Meet Susanne – GAVO’s Regional Strategic Lead and Manager of the Newport Team
- GAVO
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
At GAVO, our team brings together people with a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to strengthening communities across Gwent. In this latest staff spotlight, we’re introducing Susanne Maddax, GAVO’s Regional Strategic Lead and Manager of the Newport team, whose career has been shaped by a passion for social justice, equality and partnership working.
A long-standing connection with GAVO
Susanne joined GAVO in 2003 as one of Wales’s first Health and Social Care Facilitators. Since then, she has worked across Newport, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Cardiff, developing partnerships across health, social care and the voluntary sector.
Today, she leads the Newport team while working across health, social care and wellbeing. Her role combines strategic leadership, partnership development and team management, working with communities, voluntary organisations, public services and other partners to improve wellbeing and strengthen communities.
A career shaped by supporting people
Before joining GAVO, Susanne worked in housing and homelessness services and was part of the first Asylum Seeker and Refugee team in Cardiff delivering the interim scheme. Her career has also included roles with Age Concern Cardiff and Vale and C3SC, as well as running her own business before taking time out to raise her family.
Alongside her professional career, Susanne returned to education as a mature student, completing a Law degree, postgraduate qualifications and an MSc in Housing at Cardiff University.
These experiences have helped shape her strong belief in equality, advocacy and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to have their voice heard.
Bringing people together
A key part of Susanne’s role is bringing people and organisations together to create positive change. She works with NHS services, local authorities, Welsh Government, academic institutions and a broad range of statutory and third sector partners.
She believes that effective partnership working starts with listening, building trust and working collaboratively to find solutions.
As someone with hearing loss, Susanne also understands the importance of accessibility and inclusion, and is particularly passionate about ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.
Inspired by Newport’s communities
Susanne has worked in Newport on several occasions throughout her career and has been continually inspired by the city’s diversity, resilience and strong sense of community.
“Cities have a special vibe. Yes, there are challenges, but it’s the great people who make the city.”
She is particularly keen to strengthen community voice and connect with underrepresented communities, including organisations supporting people with disabilities, neurological conditions and sensory loss.
Looking ahead
With GAVO’s 100th anniversary approaching in 2027, Susanne hopes to continue strengthening collaboration across sectors, supporting meaningful community engagement and developing opportunities for third sector organisations and community groups.
She is also passionate about championing the role of the voluntary sector in improving health and wellbeing, connecting communities with services and developing flexible solutions that respond to local needs.
Beyond the day job
Outside of work, Susanne enjoys music, science and technology and is a lifelong gamer, having discovered gaming in her late teens. Her collection includes a number of consoles that are now officially considered antiques.
More recently, she has developed a keen interest in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Susanne sees some similarities between gaming and partnership working: both require strategy, teamwork, resilience, adaptability and patience — and occasionally involve overcoming a particularly challenging boss level.
Her personal mantra is:
“Work to level the playing field so everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Susanne Maddax
Regional Strategic Lead & Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Partnership Officer
📞07376022929
