Meet the people
who run KCU

Based in rooms at the Fuller Baptist Church in Kettering, next to Boots on Gold Street, is the headquarters of KCU.

A small and dedicated management team run all aspects of KCU with the help of the volunteer ambassadors and general volunteers.

They are overseen by the Board of Trustees but on a day to to day basis this small office is the hub that keeps KCU going !

Office environment with cluttered desk, multiple monitors, printer, and papers, with a window showing a brick building outside.

The main office where everything
is always under control !

A woman with dark hair and blue eyes wearing a white turtleneck and beige blazer, indoors with blurred background.

Our Team - Full time staff

Sylvia McLevy
sylvia.mclevy@kcultd.org.uk

Sylvia is the Chief Executive Officer and leads the organisation’s strategic direction, operations, and overall performance. She works closely with the board, staff, and partners to ensure the organisation delivers meaningful impact and remains aligned with its Mission and Principles.

She holds a master’s degree in Youth, Community, and Leadership, which underpins her commitment to inclusive leadership, community development, and empowering those who seek support. With a strong focus on collaboration and sustainability, Sylvia has worked at KCU for over 9 years progressing from Project Manager to Director, she brings experienced leadership and a people-centred approach to driving long-term organisational success and value of investment.

A portrait of a woman with blonde hair, wearing blue glasses, a pearl earring, and a beige sweater, smiling softly against a plain gray background.

Renee Roux
renee.roux@kcultd.org.uk

Renee is the Office & Finance Manager, overseeing the day-to-day finances for all projects and running costs, maintaining efficient, seamless administrative operations while organising and managing education and training courses for KCU.

She ensures accurate financial records and regulatory compliance while effectively managing multiple project spreadsheets to maintain oversight and financial control holding a Pitman International Certificate Level 3.

Renee, applies strong organisational skills to increase student participation across multiple courses, fostering an inclusive and welcoming learning environment.

As part of a well-organised organisation under the leadership of the current KCU CEO, Renee brings over 20 years of experience in managing the day-to-day financial operations (Pitman International Certificate Level 3) and supports the effective and compliant delivery of the Education and Training environment.

Headshot of a man with short hair and a serious expression wearing a dark collared shirt against a light background.

Mike 
mikeburns@kcultd.org.uk

Mike is the Foodbank Support Officer and is responsible for supporting the Kettering & District foodbank network (in partnership with Trussell).  Mike provides targeted support to foodbank users to reduce repeat foodbank use, logistical & strategic support to all our foodbank partners, and uses frontline insight knowledge to help shape the longer-term foodbank strategy.

Prior to joining KCU in 2025, Mike worked as an advisor providing benefits, debt and housing advice to clients across multiple outreach locations in North Northamptonshire.  Mike brings experience of providing financial inclusion advice to those facing hardship, and of building strong working partnerships with local support organisations.

A woman with long brown hair wearing sunglasses on her head, a black top, and jewelry, sitting on a bed with a blue headboard and patterned bedding in the background.

Vanessa Bojang
vanessa.kamara@kcultd.org.uk

Vanessa is the Volunteer Engagement Manager at KCU, bringing over 20 years of experience in charity retail to her role. She works on the ground every day, supporting KCU volunteers across the organisation, whether that’s in one of the shops, the foodbank, or out at events.

A big part of Vanessa’s role is helping volunteers see the opportunities available to them at KCU, talking through the progression and skills they can gain as part of the team. She provides hands-on support, either by organising peer support groups or working one-to-one with volunteers who may need a little extra help to settle into their role.

Support can last up to 12 weeks, with the option to move into longer-term support through a volunteer mentor. Vanessa is passionate about making sure every volunteer feels welcomed, valued, and confident in their journey with KCU.

An elderly man with white hair, glasses, and a beard smiling and wearing a black jacket, standing next to a black vehicle.

Chris MacLeavy

Chris manages our weekly deliveries and collections for the foodbank, delivering supplies to our foodbank partners and collecting donations. His role is vital in ensuring our partners have what they need to provide emergency food support to the community.

By keeping food moving where it’s needed most, Chris plays a key part in enabling direct support for our partners and helping them respond quickly and effectively to people facing food insecurity.

The Volunteers

The most important people throughout the whole KCU operation are the volunteers who give up their time to help the people who come to KCU in need of help.

We could not operate without their dedication to the cause.

At different times of the year we could have up to 70 volunteers working for us and helping.

Two women shopping for canned and jarred goods on store shelves, one reaching for a can, the other examining products.
One of our mini foodbanks at a partner organisation.
Two of our KCU volunteers on an event fundraiser at Tescos in Kettering.
One of our KCU volunteers working hard to get the clothes shop in the Newlands Centre ready
Four of our KCU volunteers with one of our vans, used to collect items in.
Two people standing behind a jewelry counter at the KCU shop, surrounded by picture frames and decorative items.

KCU are very lucky to have a great team that keep all of the wheels well oiled and operation working 24/7 ensuring that we are always on hand to help those in need.