About Engaging Communities Bradford
Susan Hodgson, Director, Engaging Communities Cic Ltd
Sue has over 25 years experience of working with a diverse range of communities across the Bradford District in both statutory and voluntary sector roles. Her academic background is in Health & Communities. She obtained a first class Hon’s degree in Health & Community Studies and also has a post graduate qualification in Health Promotion/Public Health.
From 2002 – 2015 Sue worked for the NHS and managed a community based service; Health on the Streets (HOTS), aimed at reducing health inequalities in a socially and economically deprived area of Bradford. The service was multi-award winning and developed a close working relationship with 6 GP practices, their patient groups and the voluntary and community organisations within the locality.
From October 2015 Sue took on the role of Chief Officer of Inspire Bradford Business Park, where she works on a part time basis. This part time role has enabled her to develop Engaging Communities CIC with co-director Pauline Bland. The two organisations complement each other very well. Her previous background, range of skills and knowledge brings an understanding of working with a range of statutory organisations and a community, grass roots perspective to both organisations.
Sue lives and works in Bradford and in her spare time she likes holidays and enjoys walking with her fat little Jack Russell, Tina Fabulous!
Membership and advisory roles:
- Aspire Patient & Public Involvement Panel, University of Leeds (Aspire – Action to Support Practices Implementing Research Evidence)
- Bradford & District Assembley - Health & Wellbeing Forum & Community Economic Forum
- Men@Eccy Management Committee Advisor
- 5 Lane Community Partnership
- Self Care Champion for 5 Lane Community Partnership
- Ravenscliffe Community Association (RCA) Advisor
- Thorpe Edge Community Project (TECP) Management Committee
- Qual Dash: Developing and Evaluating an Interactive Quality Dashboard - Lay Advisory Group
- VCS Alliance
Pauline Bland, Director, Engaging Communities Cic Ltd
Pauline has extensive experience of working in both the statutory and voluntary sectors, from volunteering to developing and delivering NHS projects. Pauline has worked with groups, organisations and individuals as part of regeneration projects, acting as an advocate to ensure local people’s concerns were both raised and addressed.
As well as a degree in Women’s Studies & Social Policy from the University of Bradford, Pauline has a post graduate diploma in Health Promotion/Public Health, a level 3 (NOCN) qualification in Managing Volunteers, PTTLS qualification and has delivered accredited training to groups and individuals.
Pauline worked across Bradford delivering community development for both the Council and NHS. Whilst working for the NHS Pauline established support groups and developed a core team of volunteers who were regularly involved in health promotion services and activities. Many of those volunteers are still in contact with Pauline since she left the NHS and volunteer for Engaging Communities.
In October 2015 Pauline joined Sue Hodgson in 2 new ventures; Engaging Communities CIC as a co-director and at Inspire Business Park, on a freelance basis, where she is Development Co-ordinator.
Outside of work, Pauline is kept very busy with 3 Daughters and 6 Grandchildren and still finds time for sewing and up-cycling projects.
Membership and advisory roles:
- Aspire Patient & Public Involvement Panel, University of Leeds (Aspire – Action to Support Practices)
- Affinitie -Patient & Public Involvement Panel, University of Leeds (The development and evaluation of enhanced audit and feedback interventions to increase the uptake of evidence-based transfusion practice (AFFINITIE Programme)
- Bradford & District Assembley - Health & Wellbeing Forum & Integrated Diabetes Management Forum
- Coop Member Pioneer
- Greengates Seniors Group - Advisor
- Men@Eccy Co-ordinator
- Newlands Community Transport Management Group
- 5 Lane Community Partnership
- Self Care Champion for 5 Lane Community Partnership
- QualDash: Developing and Evaluating an Interactive Quality Dashboard - Lay Advisory Group
- Well-Connected (Idle Baptist Church) Co-ordinator