Trustee Elections

Sam joined the BHS as a teenager to take her examinations at her local riding school and has since continued her education and development through BHS assessments - attaining the BHS Intermediate Instructor and Stable Manager qualifications.

Now the listed proprietor of the equestrian centre based at Moulton College, Sam has held a variety of positions throughout her career across the equestrian sector. In addition to developing significant experience in the industry, the roles that Sam has held have allowed her to develop a unique skill set in relation to leading and motivating teams in challenging environments, where strong negotiation and conflict management skills were paramount. Having also worked within the public sector environment, Sam also has relevant experience of organisational governance and policy which she feels would be very beneficial to the BHS trustee role.

When asked why she would like to be a BHS Trustee, Sam said:

“As an avid rider from an early age what I didn't have in talent, I made up for in enthusiasm! If I wasn't at school, I was at my local riding school helping in any capacity in order to spend as much time as possible with horses, and with the people I became lifelong friends with and who shared my passion.

“I joined the BHS as a teenager when I embarked upon the stages examinations, and I guess you could say I have not looked back. Although I have worked in other industries over the course of my career, I have always been drawn back into the equestrian world due to my love of horses and desire to educate horse owners and riders to ensure that these marvellous creatures receive the very best care. Over the years I have been involved with a number of different riding clubs and more recently was a keen member of the Northamptonshire BHS committee and was involved with setting up various events for members in our region.

“I am a great supporter of the BHS assessments and what they stand for as practical stand-alone qualifications. Ensuring that horse owners and those that work in the industry are educated to a high standard safeguards the welfare of our horses going forward, and I have therefore avidly promoted the benefits of pursuing education through vocational qualifications. I also feel very strongly about the approvals schemes that relate to both riding schools and livery yards, making sure that welfare standards are upheld across the board.

“In these current times our industry as a whole is clearly under significant scrutiny. Education is therefore crucial, not just for horse owners and riders but also for the general public. The BHS's promotion of all types of recreation that involve being with horses and encouraging participation in a variety of forms, is therefore, essential in ensuring the sustainability of the industry. The BHS has  significant presence within the industry and has a strong platform from which to be able to promote the welfare of our horses, and I would very much like to be able to be part of the organisation to ensure our industry's future.”

As a child in Australia, Kerryn spent her summers riding at an equestrian centre at Ocean Grove beach but didn’t have the opportunity to learn to ride properly until she moved to the UK and found a fantastic BHS riding school, Brawlings Farm, run by the energetic and passionate owner Judy Edwards. Kerryn has spent over 20 joyful years riding in the Saturday morning “Bun Club” lesson, riding much loved riding school ponies and making life-long human friends.

Kerryn is a Certified Practicing Accountant (Australia) with her professional career focus as a Finance Director and Finance Business Partner to listed FMCG Commercial and Supply Chain executive teams. Kerryn sets strategy and optimises business value for well-known brands and Kerryn is a member of CPA Australia’s Europe Division Council.  

When asked why he would like to become a BHS Trustee, Kerryn said:

"I'm keen to be elected as a Generalist Trustee as I've been a BHS Generalist Trustee since 2021. I've enjoyed working with the very talented and diverse Trustee Board and feel my practical, international commercial, finance and leadership experience will continue to compliment the exceptional experience of the BHS Trustee group. As a Trustee, I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in and leading the Nomination Committee, as well as attending Finance Committee. 

Since being elected in 2021, I'm very proud to have been a part of the BHS evolving its strategy and thought leadership in the Equine industry, and hope I get the opportunity to continue to do so."

Vivian has 30 years’ experience in leadership and management roles, a proven track record of successfully transferring skills and experience across different sectors, including the third sector and volunteering.

Providing professional and expert advice to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) to enable delivery of their vision, strategy and priorities as expressed through the Police and Crime Plan and the Fire Plan. Vivian was strategic lead for performance and scrutiny, implementing robust accountability and scrutiny measures of the fire service and police forces activities including estate, IT, fleet, procurement, people strategies, and providing support and challenge in thematic areas such as safeguarding and prevention.

Vivian has substantial experience in the application of strong corporate governance, most recently leading and delivering a successful transition of governance for the Fire and Rescue Service from the County Council to the PFCC and developing and implementing a robust governance and accountability framework.

