Tim Aldridge 

What do you do in your role as Trustee at Become? 

I’m delighted to have joined the board of Become as a Trustee. My role is to bring a perspective as a Director of Children’s Services. This gives me certain insights about how councils and services run, and what the challenges and opportunities are to improve services for children in care and those with care experience.

Can you say a bit about your relevant qualifications and experience? 

I am a qualified social worker and I have worked in children’s services for over 25 years. I started my career working in a residential children’s home, and I’ve worked for five different London Local Authorities – with roles ranging from being a social worker allocated to children in care, to a head of service overseeing Children in Care and Leaving Care services. I’ve been a director of Children’s Services for over seven years, with some recent experience in leading improvements in services.

What drives you?

I am motivated by being part of an organisation that seeks to deliver meaningful change for children in care and people who are care experienced. Growing up, my parents were foster carers for a few years, and I had a number of foster siblings. My first role after leaving university was leading holiday activities for children who were living in a children’s home. This gave me deep insight into their experiences, and an understanding of the importance of good quality care and also how we can fail children in care.

What do you like about being a trustee at Become?

I am really excited to join the board of trustees. Although I’m quite new, I’m already really impressed with the work of the charity and it’s ethos of co-production. It is great to be part of a group with such diverse experiences and passion to make a difference.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I enjoy running, cycling, walking the dog, live music, being a dad and supporting Leyton Orient.