The Board of Trustees governs and guides the Charity and works closely with the CEO and management team.
Sarah Kelly, Chair of Trustees
Sarah has been involved with Early Years education throughout her student and working life and was involved from the very beginning when founder Sheenagh Davis, MBE set up HOPE in 1998. Sarah was appointed Chair of the Board in 2017 and has supported the Trustees as interim Chair at times during her time on the Board. Her wealth of knowledge and expertise in the area of Early Years is used in her role as Ofsted nominated Trustee.
Gill Tait, Vice Chair
Gill was a dentist by profession and has lived in Bromyard for over 25 years. For most of that time she practised as a dentist in the town and brings her knowledge and experience of working in Health to the Board. She and her husband both work locally and they have a grown up family. Gill was appointed Vice Chair of the Board at our annual AGM in November 2018 and sits on the Buildings and Strategy Groups.
Janet Stevens
Janet is a nurse by profession having specialised in adult and paediatric intensive care. From a management role at the Department of Health and various Authorities in the West Midlands she subsequently became a senior lecturer at Aston University Management School and Birmingham University. She retired as Chief Nurse and Director of Operations at Hereford Hospitals and now takes on various voluntary roles. Janet lives with her dog Sherrie in Ullingswick where she is visited frequently by her grown up family and grandchildren. Janet is Chair of the Strategy Planning Group.
Jeanie Falconer
After studying at Edinburgh University, Jeanie worked as a freelance journalist in Turkey and later in London for the European public affairs company EPPA. She worked in London & Brussels and Eastern Europe, helping businesses (mainly) understand the processes of the European institutions. After living in Paris, she moved with her family to Herefordshire, close to where her husband grew up, and took on the vineyard established at their home. Jeanie is Chair of the Buildings Group.
Sarah Bodell
Sarah was a police officer by profession having specialised in criminal investigations and safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. Whilst head of public protection Sarah represented the police on local safeguarding boards and serious case reviews in Wiltshire. She worked on secondment to Her Majesties Inspectorate of Constabulary, leading teams who assessed and reported on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces and policing, in the public interest. She completed her secondment as Chief of Staff for Wales and the west of England. Sarah retired as a chief superintendent and now lives in Bringsty with her family. Sarah joined the Board in 2019 and has been appointed as the Trustee for Safeguarding matters for the Charity.
