Cate Cussell Expand 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.
Emma Regan Expand Emma has worked in a variety of roles over the last 25 years including within psychiatric care, teaching post 16 education as well as in health coaching and behaviour change. She currently works as a Commissioner in public health, ensuring good provision of health improvement services to support population health, and in particular those who are most vulnerable. Emma is interested in reducing health inequalities and enabling fair access to a healthy and happy life for all. Emma is passionate about supporting Next Chapter to continue to thrive and in particular help to maximise opportunities that will improve the health and wellbeing of staff and service users.
Holly Smart Expand Holly has over 14 years' experience in marketing, brand and communications with over 6 of these being in the charity sector. She has also created and developed the fundraising function for two charities, one national and one regional. Holly also brings with her a wealth of skills from the commercial sector, having also worked in the facilities management, imports, publishing, and education sectors. She is incredibly passionate about her role as a trustee at The Next Chapter and is proud to be part of the team.
Karen Williams Karen brings her extensive housing management, strategic knowledge of safeguarding and experience of improving support pathways for survivors of domestic abuse to our board. Expand Karen has worked in the Housing sector for 25 years and has a wealth of skills and knowledge in the area of Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding. She has also held the role of Chair of Governors at a local primary school so has governance, risk management and compliance knowledge and skills which she brings to our board. Additionally Karen holds the Chartered Institute of Housing level 5 professional qualification along with an Institute of Leadership & Management level 5 qualification and is the strategic Safeguarding lead for CBH. In Karen's role within Colchester Borough Homes she is working on improving the pathways for survivors of Domestic Abuse and she is keen to see how she can bring this together with the work of Next Chapter for the benefit of those experiencing domestic abuse. Karen is passionate about ensuring that the voice of our service users is represented and taken into account when we are planning and designing our services.
Kay Caldwell - Interim Chair of Board Expand Kay has held senior leadership and non-executive director roles in organisations spanning the local government, regeneration and housing association sectors. Kay is passionate about the importance of providing excellent, people-centred services and values the importance of releasing the latent talent that exists within every individual, irrespective of their circumstances. Her interests include sailing, spending time with family and friends and long walks with Lotti, her smooth fox terrier. Kay is excited to be working with the members of the Next Chapter who are all highly effective and as motivated as she is to make Next Chapter a success. If you wish to get in contact with the chair of the board, please email [email protected]
Sarah Taylor Expand 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.
Sharon Stephens Expand 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!