Team: Trustees

Joined the Board in 2023.

Mel said: “I am a Social Sustainability Specialist working with Balfour Beatty in the South West. This means I get to devise inspiring legacy projects for the community, business and the environment.

“As a Cornish lass, I have worked in training, business and local government for over 30 years and have a wealth of strategic experience. I am inspired and excited by the work of the voluntary sector and has been a trustee of multiple charitable and educational organisations.

“I am also a Cornish Ambassador promoting Cornwall to the rest of the UK and beyond. My passions are people, creativity and the environment and I believe in responsiveness, trust and open communication.”

Sam said: “I have lived, studied, volunteered and worked in Cornwall all my life. For almost 10 years I’ve worked in the voluntary sector, managing and supporting volunteers in local and national charity roles. My background is in service development and volunteer engagement.

I am a Volunteering Best Practice Partner at Cats Protection, where I support colleagues and volunteers to continuously improve the volunteer experience.

I’ve been a Trustee of Cornwall VSF since 2021 and am passionate about supporting communities, volunteers and the sector in Cornwall.”

Joined the Board in 2021.

Nick said: “I am privileged to be in a position to learn from all involved in Cornwall VSF and engaged in community based action across Cornwall.  I hope I can find ways of using learning from over 40 years in public services to support the work of the Charity and those it serves and supports.”

Joined the Board in 2024.

Keith said “I am a Financial Specialist working as an independent interim Finance Director and business consultant within the public and VCSE sectors across the UK. This means I get to review, monitor, manage and improve the financial strength and sustainability of many different publicly funded organisations.  

“I have worked with private sector, local government, economic development, and regeneration businesses, as well as with charitable community organisations for over 40 years. I therefore have a wide and deep set of strategic business, financial, risk, governance and transformation skills and experience to bring to my role as a CVSF Trustee and Treasurer.  While this is my first Trustee role, I have worked with and advised Boards of Directors and Trustees, as well as Senior Leadership Teams, for most of my working life.   

 “I am in awe of the personal time and effort devoted to charitable causes by so many people across the VCSE sector and look forward to giving some of my own time and experience to supporting the development of VSF. 

“I am passionate about Cornwall after many years holidaying here growing up and now spending much of my time living and running a small business here.”

Joined the Board in 2024.

Ellie said “Having grown up in Cornwall, I’m really excited to be serving the local community as a Trustee on the Cornwall VSF board! 
 
“Having served in roles within the public sector, including time in the NHS as an apprentice, Cornwall Council with the Adoption and Fostering team, the Public Health team, and Active Cornwall, I have an advanced understanding of local needs and challenges. I’ve particularly enjoyed the opportunity to work with some incredible organisations and professionals, especially those within the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector.  
 
“I have a passion for tackling health and social inequalities, rooted in my own lived experience, and have a commitment to supporting the wellbeing of individuals and families. As a recipient of support from the Cornwall One Parent Support Group (COPS), grief counselling with Penhaligon’s Friends and other brilliant organisations in Cornwall as a child/young person, I understand first–hand the impact charitable organisations can have on individuals and families facing social and financial barriers. This early exposure fuelled my determination to create a fairer and more equal society, and this opportunity will provide me with the chance to share my experience and drive change. 
 
“With a keen understanding of sustainable funding structures and an aptitude for building positive relationships, I’m really excited to contribute to the forum’s mission of empowering communities and driving positive change across Cornwall!” 

Joined the Board in 2024.

Alison said “I am a retired GP with over 25 years’ experience of working in the NHS, including 4 years working for NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group as a Clinical Lead and Governing Body GP. I now run my own Health and Personal Coaching business.

“I have volunteered in many capacities throughout my life, both abroad and in the UK. Most recently I have been a volunteer vaccinator during the Covid 19 pandemic, a gleaner for Gleaning Cornwall and a director at Choose Nature CIC. I strongly believe in the VCSE sector’s unique role in tackling inequalities, supporting communities, and enhancing the voice of people who might otherwise be unheard. I am excited to assist Cornwall VSF in its great work as an enabler of all Cornish VCSE organisations.”

Rebecca said “I currently serve as the Deputy CEO of the RSPCA Cornwall Branch, where our primary focus is on rehabilitating and rehoming animals, while also acting as a central point for the RSPCA’s activities throughout Cornwall.

“My passion lies in driving social impact within the voluntary sector, an area I’ve been deeply involved in for the past 25 years. Born and raised in Cornwall, I have dedicated my career to supporting the local community, collaborating with businesses, social enterprises, and charities alike.

“As I step into the role of charity trustee, I bring with me a wealth of experience and a sincere commitment to making a difference.”