Sue Hughes
Recently retired from Arts Council England, where she was Relationship Manager for Luton, Sue previously worked in a similar capacity with Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire, promoting a wide range of arts and culture activities and supporting organisations throughout Bedfordshire, while gaining significant experience of assessing and monitoring grant applications. Prior to this Sue was East of England Regional Manager for the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, where the role included securing funding for and delivering major development projects, collaborating with other lottery funded organisations, and conducting peer reviews. A qualified information professional, Sue previously led Information and Inward Investment Services for Business Link Hertfordshire, managing a team of information advisors and event organisers, securing funding from the EU to set up a dedicated information centre and chairing the Information Managers’ Network.
Sue has recently served as a school governor and co-chair, and she is a founder member of Friends of Herts Young Homeless, scoping and taking part in fundraising activities to enhance life chances for service users.
Chris Collett
Chris has spent his entire career in finance, opting to take a route of on-the-job learning as opposed to university. Chris trained as a Chartered Accountant, passing his ICAEW exams in 2010 before embarking on a variety of roles before settling the into investment appraisal and corporate finance side of finance. Chris’ broad experience of roles has seen him involved in auditing financial statements, establishing a finance function in a start-up, financial forecasting and investment appraisal; more recently taking a role to Head the Financial Planning and Analysis team at London Luton Airport, allowing him to leverage his previous experience in a broad management role.
Originally from Surrey, Chris moved to London with work and recently relocated to Sandy to raise his young family. When time allows, Chris enjoys fishing and cycling.
Chair of the Executive Finance Committee
James Western
James is a finance and investment professional, having worked at Barclays Bank for five years before joining Harwood Private Capital. During this time, he has provided public and private companies with debt and equity finance to drive growth. James has also spent time in restructuring – supporting distressed companies across the UK, Europe and Asia. His current role is investing in small and fast-growing companies.
James is an advocate of using professional experience to support charities. In the past, he has assisted a non-profit organisation establish a social enterprise and worked with The Prince’s Trust to teach young people enterprise skills, to prepare them for starting their own business. James grew up in Bedfordshire, where he met his wife, with family members living across the County.
Chair of the Executive Fund Development Committee
Aimee Gomez
Aimee Gomez is a Creative Producer and Educator in the fashion industry working on a variety of international events including runway shows photo shoots and brand development. She is the founder of The Fashion Breakdown and STEM X FASHION.
The Fashion Breakdown has been running since 2018 delivering a careers advisory service and educational platform that offers advice and guidance alongside tangible hands on work experience workshops and work experience opportunities to help young people make informed decisions and clear pathways for their future.
STEM X FASHION promotes and informs on the benefits and career routes into the fashion industry through the study of STEM subjects. Linking the study of STEM to an aspirational industry, such as the fashion industry, captures the imagination and raises aspirations of young people working with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics focused careers. Aimee recently received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to create and pilot new innovative educational resources and re imagine a new framework for teaching that inspires students and teaching staff to engage with Luton’s hat making heritage with the use of innovative technologies including VR, AR and gamification app development.
Member of the Executive Fund Development Committee
Ian Taylor
Ian is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Chartered Engineer.
Starting his career at a Local Authority in the West Midlands, Ian the worked for Arup from 1993 to 2024.
Ian lived and worked in Hong Kong, Singapore, Ireland and the USA as well as the UK during his career with Arup, and has also delivered projects in Philippines, Vietnam, China and other nations, helping to deliver connectivity and economic opportunity to emerging regions of the world. He was a Director with the firm, and was its Global Aviation Business Leader, with responsibility for business strategy, business investments and project delivery. He is particularly proud of his work with Arup, as it is an employee trust-owned organisation with strong ethical values that he shares.
From 2019 until February 2024, Ian worked on London Luton Airport’s development plans and its Development Consent Order application. Luton Borough Council works for the community benefit, not private shareholders and is supporting a movement to create a town built on fairness, where people can thrive, and no-one has to live in poverty.
Ian enjoys time with his two teenage daughters has a passion for classic cars.
