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Debbie Hustings
Chair of the Board
"I have deep roots in the organisation's history and a lifelong passion for volunteering in numerous roles, including mental health. I was previously General Manager at GAVS, the organisation which proceeded VASWS. I joined GAVS in 1996 but I had been volunteering prior to this role. For many years I facilitated the South West Older People's Forum, albeit under a different name, and I also used to facilitate the South West Disability Empowerment board. If you are looking to support your local community, look no further, a warm welcome awaits you. What have you got to lose?"
Samantha Alford
Data Protection Lead
Samantha Alford is an established technical author, instructor and business management specialist.
With over 35 years of experience in compliance, governance and oversight she supports our board as the data protection lead.
Alan Bucknall
Alan is a former Civil Servant, having spent 10 years as a scientist (Biologist & Analytical Chemist) and 30+ years as Quality Manager in what is now the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) which is part of the Department of Environment & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). As a Quality Manager, he helped the business efficiently and effectively deliver its services to customers and stakeholders in line with good practices embodied in various ISO Standards/Regulations and relevant legislation.
Alan also spent several years in the Government Office for Science helping to promote the use of Science-based evidence to achieve good government policy making and decision making.
He has held several volunteering roles. As a long-term widow and single parent, Alan was the local co-ordinator for the WAY (Widowed and Young) charity and a volunteer bereavement counsellor/trainer with Waverley & Guildford Cruse. Within APHA he served on the Equality Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) committee working to provide a ‘level playing field’ for everyone. As a member of the APHA Staff Engagement Committee he worked to involve staff with running the business. He was also an APHA Mental Health Buddy. Alan was a trustee on the St Andrews church PCC, a committee member and treasurer for the Farnham Society and a Trustee for the Farnham Public Art Trust.
Alex Ford
Alex brings over a decade of experience in global strategic sales and transformation programmes; during which he has helped build and lead several global Sales Centres of Excellence. He has overseen specialist teams across Sales Strategy, Risk Management, Cyber Security, Project Management, Tax Compliance, Commercial Strategy, Creative Excellence, and Knowledge Management.
From Tokyo to Toronto, he has personally contributed to developing and executing global sales, risk management and transformation strategies, implementing new operating models and frameworks, and facilitating workshops on-the-ground internationally. Focused on fostering cross-border relationships, crafting innovative narratives, and driving synergies across geographies, he have successfully led teams in designing major change programmes and business critical services.
Meet Our Trustees
Our trustees are vital to the organisation. They help lead the organisation, set the direction and make key decisions. They work closely with our Joint-CEOs and Senior Management Team to ensure that the charity complies with its governance requirements.
Alex Green
Trustee
Sam Lewis
Sam is the Service Operations Manager at Pilotlight, a social enterprise working to grow collaboration between businesses and charities. Starting his journey as a Project Manager at Pilotlight, Sam has personally coached over a dozen charity CEOs and directly supported over twenty-five charities in the UK through Pilotlight's pro-bono programmes. Throughout his time at Pilotlight Sam has developed a strong understanding of what makes a successful partnership between the private and social sectors, and how mutually beneficial approaches can drive impact. Now, Sam works within Pilotlight's Operations Team to drive efficiencies and ensure quality service for Pilotlights partners. Sam also serves on the DEI committee for Pilotlight, helping to build the knowledge of the team and enable an inclusive approach to service delivery.
Outside of work, Sam is a lover of wildlife and the outdoors, an occasional forager, photographer, and enthusiast of running, cycling, and Muay Thai.
Valeria Locatelli
Valeria is a qualified Accountant and Treasurer with over 20 years of experience working in Audit, Risk and Compliance roles in Financial Services.
She has held Trustee roles for various charities for over 10 years and is very passionate about giving back to the local community and volunteering in particular.
Phyllida Perrett
Phyllida has worked in the not-for-profit, voluntary sector for over 25 years. As Strategic Development Director at Prospects Services which provided support for vulnerable young people and adults, she gained a wealth of experience including strategy development, management, EDI leadership, budgeting and income generation.
In 2019, Phyllida decided to concentrate on working with small and medium charities, setting up her consultancy providing fundraising advice and a wide range of practical support including strategy development and start-up support. She has an MSc Charity Finance and Leadership, from Bayes Business School.
An experienced trustee with 10 years board experience including 6 years with the Directory of Social Change, an infrastructure charity supporting the voluntary sector across the UK. Phyllida moved to Dunsfold from London nearly 4 years ago and loves nothing better than walking in the Surrey Hills with Bertie (Australian Labradoodle) and husband, Murray.