About us - People Matter

About us

People Matter was set up by local Christians in 1997 to provide quality information, advice and guidance and practical help to jobseekers in Eastbourne and surrounding areas.

We exist so that people have an opportunity to find or retain meaningful and satisfying work through personal support, practical help, information, advice, guidance and encouragement.

We aim to constantly strive for excellence and endeavour to work to the highest possible standards.

Watch a video about our work here.

Accreditations, Awards and Accolades

In June 2022 we were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteer groups. Read more here.

In January 2025 we were awarded the Matrix Quality Standard for the eighth time.

We are accredited until February 2028.

We are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer –

our badge is valid till October 2028.

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In September 2025 we received certificates of assurance that we comply with the requirements of the Cyber Essentials scheme.

You can view confirmation of our Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification (search for ‘The People Matter Trust Ltd’)

Member of Sussex Council of Training Providers (SCTP)

Member of EDAC (Employer Domestic Abuse Covenant)

What we do

We provide a personalised service to jobseekers over the course of several hourly sessions.

The initial session is spent getting to know the jobseeker, understanding their skills and type of work they are suited for and explaining the further help available.

Our highly skilled team of advisers provide help with CV writing, career guidance, signposting to business start-up advice, job search, applications and letters to employers. We can also arrange a mock interview with feedback. We offer a wide range of workshops and signpost to external training opportunities. Our Job Club facilitators provide support with looking for work and applications. To support our client’s mental wellbeing, we offer a confidential listening service.

Prospective employers find that our clients are job-ready and potentially suitable candidates for employment.

We help people in East Sussex with an immigration status to transition from physical documents to an online eVisa.

Testimonials

“The wonderful, committed and KIND volunteers at People Matter have made a massive difference to my life on many levels and I cannot thank them enough. The services they provide are invaluable and I hope more people will have their working lives enhanced by them, as I have”.
Donna M.

I love my job and People Matter really did change my life”.
Brian B.

Through practical, social and emotional support to jobseekers like Donna and Brian, we help people realise their full potential so that they have an opportunity to find and retain meaningful and satisfying work, or access appropriate training opportunities.

Who we are

Our day to day work with jobseekers is provided by our team of experienced and qualified Advisers, our work with employers is provided by our Working for You Team and managed by our management team. We are also supported by a number of other volunteers who provide cover on reception, in finance, data inputting, our listening service, workshops and looking after our building.

Our Board of Trustees oversee our work, providing strategic direction, compliance checking and support.

Management Team

Ann Gillard – CEO

Ann joined the team at People Matter in 2003, became our Deputy Manager in 2005 and has been our CEO since 2013. Ann achieved the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development in 2012 and is keen to help jobseekers to identify and then achieve their potential. Ann previously worked in management roles for a large public sector organisation based in London. Ann enjoys spending quality time with family, friends and her crazy dogs on the beautiful South Downs.

Michelle Maclean – Director of Operations

Michelle joined People Matter in 2026 as Director of Operations, bringing over 15 years of experience in Higher and Further education. Throughout her career she has held a range of operational leadership roles, managing teams, coordinating large-scale events, overseeing audits and managing government funding returns. Michelle is passionate about supporting people to achieve their potential and ensuring that high-quality services are delivered efficiently and effectively. She has particular experience in project management, compliance, safeguarding and developing systems that enable teams to deliver excellent outcomes for clients and stakeholders. Michelle holds a qualification in Education Studies and English Literature and has recently achieved a Level 2 Safeguarding qualification. Outside of work, Michelle lives in Peacehaven with her husband and son. She is an active member of her local church, where she volunteers as a Sunday School leader, serves on the PCC and is the Parish Safeguarding Officer.

Nadine Brook – Reception Manager

Nadine2 Nadine joined People Matter in 2012 after returning to the UK from time in South Africa. Nadine has had a long career in administration working in secretarial and PA roles. Nadine is responsible for the smooth running of our reception, greeting clients, booking appointments, training reception volunteers, liaising with advisers and ensuring they have rooms to carry out their duties.