Member of the Executive Finance Committee
Louise Mackenzie
Louise has spent her career working in Human Resources, building her experience in the generalist area, which studying part time. Louise qualified with an MSc in HR Management whilst working as a HR Business Partner for London Luton Airport. Louise’s passion for talent development and ED&I saw her move into a new space at the airport as the Organisation Development Manager, where she works to provide a great employee experience for all colleagues.
Though Louise grew up in Buckinghamshire, she attended a Bedfordshire school, and through her employer has a vested interest in making Luton a great place to live and work.
Member of the Executive Governance Committee
Giles Neoh
Giles is legal counsel at Google covering Europe, Middle East and Africa. He has been a lawyer since 2018. He specialises in technology, IP, data protection and commercial law. During this time he has advised on high profile commercial legal work, including advising on complex technology launches such as AI product launches, and represented clients (including S&P 500 and FTSE 100 companies) in several different industries ranging from energy, financial services, professional services, hotels, sport and technology sectors.
Giles has been involved in mentoring and assisting aspiring solicitors gain access to the profession, particularly students from under-represented groups.
Giles lives in Bedfordshire and has an active involvement in the community where he is on the governing board of his local school.
Member of the Executive Fund Development Committee.
Venesa Coodien
Venesa Coodien, born and raised in Luton, is dedicated to creating opportunities for local people. As Managing Director of Right FM Ltd, she has over 25 years of experience in facilities management, operations, and compliance while actively supporting Luton’s community, businesses, and young talent.
She serves as a School Governor at Luton Sixth Form College & King’s House Moorlands and sits on the Career Advisory Board at LSST, bridging education and employment. As an Ambassador for Step Forward Luton and a Change Maker for Leading Luton, she champions the Luton 2040 vision. She mentors youth through Bedford Giving / 4YP and Young Enterprise.
Venesa supports homelessness, hygiene poverty, and healthcare inequality through Changing Lives Forever, The Hygiene Bank Luton, and Luton & Dunstable Hospital. A proud British Mauritian, she celebrates her heritage and authored The British Mauritian cookbook, donating copies to Luton institutions.
Member of the Executive Governance Committee.
Junaid Ahmed
Junaid is a lifelong Luton resident with strong connections to the local community through previous employment and a commitment to supporting charitable organisations.
His career began while studying for a BA in Marketing with Digital Communications at the University of Hertfordshire, where he used his academic expertise to consult for SMEs and charities, helping them enhance their marketing and digital presence. During this time, he worked with organisations such as Luton Town FC Community Trust, Chiltern Learning Trust, and Luton Foodbank.
After graduating, Junaid pursued a marketing role in the automotive industry, working for the AA before returning to Luton to join an international manufacturing company. Most recently, he has spent the past three years in London at Kantar Media, a leading marketing data and analytics business.
Beyond his professional life, Junaid has a passion for travel, discovering new food spots, and staying active as a member of a local wrestling club.
Member of the Executive Finance Committee.
Dr Augusta Evans
Dr Augusta Evans is a Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Bedfordshire, with over 20 years’ experience in higher education, business consultancy, and human resource management. She holds a PhD in Marketing, specialising in tourism advertising and the use of shock advertising in global destinations. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), demonstrating her commitment to teaching excellence and inclusive learning.
Her academic expertise includes digital marketing, business strategy, tourism policy, and leadership, and she has held senior lecturing posts at the University of Essex, London Churchill College, Global Banking School, and Elizabeth School of London. Augusta’s research has been presented internationally and published in journals and edited book chapters. Her current projects explore the use of shock advertising in destination management and road safety campaigns in Nigeria and across Africa, supported by Research England and other funding bodies.
Before entering academia, Augusta held HR consultancy roles with NHS Professionals and DHL, which developed her skills in workforce development and organisational communication. She continues to contribute to curriculum design with a strong focus on employability and cultural awareness and is deeply passionate about inclusive education that empowers learners from all backgrounds. Her research serves as a tool to support local communities and drive sustainable change.
Member of the Fund Development Committee.
