Out Together is governed by a Board of Trustees who are responsible for the strategic direction, financial oversight and good governance of the charity.

The Board ensures that the organisation operates in line with its charitable purpose, legal responsibilities and values. Trustees bring a range of skills and experience from community, health, digital, finance and governance backgrounds.

Trustees work closely with the staff team, providing oversight while supporting sustainable growth and strong accountability.

Thomas PorteusChair

Thomas Porteus is a community-minded entrepreneur and digital leader with a strong commitment to digital accessibility, inclusion, and social impact.

He leads Navigate Health and Patient.info, one of the UK’s most trusted health platforms, used by over 8 million people each month. He also co-owns Flamingos Coffee House in Leeds, a vibrant community space that celebrates and supports the LGBT+ community.

Thomas brings expertise in strategy, technology, and communications. He has worked extensively with NHS organisations, charities, and health technology partners, building innovative projects that improve digital access to information, empower patients, and promote equality in healthcare.

Passionate about creating safe, inclusive digital spaces as well as welcoming community venues, Thomas joined Out Together as a trustee to help strengthen its online presence, grow digital outreach, and champion opportunities for LGBT+ people across Leeds and beyond.

Katie Robinson Trustee

Katie Robinson has 20 years background in Engineering with a logical and practical approach to resolving problems in a wide range of disciplines.

She studied Computer Science as a mature student at Sheffield University before moving into IT as Computer Manager at a Leeds cancer hospital for 10 years, then joining a rising financial services organisation as it became a challenger credit reference agency. After 20 years managing numerous specialist departments Katie finally retired in 2018.

Katie lives in Leeds, West Yorkshire, but was born and raised in Doncaster. She’s married to a wonderful wife, who Katie says deserves far better than her. They have two amazing daughters, and five of the most awe-inspiring grandchildren anyone could wish for.

Road running is how she keeps fit, taking part in her local weekly Parkrun, running 4 times a week and competing in the Great North Run each year. Katie is transgender, male to female, and completed her transition in November 2022.

Tim GittinsTrustee

With a career spanning finance, technology, marketing, and community leadership, I bring a hybrid combination of strategic, financial, and communication skills to Out Together.

Starting as a Chartered Accountant, I transitioned into IT, taking on leadership roles in sales, marketing, and finance, including securing investment for a start-up. My consultancy work in PR, marketing, and community affairs for a diverse corporate customer base further extended my ability to bridge sectors and drive engagement.

Beyond my professional career, I have dedicated 30 years to community leadership, serving as a parish councillor, action group founder, and event organizer. My passion for collaboration extends to my long-standing involvement with the International Wine and Food Society, where I’ve held multiple leadership roles.

Throughout I have had a wonderfully patient and supportive partner, now husband, of 50 years, living together in a lovely village enjoying a sheltered life with our dogs, and having a wide network of friends and family.

But when I first got involved with Out Together I became acutely aware that many in our community are less fortunate, and that one’s life can change in an instant. I have been chair since 2021 and have been able to guide the charity through a significant period of change that reflects our unlimited capacity to support each other.

Now in my mid 70’s, my experience is a valuable asset—offering strategic insight, resilience, and a broad skill set that continues to be relevant to the challenges Out Together faces. I remain committed to contributing my expertise to meaningful intergenerational projects that will ensure we will permanently strengthen our community.