About Oxford PC Solutions CIC
Oxford PC Solutions - Community Interest Company, is a Company Limited by Guarantee. That means we are a not for profit, grass roots, community organisation. We do not receive any payment for being directors of OPCS CIC, however, we can be paid for work that we do for OPCS CIC, which is how we differ from a charity.
Registered in England & Wales - Company Number 7597387
DIRECTORS
David Urmston has a BSc in Informations Systems and has worked in Community Development since leaving Art College in 1984. A founder member and director of Crackpots Community Arts Organisation, originally worked with clay and the associated kiln building and firings.
Arrival in Oxford introduced him to East Oxford Community Centre where he did a stint as Bookings Secretary amongst other things, while his main aim was completing "Oxpots", a community ceramics studio based in the centre. David also has worked in Films as a Producer and Directors Assistant, thanks to an informal skills exchange through involvement in multi-media activities at Oxford Film and Video Makers. As an enthusiastic audio practitioner, David has been creating audio montages and collaborating with musicians and artists for as long as time, and currently adds his bit to Sacred Geezers, a studio "recording only" band, and also plays congas, bongos and percussion with the Barmy Army, a gigging band.
Alison Palmer-Smith is a Film and Video producer. Trained in the use of high end equipment for recording and studio editing, Ali has applied this expertise on projects in Britain and abroad, working with disadvantaged groups and individuals, to help them to create a campaigning documentary, or to tell a story, or produce a pop video.
Ali has many years experience working at Oxford Film & Video Makers, a local charity, where she trains people from all kinds of backgrounds, in how to create top quality video. She also plays saxaphone and can be heard and seen around Oxford town, playing in "Horns a Plenty" at special events, parties and other celebrations.
Jeff Kalanath-Peirce who has, in the past, worked in the community in various roles; including working as a welfare assistant in secondary education and with people with severe learning difficulties. In the 80's - 90's Jeff was with the Unemployed Workers & Claimants Union, where he was involved in welfare rights and benefits campaigns. During this time he was very active with the National Claimants/Unwaged Movement. He was involved with the Oxford Housing Rights Group and the local (Oxford) Child Poverty Action Group as well as working closely with the Oxford & District Trades Union Council
Jeff is also very much a volunteer and client of OPCS as well. He has been on disability benefits for over 15 years now. Jeff has experienced homelessness at various times and has slept rough, living in make shift shelters and tents, as well as living in trailers and boats.
He has been one of the people for whom OPCS has made a difference and through being involved with OPCS, is hoping to achieve a more independent life. He is also hoping that through his own experiences, he can help other people.
