New board members and supporter appointed to the Befriending Networks board
12th December 2025
We are delighted to announce our most recent appointees to the Befriending Networks board. Charlotte Prothero and Andreea Tudor will be joining as Appointed Directors, while Samantha Paterson will join in a non-voting role as a Board Supporter. All bring a wealth of experience that will help us to advance our mission to support organisations to deliver quality befriending services that promote wellbeing and meaningful connections, ensuring that everyone feels valued.
Appointed Directors
Charlotte Prothero
Charlotte is a strategic external affairs professional with over six years of experience in Government, arm’s-length bodies, and civil society. She has proven ability to influence public policy, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and shape strategic communications. She will bring her skills and experiences in converting research into compelling policy asks, building networks, and media relations to the Befriending Networks board.
She is a confident communicator with a strong understanding of UK policymaking and a passion for enhancing civil society through effective advocacy and engagement. Based in London, Charlotte was External Affairs Manager with Pro Bono Economics (PBE) between 2023-2025, where she engaged with policy work in the fields of loneliness, philanthropy, and wellbeing.
Andreea Tudor
Andreea is passionate about community development, diversity, and innovation, with particular skills and experiences in driving business growth responsibly and a keen focus on inclusive employment and skills. She has extensive experience in building successful partnerships, delivering national programmes and creating links between businesses and social purposes. In her role as Regional Lead with Business in the Community she is committed to shaping policies and practices that improve lives.
Based in the Midlands, she is an experienced trustee, holding voluntary positions with YMCA Derbyshire, Hope at Home, and Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council.
Board Supporter
Samantha Paterson
Samantha is a dedicated, driven and versatile civil servant with over 20 years in a variety of positions in Government. Her current role in the Scottish Government is as Private Secretary to a Director General.
She has extensive networking and leadership experience with JCI, a global network of active young people from across the globe. She held the role of President of JCI Edinburgh in 2019, leading and chairing a board to grow the organisation in Scotland and speaking at local and international events for JCI. In 2025, she was honoured to receive a senatorship for JCI, a lifelong membership, expressing her commitment to continue to work with JCI and attend international events in the future.
Since 2021 she has been a volunteer phone friend for an Edinburgh charity, Positive Help. Samantha brings strategic perspectives, network development skills, and direct experience of being a telephone befriender to the board of Befriending Networks. Samantha is a non-voting member, and holds the position of Board Supporter.