Experienced Trustee, Governor, and Chairperson

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 still 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 have 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: -

• Bemix CIC where I am Co-Chair/Governor for their Supported Internship programme, which helps people with a learning disability or autism into employment.
• Vision Care for Homeless People - providing eyecare and spectacles to vulnerable people in cities across England
• Kent Association for the Blind - provides a wide range of services across Kent to blind and partially sighted people for 100 years

Previous Charity trusteeships

• British Council for Prevention of Blindness - funding research into reducing blindness in low & low-middle income countries
• Emmaus (Medway) - supporting homeless people in the Medway area with meaningful work, food, shelter, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives

My trustee roles have given me knowledge of the different forms of fundraising & PR, as well as grant-making and strategic planning. I have continued my personal development by undertaking the Level 4 qualification in Charity Law & Governance and taking on my first chair role, with Bemix CIC in 2021.

I have a wide range of skills, gained through experience across roles in education, the private sector, and the charity sector, including key skills of 

• fundraising strategy
• communication 
• social media
• strategic planning and business development
• leadership, coaching and mentoring
• compliance (safeguarding, GDPR, health and safety)
• change management 
• governance 
• working with regulators