When asked why she would like to be a BHS Trustee, Vivian said:

“I have had a varied career in education, children’s services and criminal justice and have enjoyed leadership roles in the public and private sectors, where I have been able to make a difference for those less fortunate than myself. I believe that as a board trustee I can make a difference. I will be contributing to a great cause that combines my hobby, personal interests, and work-based skills. I can bring experience from my professional life and personal life and use all these experiences and passions to support, question and challenge decisions in the boardroom. Specifically, my experience of establishing, monitoring, and evaluating Police and Crime Plans as well as developing the strategies for the delivery of the objectives and identifying the resources to deliver them. Quite simply it is time to ‘give something back’ and I now have the time to commit to an organisation whose values align with my own.

I have loved horses for as long as I can remember but had to wait until I was 31 before I owned my own horse, I count myself lucky daily that I have horses in my life. I am interested in the work of the BHS and am inspired by what it is trying to achieve and to have the chance to steer, shape, support and contribute my ideas and knowledge to causes and issues that I am passionate about is what has motivated me to make this application.

I believe that there is a lot for me to gain from becoming a trustee, such as access to new experiences while giving something back, opportunity to learn and develop skills and/or demonstrate transferrable skills in a different context, for example governance in the charity sector, and learn about new issues in an area of interest to me. The opportunity to protect and promote the interests of horses and equestrians is exciting and will provide me with meaningful, worthwhile work that will make a difference.

I want to volunteer my expertise to a cause that I care about to increase my sense of wellbeing, connect with new networks and make a significant contribution that builds capacity and capability for the BHS as it strives for excellence.”

Karen has board level experience of other membership (including charitable and not-for-profit  organisations) and has developed effective financial strategies for these organisations with her understanding of the financial implications of strategic and operational plans. She is experienced in corporate, not-for-profit and charity governance, and management at board level. Karen has also been part of, and chaired, board committees covering finance, audit, risk, nomination and remuneration along with various aspects of strategy.

Prior to retirement, Karen was a partner in Deloitte LLP. Since retirement, Karen has committed herself to work only in the not-for-profit and charitable sectors to bring, pro bono, the professional and personal skills gained in her career. Karen has been a volunteer, has managed other volunteers and has developed an understanding of the complexity of satisfying member, volunteer, and beneficiary needs.

A long-term member of the BHS and a horse owner, horses and equestrian sports are a major part of Karen’s life. She is passionate about the benefits that interaction with horses can bring to people in terms of physical and mental health, and has first-hand knowledge as an owner and competitor of the many issues now faced by horses and riders.

When asked why she would like to be a BHS Trustee, Karen said:

“First, I would like to use my financial acumen and wide business experience to support good financial management and governance, and good risk management, throughout the BHS.  Second, as someone who came into horses as a young child through the riding school route, I passionately believe in the value of the BHS’s role in widening access to horses and want to support this and make a wider contribution to the campaigning and educational work of the BHS by using my own experience as a horse owner, rider and competitor.

“In the three years to date that I have served the BHS, I have been a member of and now Chair the Finance Committee, have helped executive management enhance BHS risk management and am also the Trustee with oversight of one of its major internal projects. I would relish the opportunity to continue this work for another three years.”

As a yard owner and BHS member, Sebastian has come to appreciate first-hand the value of the work the BHS does. Therefore, he feels that he is in a position to proactively contribute to developing its mission and activities as a trustee.

Professionally, Sebastian works for one of the world's largest investment consultants who advise institutional investors, including charities. He has over 16 years’ experience working in asset management, including BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager. He is therefore in a strong position to advise on best practice and governance to support the BHS's financial projects - particularly around financial management and approval of designated funds.

Sebastian has experience in fundraising and in the charitable sector, having been a volunteer for the children’s charity HCPT. He is also a committee member for the Gulls’ Eggs Luncheon, an annual fund-raising event which has supported Cure Parkinson’s since 2016, raising over £90,000 each year.

When asked why he would like to become a BHS Trustee, Sebastian said:

“I would like to become a trustee for two reasons; firstly, because I would like to take my first steps towards wider board level governance and secondly, I see the role as an opportunity to give back to the horse-riding community in a way which is well suited to my age and experience.

“I am interested by the prospect of being able to provide proactive support specifically to the mission, values and activities of the BHS as it is a charity close to me. I own a yard and ride horses and have benefitted from the help and support of the BHS. So, it is ideal that I can contribute towards the future of this great charity.

“Becoming a trustee for the BHS would be a privilege, and I would be delighted to support the charity in a practical way. I have director level experience of running an international company, as well as 16 years senior experience in asset management. I would be able to lean on this experience to help develop the strategy of charity and in financial aspects.

“I am a big believer in team efforts. Teams deliver results, not individuals. The trustee role would give me an opportunity to work with other horse enthusiasts as part of a diverse team, something I also find appealing about the role.”