Meet Our Board

Building on 25 years in local government and emergency services, Sarah combines two passions with her board membership – public service and organisational transformation.

As Head of ICT for Essex Fire and Rescue, Sarah brings comprehensive experience of IT and data management, leadership and culture change.  Putting people at the heart of any technology solution, she believes that making the most of information technology comes from educating and empowering, not enforcing.

Sarah’s mantra is be kind, to others and yourself.  Everyone has experienced adversity at some time in their lives, and when we come out the other side, we can hold onto what we learnt along the way, to help both others and ourselves. Valuing inclusion and equal opportunities, Sarah recognised that in order to thrive, you have to grab the little chances to make a change.  Be the change you want to see.  Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it’s possible but take the first step; reach out to those who can support you and let them help you find a way.

Mum to 3 (now) adults and grandmother to 1 special little girl, Sarah enjoys singing in a local choir and a small vocal harmony group.  It’s just for fun – Britain’s Got Talent isn’t calling – but there’s strength in numbers and it’s a great example of how you can achieve so much more working with others than you would dare to do alone.

If you wish to get in contact with the chair of the board, please email Chair.Trustee@thenextchapter.org.uk

Anisa is a Trainee Solicitor at a local law firm. She has experience working with many different people and particularly advocating for young people. Anisa is passionate about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and in her own time tries to create avenues to promote this in various different workplaces.

Anisa has previously supported Karma Nirvana and has received training surrounding Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriages, which she has tried to use widely within her own community to raise awareness and stimulate change. Anisa is still finding her feet but enjoys volunteering a lot and is excited to learn and figure out where she can assist and fit into the board!

Having found herself made redundant at the end of 2019 Sharon was very keen to pursue some voluntary work and joining the Next Chapter Board of Trustees as Treasurer fit the bill perfectly!

Sharon has a wealth of financial experience gained from working in central and local government at an operational and strategic level, a career she is very proud of. Sharon feels this experience can add real value to the Board of Trustees who collectively have a huge amount of varying experience and strengths, making for a great Board!

Sharon is a mum to 2 who are now all grown up and amazing adults and 1 adorable granddaughter! Sharon loves most sports and she can be seen jogging around Colchester, is partial to playing badminton or doing a Body Combat class at the gym!

Cate is a property solicitor and partner in a local law firm.  She qualified as a solicitor in 2014 and was made partner in 2016.  During her time as a solicitor Cate has enjoyed learning more about the local area and community through the work she does with the firm. Cate has also made strong links with local businesses and community interests alike.

Outside of work Cate lives with her husband and cockerpoo Ruby, who all enjoy trips to the beach.  Cate is also a trustee for a local homeless charity and is passionate about local issues so was very excited to be approached about an opportunity on the board with Next Chapter.

Hannah is a branding and marketing consultant with over 20 years of experience, starting her career with blue chip companies before transitioning to work independently. She now uses the skills and insights gained from the corporate world to help smaller businesses and organisations grow. Over the last seven years, Hannah has applied her expertise to support local charities like Next Chapter, and she is eager to contribute even further by volunteering on its trustee board.

A long-time advocate for women's rights, Hannah's passion for the cause has only deepened as the mother of three teenage daughters.

I had been fortunate to receive support from The Next Chapter at a very challenging time for my family. My experiences of the work The Next Chapter does made me want to contribute my skills to ensure many other families are able to access similar support. I spent 20 years in financial services in people related roles.

My final role was Chief People Officer of an asset management firm before leaving to set up an independent coaching and consultancy business. I hope my lived-experience and professional skills will make me a useful contributor to The Next Chapter.

Lyndsey is dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence. With over 20 years of experience in the VAWG sector, she was excited to join The Next Chapter's incredible team. She currently serves as a director for the NO MORE Foundation, a global organisation committed to ending domestic and sexual violence.

Before this role, she led the UK chapter of NO MORE, Everyone's Business.

Since joining The Next Chapter, Lyndsey has been impressed by the organisation's commitment to delivering trauma-informed, victim-centred services that are built on feminist values and principles.

Next Chapter hold a massive place in my heart as I, found myself in their Recovery Refuge in December 2020. With there encouragement and help I now find myself living a life that I love. I work for a Community Rehabilitation in Essex and I am an ambassador for Refuge in London.

I am passionate about helping people whenever possible and hope that my lived experience can highlight the unfortunate need for places like Next Chapter. They do an amazing job and I am an example of that.

Sandra is a Housing Professional with a passionate sense of purpose and a tremendous appetite for customer excellence and continuous improvement. She is also Co-Chair for Women in Social Housing (WISH) in the East Region, creating excellent networking opportunities for new and established professionals. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) she is a trusted professional with extensive housing experience and a commitment to ethical standards. Sandra is also a Committee Member for the CIH Professional Standards Committee, which is delegated board within the CIH’s governance structure.

Sandra is passionate about people being able to create a future that enables them to realise their purpose and calling.