Meet The Team

VCN CHAIR PERSON

   Coming from a military background it was natural that I joined the WRAC back in the early seventies, marrying a soldier who served for 22 years and raising two children in the military environment.

Before retirement, I worked for a local NHS organisation and part of my role was Armed Forces Covenant lead which led to the organisation achieving the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.

In 2017, I was named as the most inspirational woman in Northampton for my commitment to improving the health and pastoral care of Veterans in the county.

VCN TRUSTEE

I am a highly experienced professional with a multi-expertise skill set from roles within mental health, training and delivery, programme management and supporting service leavers. I possess a wealth of knowledge in wellbeing, mental health and leadership across several fields. I am a huge advocate for effective collaboration, holding a strong portfolio of clientele, including educational establishments, community groups and businesses/charities in both 3rd sector and commercial environments. Being a Trustee at VCN is the perfect role for bringing together a combination of my passions and being a part of the decision making processes that ensure service users receive quality support through progressive and development provisions. 

VCN TRUSTEE

As an introverted child, I grew up in Buckinghamshire from a working class ethnic minority background, unsure of what I wanted to do career wise and making poor life choices. By chance, I met the right person at the right time who guided me to where I am now.

I have had a successful career in the military. I joined the elite Royal Marines in 1986 and served for a distinguished 22 years. I left with the rank of Colour Sergeant.

After my military career, I continued by working in the challenging custodial sector from 2010. I enjoyed a fulfilling 10 years working as a Prison Officer in the courts and prison service environment. I eventually reached the rank of Supervising Officer.

I have also intermittently worked in the security industry for nearly 40 years. I attain enormous pleasure in communicating and helping other people.

Throughout my adult life, I have constantly proved time and time again that with commitment, motivation, discipline, and enthusiasm, I can succeed at senior management level and above. I have demonstrated that you can achieve whatever goals and objectives you set yourself, no matter what barriers are placed in front of you. I previously worked for 2 years with VCN as a Veteran Peer Mentor Worker until I retired.  I found this work very rewarding and feel privileged to be offered a role as a Volunteer Trustee within the organisation. Looking ahead, I am so excited to still be part of the VCN organisation. I definitely believe that the work VCN accomplishes in supporting veterans, reservists and their families is truly commendable, and I genuinely want to continue being a part of it.

VCN TRUSTEE

 A career soldier, joining the Army Apprentices College Harrogate at 16 years of age and completing over 38 years’ service in the Royal Corps of Signals attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Service life has provided the opportunity to serve in many locations around the world, including on operational deployments across the globe.

I hope to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from the many varied roles held during my military career that will help maintain the strong reputation that the Veteran Community Network has already established.

I truly value the opportunity I now have to contribute towards the development of the Veteran Community Network’s great work.

VCN TRUSTEE
I have worked in communications for the last 20 years, first with Network Rail before supporting the NHS. I have supported the handling of high profile events such as the Gray Rigg rail disaster, swine flu and most recently COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Although I have no direct experience of the forces I have worked with veterans and understand the value of the work VCN does to support veterans. I plan to bring my communications experience and expertise to VCN, and hope it makes a small contribution to the organisation. 

VCN TRUSTEE

From a young age I was never far from a uniform or rank structure. So it was no surprise I followed my Grandfather into the R.A.F when I turned 17yrs old. I worked in various location both home and abroad centred round vehicles, close protection, fleet management and instructing. After 18yrs I took redundancy and joined the police spending nearly all my career in detective roles and travelling across the U.K. and Europe and eventually global matters as well. I am never far from my ever growing family, music, football and the gym. So when I retired early I looked for a new challenge and VCN and being around Veterans has given me a drive and passion, I feel at home with.