Over the past 40 years I held a series of senior finance roles in major financial services organisations. I have also operated my own management consultancy, specialising in relationship management, risk management and corporate governance. I am a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants (FCMA). Previously and since taking early retirement, I have worked with other charities in voluntary Trustee and Director roles, principally around Finance and Accounting.

As Treasurer of Wheathampstead Community Group, I have a hard act to follow after 12 years of sterling service by David Law. Since taking on the role, I have focussed in moving WCG banking and finances on line. I have gone through my first annual collection and leant much from it. However the biggest challenges for me have been around regulatory controls and policies. Financial reporting standards for charities are getting stricter all the time to meet the latest regulations. Privacy and data protection policies, even for small charities like WCG, now have to be formalised and fully documented to meet the latest GDPR standards. Using my business controls experience and working with other WCG Trustees, I have updated these standards and policies for WCG. I have also put together our first fully documented Business Plan and Budget. Over the next 12 months, I plan to review and update other WCG policies and procedures, including Safeguarding.

Despite having lived in Wheathampstead for over 30 years, I have surprised myself how much I have learnt about the village and community of Wheathampstead since taking on the role fo Treasurer. I am especially pleased to get know the other WCG Trustees. I can honestly say that I am honoured to be part of such a hard working, contentious team who are all so positive and friendly in their approach to supporting our great community. I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees for many years to come.