Meet the Team
Jayne Bellis
Managing Director & Founder (Strategic Lead)
Jayne Bellis is Managing Director and Founder (Strategic Lead) of Pennysmart, bringing over 30 years’ experience across social welfare, advice and financial inclusion. She is driven by a clear belief that access to trusted, high quality financial support can transform lives and communities.
Jayne is known for her strategic thinking, integrity and commitment to doing what is right — even when it is difficult. As a leader, she focuses on long term impact, collaboration and empowering others to grow. Alongside her leadership role, Jayne is a respected trainer, speaker and advisor, using her experience to influence positive change across the sector.
Janet Lawton
Non-Executive Director
Janet joined Pennysmart as a non executive director in March 2019. She is a housing professional, having worked in social housing all her career across various organisations within the North West. Janet currently works across west Cheshire heading up services delivering housing management and homelessness support on behalf of the local authority.
Janet brings to the Board her experience in operational delivery, coupled with an understanding of the issues faced by people living with vulnerabilities that contribute to poverty and debt. In her spare time Janet also volunteers with a charity who provide an inclusive space for people who have experienced homelessness and marginalisation to have a voice, with the Choir with No Name.
Erica Parkinson
Non-Executive Director
Erica is a qualified accountant and joined Pennysmart as non-executive director in August 2022.
Erica currently holds the position of Finance Director at NWF Fuels Ltd where she has been in the role for 6 years, prior to that she has worked across various industries including Construction, Engineering and Manufacturing. She brings with her to the board her knowledge in financial experience, M&A, operational excellence, process improvement and business strategy.
Caprice Hughes
MIMA (Cert)
Advice Services Manager (Operational Lead)
Caprice is Advice Services Manager, overseeing the delivery of Pennysmart’ s advice & casework support service. Having progressed within the organisation, she brings over eight years’ experience and a passion for quality, collaboration and staff development. IMA Debt Adviser of The Year in 2023, Caprice enjoys improving systems and supporting both clients and colleagues to achieve positive outcomes.
Paula Kameen
Client Services Supervisor
Paula joined Pennysmart in 2020 and leads the Client Services team, ensuring every client receives consistent, high-quality support throughout their journey. A valued team member, Paula’s positive, upbeat attitude helps create a welcoming, supportive experience for both clients, partners and colleagues.
Lucie Oakley
Money Adviser
Lucie joined Pennysmart in 2020 and has excelled in customer facing roles, bringing valuable experience from the financial services sector. As a Money Adviser, she uses strong communication and customer service skills to empower vulnerable clients to manage finances, pay bills, claim benefits and tackle problem debt.
Kamal Ghariani
MIMA (Cert)
Money Advice Caseworker
Kamal supports clients through challenging financial situations with a calm, person centred approach. Recently qualified and promoted, he brings strong customer service experience and a commitment to fairness, respect and empowerment. Kamal values teamwork and enjoys helping people feel heard, informed and confident about their options.
Brigid Killen
Money Adviser
Brigid joined Pennysmart in June 2023, supporting clients to manage their money and balance their budgets. Her calm, compassionate approach reassures those feeling overwhelmed, helping them understand their options and move forward with confidence towards achievable, positive financial outcomes.
Mary Santos
Client Services Administrator
Mary joined Pennysmart in 2024 after volunteering locally, bringing strong retail customer service skills. Known for her can-do attitude and great work ethic, she delivers a high-quality, timely service and is our go-to office tech, always happy to help.
Elaine Barlow
Client Services Administrator
Elaine joined Pennysmart in 2023 as a Client Services Administrator, supporting clients to access our service and keeping the Advice Team running smoothly. Exceptionally organised and reliable, she keeps everyone on track, ensuring daily operations are efficient, well-managed and delivered with care.
Kathryn Brett
Accounts & Payroll Administrator
Kathy joined Pennysmart in 2022 and oversees finance, HR and payroll, ensuring all bills and salaries are paid accurately and on time. Exceptionally organised and an Excel wizard, she keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes with precision and care.
Tom Fletcher
Contracts Administrator
Tom joined Pennysmart in 2022 and now serves as Contracts Administrator, managing our growing partner portfolio. He ensures reports are accurate and timely, supports partner relationships and queries, and is our go-to data expert, regularly producing reports and supporting bids with precision.
Hayley Rowley
Media Assistant
Hayley is responsible for managing our online presence, production of email newsletters, branding and provides digital/visual media input.