Enthusiastic, flexible and a fast learner. I have experience with director/trustee roles with several charities and the chairing of committees; as well as running my own business since 2017.

My professional background is as a qualified optician, registered with the General Optical Council. I skill work part-time in practice 2-3 days a week and have been involved with optics since 2004. During this time I have studied several optical qualifications, including my MSc distinction. I also spend over 5 years as a senior lecture and professional lead at Canterbury Christ Church University, where I chair several meetings/committees and demonstrated great skill in working with collaborative partners to achieve shared goals, working as an effective team.

I currently sit on two education committees

• The Optical Sector Steering Group - discussion around all aspects of optical education from levels 2-7
• Education and Learning committee of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) as a Lay Member

Over the years I have become used to dealing with governance and regulatory frameworks (both educational and healthcare/optical) which has been helped by my ability to think creatively, analytically and a willingness to modify my thinking in the light of new information/dialogue, and to respect the differing views of others

Also, having previously completed a course in accounting, this has proven useful in understanding and interpreting financial papers and budgets.

I am currently a director/trustee for the following charities: -

• British Council for Prevention of Blindness - funding research into reducing blindness in low & low-middle income countries
• Vision Care for Homeless People - providing eyecare and spectacles to vulnerable people in cities across England
• Emmaus (Medway) - supporting homeless people in the Medway area with meaningful work, food, shelter and the opportunity to rebuild their lives
• Kent Association for the Blind - provides a wide range of services across Kent to blind and partially sighted people for 100 years

I am also involved with Bemix CIC where I am Co-Chair/Governor for their Supported Internship programme, which helps people with a learning disability or autism into employment.

My trustee roles have given me knowledge of the different forms of fundraising & PR, as well as grant-making and strategic planning.