless work and ministry for over 10 years.  When God opened the door for this opportunity, I felt incredibly blessed. As a City Lead, I see my role as supporting and enabling the team to empower those they work with to continue their upward journey as well as enabling churches to offer friendship, love and support to those who need it most.

Jonathan Wilson
Property and Investment Coordinator

I joined Hope into Action in 2019 having previously worked in estate agency. It’s a great way of combining my faith with my passion and interest in property. I really enjoy meeting new people and introducing investors to projects, knowing that people’s lives and properties are being transformed in a positive way.

Stephen Brown
Franchise Development Coordinator

I joined the Franchise Team in 2021, having previously helped set up and run the Hope into Action Eastbourne in the town where I live. My current role is helping new franchises become established and supporting them on their journey.

Ed Walker MBE
Ambassador

I have spent 10 years working in overseas relief and development, 9 of those were working for Tearfund’s Disaster Management team. I set-up Hope into Action in 2010. I have authored two books called ‘Reflections from the Scorched Earth’ and ‘A House Built on Love’. I was awarded an MBE in June 2022 for services to homeless people.

Kaye Scupham
Maintenance Administrator

I joined Hope into Action in June 2020. I work in the Support Centre in the Operations Team, responsible for ensuring our homes are well maintained and compliant. I have a great family and enjoy being a wife, mum and grandma. I also have a cocker spaniel Bruno who brings me a lot of joy.

Ashley Wilcox
Supporter Relations Manager

I volunteered with the charity for a short while before joining in May 2025. The ethos of Hope into Action and their transformative work stood out to me, and since I became a Christian in 2024, I was looking to work in a role dedicated to helping others transform their life. Prior to joining I worked in local government communications.

Mark Jordan
Finance Lead

I joined Hope into Action in 2025 and it is a joy to lead the Finance Team. As well as stewarding donations and scrutinising expenditure, I ensure detailed financial recording gives a true and fair representation of the charity’s work, in tandem with bringing clarity and reassurance to the Head of Finance and Operations.

Ranjini Mathew
ICT Lead

I have been involved with Hope into Action since 2020. I took on the role of ICT Lead in September 2024. Prior to this I worked in Programme and Project Management roles within the NHS for 8 years. Before that I worked in IT Systems Implementation in a range of industries. I am pleased to be able to use my skills to support the work of Hope into Action.

Charlotte Elliott
Finance Administrator

I joined Hope into Action in October 2024. I have previously worked for a lighting company and a cardboard box factory doing the accounts. I feel fortunate and blessed to have found a place to work where I can share my heart for Jesus. Outside of work, I spend a lot of time with my husband, son and my cat and I love to read. 

Lucy Malcolm
HR Lead

I joined Hope into Action at the start of January 2022 having previously worked in the charity sector and more recently in HR and recruitment in private companies. I am CIPD qualified and enjoy applying that training in my role. I love all things people-related and am privileged to work with the amazing Hope into Action team.

Sonja Campbell-Scott
Executive Administrator

I’ve been at Hope into Action UK since March 2024 and my role is to support the Exec team in keeping things running smoothly. I am married, have two children and a rescue dog. Apart from my walk with Jesus, I get excited about cycling (I am Dutch after all), spotting hedgehogs and seeing washing blowing in the wind.

Martha King
Network Administrator

I joined Hope Into Action in Aug 2024 having worked in both the public and private sectors since graduating. I’m married with two boys and love to spend my free time outside, running, walking, gardening, and playing tennis.

Vacant
Communications Coordinator

Marion Mahan
Spiritual Advisor

I joined Hope into Action in September 2025 as Spiritual Advisor, with over 30 years’ experience in church ministry and mission across ecumenical settings. I’ve developed a contemplative and creative approach to faith, enjoy exploring different forms of prayer, and love time with my family and our cockapoo, Milo.  

Joseph Popplewell
Fundraising Lead

I've been with Hope into Action since August 2025. I bring over a decade of experience in the charity world, turning generosity into real-world impact through relationships, storytelling and a polite tolerance of spread sheets. I love Jesus, sport, world maps, history and harbour a lifelong ambition to comfortably sit in a deep squat. 

Will Treweek
Finance Manager