Our Senior Leadership Team
Jo Dare
CEO
Jo has over 30 years’ experience in the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, including more than 20 years as a Chief Executive.
Early in her VCSE career, she established a charity that worked in local schools to develop and deliver family support aligned with raising local education standards, and was commissioned by the Department of Education, to work with partners to support the development of a national network of children’s information services (CISs), and establish an associated training company that pioneered Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) qualifications specific to the childcare sector. Jo became CEO of Age UK Isle of Wight in 2005, leading the organisation through significant growth and transformation. She was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2020, for services to older people.
In 2021, Jo joined the Isle of Wight Youth Trust as CEO, where she has led the development of a locally responsive, integrated Youth Information, Advice and Counselling (YIAC) model of delivery. Under her leadership, the Trust was named overall winner of the 2025 GSK and The King’s Fund IMPACT Award.
As a longstanding member of the Island community and the VCSE, Jo has a strong commitment to improving outcomes across the life course. She is Co-Chair of the Isle of Wight Voluntary Sector Forum and contributes to a number of local system partnership boards.
Why working for the Youth Trust matters to me?
Having both professional and lived experience of children and young people’s mental health, I am passionate about ensuring that every young person has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive. I am equally committed to championing the VCSE sector as a vital and valued partner in improving lives and strengthening communities.
Emilie Thomas
Head of Operations
Emilie has over 20 years’ experience working across HR, Operations, and Governance within the charity sector, particularly in children’s and healthcare charities. After completing a degree in Social Anthropology at the University of Kent and spending some time travelling, Emilie built her career in London over 13 years, working for organisations including HemiHelp and the British Society for Immunology, as well as undertaking a brief period in the private healthcare sector.In 2013, Emilie returned to the Isle of Wight, continuing to commute to London for several years before joining IOWYT in early 2019. An Associate member of the CIPD, Emilie is the People Lead and also leads on Operations Management. Her responsibilities include oversight of Health & Safety, IT and Data Security (serving as the organisation’s Data Protection Officer), Premises and Facilities, and Communications.
Why working for the Youth Trust matters to me?
I grew up on the Island and am now raising two children here and understand the many challenges facing island families today – so being part of this amazing team working to support and improve the mental health and wellbeing of island children, young people and their families, is everything.
Kathy Whitewood
Head of Service
Kathy has dedicated over 30 years to leading services for children, young people, and their families on the Isle of Wight. Her career spans setting up and managing nursery settings, teaching childcare at the Isle of Wight College, working in schools, leading Sure Start Children’s Centres and 0–19 Family Hubs, which included a comprehensive parenting support offer. Having worked with all age ranges, Kathy brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by young people growing up and living on the Island, engaging with authenticity, relevance and compassion.
Kathy joined the Isle of Wight Youth Trust in January 2021 during the second national lockdown, a time when the mental health and wellbeing needs of young people were escalating rapidly. Her strong, responsive leadership has helped develop and expand the Trust’s delivery, ensuring services continue to grow from strength to strength. She is driven to deliver high-quality support, champion her team and achieve excellent outcomes for young Islanders.
Holding an MA qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership, Kathy values joined-up working across statutory and voluntary sectors and believes deeply in collaborative approaches for the greater good. Listening to the voices of young people and advocating on their behalf remains central to her practice and purpose.
Why working for the Youth Trust matters to me?
I have spent my entire career supporting children, young people and families on the Island and I have seen firsthand how early, accessible and compassionate help can change the course of a young person’s life. Joining the Youth Trust felt like the natural next step — an opportunity to bring my experience, values and commitment to a charity that places young people at its heart. I wanted to lead a service where the voices of young Islanders genuinely shape what we do, and where every decision is grounded in care, collaboration and the belief that all young people deserve the best chance to thrive.