Our People
Livvy Hanks
Executive Director
Livvy has previously worked as a political advisor and climate campaign manager, and also has a background in editorial work. She is a founding member of Our Power and a member of Norwich Climate Commission.
Cate Oliver
Volunteer Coordinator
Cate supports our Energy Champions in making connections in their communities. Come and talk to her about how community works best when we share our skills and knowledge for everyone's benefit. Everyone has something to share - they might not know it yet!
Andy Bodycombe
Energy Advice Coordinator
Andy has been active in the UK building integrated solar market since 1997. His experience in environmental education in the UK (Solar For Schools and EcoACTIVE) and Africa (SolarAid) has drawn him to the community-focused work of Our Power. He's passionate about sustainability, low energy buildings and the role that energy efficiency and renewable energy can play in addressing the climate and ecological crisis.
Paul Donnachie
Energy Advisor
Paul is a retired Chartered Civil Engineer, latterly Head of Highway Design and Development with Norfolk County Council. He has many years of experience working constructively with varied groups to deliver objectives and practical solutions. He is also a big fan of heat pumps, and has had one in his own home since 2022.
Alina Sandu
Comms and Admin Officer
With a background in design and community engagement, Alina runs Our Power's social media channels and answers most queries sent by email.
Board Members
John Moore
After an early career in automotive R&D, John moved in to developing small wind turbines 15 years ago and installed over 600 systems before moving into solar and battery storage development. He now works as a technical consultant, mainly supporting community energy organisations, in designing and assessing the feasibility of generation and clean heat schemes.
Paul Neale
Paul spent many years in refurbishing commercial leisure business premises across the UK and Europe, including running a property design and management business in Greece. Since returning to the UK, he has been a Green Party Councillor, actively involved in council eco-social housing and personal home retrofitting.
He joined Our Power as he felt a need for not-for-profit organisations and councils to push forward faster with retrofitting and community energy.
Steve Wiseman
Steve supports charities and social enterprises through his consultancy, Wiseman & Associates, and especially work in education, environmental sustainability, social justice, youth and families, refugee integration, arts, and mental health.
He also serves as a Trustee or Director of several charities and social enterprises, some of which he co-founded, including international development charity maNGOma.
Asher Minns
Asher Minns is an Executive Director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, a partnership of five Universities led by the University of East Anglia working together since 2000. Asher is also very keen on accelerating place-based climate action, as founding Chair of the Norwich Climate Commission in partnership with Norwich City Council, Chair of the Norfolk Climate Change Partnership on behalf of Norfolk’s Local Authorities, and Lead for the Sustainability Strategy at the University of East Anglia
Mariyana Blazer
Mariyana is an accountant with more than 20 years’ experience, primarily in NHS finance. Her interest in clean energy is also personal and she has transformed her own home with solar panels, battery storage, an air source heat pump and an EV charger, giving her first-hand experience of the benefits and practicalities of low-carbon living. She believes community energy has a vital role to play in tackling climate change, reducing energy bills and giving local people a greater stake in a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Ben Harding
Ben has been working in health and social care for over a decade, with 7 years of experience as an occupational therapist in both the NHS and social services. He also has a keen interest and passion for community-led resources, and renewable energy.