Dr Gareth Thomas
Gareth is a lifelong nature conservationist with a career spanning more than four decades. He worked for the RSPB from 1967 to 2007, where he held several senior roles including Head of Reserves Ecology and Head of Conservation Management. His leadership helped shape the organisation’s national strategy for nature reserve management and land acquisition.
He holds a PhD in Waterfowl Biology and is a Churchill Fellow, recognised for his work on reducing the environmental impact of lead ammunition. Gareth has served as a trustee for numerous charities and community organisations, including the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, where he chaired the grants committee. He continues to serve as a board member for the Arbory Trust and is active in the local sporting community through his roles with Bedford Town Football Supporters Trust and Waresley Cricket Club.
Originally from Pembrokeshire and now based in Bedfordshire, Gareth is passionate about giving back to the community he has lived in since the 1960s and brings deep experience in governance, strategy development, and environmental advocacy to his role with BLCF.
Member of the Governance Committee.
Wayne Humberstone
Wayne Humberstone was born in Bedford and has had a strong connection with volunteering within the county for over 30 years. Wayne has served as a School Governor, Special Constable rising to the role of Chief Officer for the County before leaving in 2017, and is currently a Justice of the Peace predominately sitting in Luton.
Wayne has held various roles within the public and private sectors, which have been focused around public safety, partnerships, and leadership and development. With these roles, Wayne has worked in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Wayne maintains a passion for justice and supporting individuals, organisations and communities .
Wayne has a Level 7 Diploma in corporate governance and is currently progressing to become a “GC Ologist” to further equip him to support teams in their strategic journeys.
Member of the Governance Committee.
Julian Barker
Julian is a professional strategist and experienced charity trustee. He has held senior strategy roles in a wide range of industries (telecoms, events, gaming, and retail) and types of organisations. Most recently he was global strategy director at RX Global the events division of RELX.
Continuing his passion for museums and heritage he first became a charity trustee in 2007 at MLA London, the strategic body for museums, libraries, and archives, and now part of the Arts Council. He was a long-term trustee at The Postal Museum, supporting its transformation into a major museum and attraction, complete with underground railway. Additionally, Julian volunteers locally in Scouting and is currently a trustee and fundraiser at the 1st Luton Sea Scouts.
Member of the Finance Committee.
Alastair Hay
Born in Luton but currently living in Ampthill, for the past 39 years, I started my surveying career in 1972 with Rumball & Edwards in St Albans, and moved to Edward Symmons in London. I subsequently moved to Manchester in 1983 and joined Bradshaws, becoming partner in 1984 and was instrumental in the growth of the business from one office to 6, expanding the professional side of the practice to encompass Beds, Herts and Bucks, specialising in both residential and commercial property.
In 2008 I sold off the estate agency offices and merged the surveying practice with Pinnacle Surveyors based in Derby in October 2014 where I continue to work part time.
My interests are varied and I like travel, history, historic buildings, rugby, wine, nature and wildlife, walking, photography and remain an active member of The Rotary Club of Luton North, Worshipful Company of Feltmakers, Freeman of City of London Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Trustee of Rotary Youth Trust for Luton.
Become a BLCF Trustee
BLCF is an independent, non-profit organisation established since 2001. Our aim is to improve the quality of life for local residents through encouraging local giving. Our Trustees play a vital role in the organisation and are the final decision-makers. The Board’s main job is to set direction and have oversight of what’s going on, offer the executive strategy, scrutiny, and support, to the employees.
To apply to join us, please download the following 3 documents:
1. Trustee Recruitment Advert
2. Trustee Recruitment Policy
3. Trustee Application Form
We welcome enquiries from prospective Trustees throughout the year. The role encompasses a wide varity of skills, and we are particularly interested in hearing from (but not exclusively to) those with a background in Banking, Business Development, Law, Digital Marketing, Arts and Press Relations.
Closing Date for Applications:
This is a rolling application opportunity, candidates may apply throughout the year
To find out more and request an informal chat with our Chair of Trustees please send an email to our administrator here.
