CVS Board of Trustees
Telford and Wrekin Council for Voluntary Service is governed by an Board of Trustees who are formally elected at our Annual General Meeting. They are nominated by our member organisations, user groups and partner organisations. Their term of office is three years.
Verley Brissett
Chair
Verley has brought valuable experience to his various roles over a number of years, including his time as Chair. He has been a trusted committee member of the Telford West Indian Association since 1976, eventually becoming its Chair for over 15 years.
With a decade of service as a Justice of Peace for Shropshire, Verley has demonstrated his commitment to justice and community service.
His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Community Studies, and he has imparted knowledge as a teacher at Meole Brace, Charlton and Blessed Robert Johnson secondary schools. Furthermore, his involvement in the Education Appeal Board showcases his dedication to shaping educational policies.
Verley's extensive leadership and partnership positions have consistently provided valuable guidance, benefit and support to the broader community.
Glynn Morrow
Glynn is the Centre Manager at Telford Centre and has considerable experience in property management, leasing, marketing, finance, and staff management. He has a passion for the community and has been a “business to charity” support to CVS for nearly 10 years and with a combined approach, the partnership has won various awards in the property management industry.
Having moved to Shropshire and settled over 40 years ago, Glynn is married with two grown up sons and spent 15 years as Chair of Governors for a local primary school, through his period of leadership, the school amalgamated and relocated to a new site achieving an OFSTED Outstanding grade.
Glynn is thrilled to take a new step and become a member of the CVS Executive board.
Maria Raisbeck
Maria is originally from the Philippines. She has lived in Telford since 1988, is married with two children and six grandchildren. She worked at the Princess Royal Hospital, as a Healthcare Assistant and was invited to work at the Temporary Staffing Department, searching for Locums, Nurses and hospital staff.
She attended the University of Wolverhampton as a mature student, gaining a BA (Bachelor of Arts) in business studies in 2011. Her involvement with "One World UK", an organisation that encourages communication and friendship between all ethnic groups, has led to an outreach project that supports BME groups, promoting social integration and cohesion. It offers help and support to those unable to access healthcare due to language difficulties or social isolation.
She is also an unpaid family carer, providing primary care for a family member who is suffering from a chronic degenerative condition.
Nikki Morrison
Nikki is the Attendance and Welfare Team Leader at the Learning Community Trust, which has 13 schools locally. She has been working in education welfare in Telford and Shropshire for over 15 years, supporting children and families with a variety of issues impacting on their education and wellbeing. She is the trust lead on early help and mental health and is a designated safeguarding lead. She manages a team of staff; all committed to getting the best outcomes for local children and young people.
Nikki comes from the Scottish Highlands originally but has worked in a variety of roles in places ranging from the Outer Hebrides to Birmingham.
Prior to moving to education, she worked in the voluntary sector, including Scheme Manager with Victim Support and as a Youth Development Worker. She has also volunteered extensively over the years, having time with Victim Support and Samaritans as well as other groups, with a hedgehog rescue charity in Scotland being one of her favourites. Her husband is an RAF veteran, and Nikki has been actively involved in forces life, including volunteering as a youth worker with service children.
Nikki also worked for a number of years running a group of busy betting shops in Glasgow and Birmingham, so has experience in all aspects of running fast-paced businesses in a competitive environment.
Nikki has lived in Telford for over 20 years with her husband, a lecturer, and her son, who is now at university. When she's not at work, Nikki enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.
Cllr. Paul Davis
Cllr Paul Davis is a former teacher and manager in the Further Education sector, bringing a people-focused approach and a strong sense of public service into local government. A committed local leader, he has served his community as a town and parish councillor for Wellington, giving him a deep, first-hand understanding of the issues that matter most to residents.
Paul now represents Haygate and Park as a Borough Councillor and serves on the Cabinet with responsibility for Communities and Civic Pride. He is passionate about strengthening neighbourhoods, celebrating local identity, and helping people feel proud of the places they call home.
He also has lived experience of supporting children with autism, which shapes his inclusive and compassionate approach to leadership and decision-making. Alongside his council work, Paul is an active member of several community trusts and represents Telford and Wrekin on the Shropshire Pension Fund, ensuring local voices are heard at a regional level.
Outside the council chamber, Paul is a keen photographer and enthusiastic cook, enjoying the chance to be creative and spend time on the things that bring people together.
Michael Cooke
Mike has worked for Barclays since 2010, progressing through a variety of roles including personal banking, branch management, community engagement, and business banking. His career has been defined by a strong commitment to supporting individuals and businesses, while developing local partnerships across Shropshire, Walsall, and the Black Country.
Born and raised in Telford, Mike has a deep connection to the local community. He has led numerous teams and managed sites across the region, delivering financial support, digital guidance, and community-focused events. His experience includes working closely with local schools, colleges, universities, charities, and community groups to provide learning opportunities and raise awareness around key challenges facing people today — including financial literacy, digital inclusion, and career development.
Mike is passionate about bringing people together and has organised and supported collaborative community events that draw on the strengths of multiple sectors. From financial education workshops to charity fundraisers and school engagement programmes, Mike takes pride in making a meaningful impact where he lives.
He has supported a wide range of charitable causes — from raising funds for drug education in schools in Australia, to helping build a natural outdoor learning centre at a local primary school.
Mike is thrilled to join the CVS Executive Board as a Trustee and is eager to continue contributing to the Telford community he proudly calls home.
Libby is the co-founder of The Leadership Visibility Co., a personal branding agency for business founders and SMEs. She brings over 20 years’ experience across marketing, recruitment, and business growth, working closely with founders, consultants and leadership teams.
Libby moved to Telford more than 20 years ago and raised her two adult daughters here, giving her a strong personal connection to the local area and its communities.
Libby Crossland
Richard Thorpe
Richard has been a headteacher for over twenty years, leading schools in areas of significant deprivation and working closely with families and communities facing a wide range of challenges. Throughout his career, he has seen first-hand the vital role that voluntary and community organisations play in supporting and empowering individuals, strengthening neighbourhoods, and creating opportunities for those who need them most.
Richard is passionate about the work undertaken by groups within the Telford & Wrekin CVS umbrella and strongly believes in the value of volunteering as a force for positive change. Having collaborated with many local organisations over the years, he is keen to contribute his experience, insight, and strategic leadership to help further their impact. As a trustee, he hopes to champion the voices of our communities, support effective governance, and play an active role in ensuring that the sector continues to thrive and deliver meaningful outcomes for the people it serves.