- How long have you been a trustee at the Veterans’ Foundation?
Just over two and a half years. It’s been a period of significant growth and evolution for the charity. - What inspired you to join?
I knew the founder, David Shaw, through my husband, who served with him, and I had great confidence in the integrity of the organisation. I was also drawn to the Foundation’s focus on supporting small and medium-sized military charities. Having chaired and supported smaller organisations myself, I understand how difficult sustainable fundraising can be. The Veterans’ Foundation plays a vital role in strengthening that part of the sector. - Can you tell us about your background?
My professional career is in HR, spanning more than 30 years across multiple sectors. I ran my own consultancy for over two decades, working on organisational change, governance and leadership.
Alongside this, I’ve held several trustee and chair roles in the military charity sector, including 12 years with the Army Families Federation and four and a half years as Chair of the Military Wives Choirs. I am also a trustee of the Army Widows’ Association. These roles have given me extensive experience in governance, board leadership and supporting service families. - What excites you about the next phase of growth at the Veterans’ Foundation?
The Foundation has grown rapidly, and we are now strengthening governance and structure to support the next stage of development. With five new trustees joining, the board feels fresh and dynamic. They bring diverse expertise, networks and perspectives, which will help us respond quickly to changing needs and opportunities.
What differentiates the Veterans’ Foundation is its agility. We support grassroots organisations effectively and adapt as needs evolve. As we broaden income streams and make better use of the data and insight we’ve built, there is significant potential to increase our impact. - What skills do you bring to the Board?
My HR background gives me strong experience in governance, board dynamics and executive leadership. Having chaired organisations, I understand the importance of an effective Chair-CEO relationship and robust governance frameworks. I also bring deep knowledge of the military charity landscape, particularly around service families, bereavement and transition. - What does supporting veterans mean to you personally?
Military service is a way of life, not just a career. Transitioning out of that environment can be complex and challenging, both for veterans and their families.
I am particularly passionate about supporting families and female veterans, whose needs can sometimes be overlooked. The Veterans’ Foundation’s support for specialist and grassroots charities ensures that tailored, community-based help is available where it is most needed. - What do you do in your spare time?
I love travelling and exploring new places whenever I can. I recently returned from Costa Rica, which was extraordinary as I saw animals and plants I’d never seen before. Experiencing different environments and cultures always gives me fresh perspective, which I find invaluable both personally and in my work as a trustee. - What is one thing people might be surprised to know about you?
I have a motorcycle licence and rode while living overseas which is something many people wouldn’t expect. It’s a reminder to me of taking on challenges and trying new experiences, whether in life, travel, or charity work.
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