Welcoming Chris Brown and Vikki Newman-Brace to our Board of Trustees

We are delighted to welcome Chris Brown and Vikki Newman-Brace to our Board of Trustees. Both bring valuable professional expertise, lived experience and a strong commitment to creating a more inclusive Gloucestershire.

Chris BrownChris Brown

Chris brings almost 20 years of experience in community leadership, governance, fundraising and partnership development. Throughout his career, including as Chief Executive of Forest Voluntary Action Forum, he has secured significant investment for communities, led cross-sector partnerships and championed inclusive approaches that help people and communities thrive.

Speaking about his appointment, Chris said:

“Having worked alongside Barnwood Trust for more than a decade and served on its Funding Committee, I have seen firsthand the difference its work makes across Gloucestershire. Becoming a Trustee feels like a natural next step, allowing me to support an organisation whose values of inclusion, opportunity and long-term change strongly align with my own.“

Vikki Newman-BraceVikki Newman-Brace

Vikki Newman-Brace joins the Board after recently becoming self-employed and wanting to dedicate more time to supporting her local community. Vikki brings 15 years of experience in finance roles and currently works as a bookkeeper and accountant. Her professional background gives her a strong understanding of the financial realities facing charities. She also brings personal experience of neurodivergence and the mental health challenges that can be associated with autism.

Speaking about becoming a Trustee, Vikki said:

“I found I had more time to give back to my community. I've been aware of Barnwood Trust since moving to Gloucestershire 21 years ago and it felt fitting to choose a charity that supports neurodivergent people like myself and the rest of my family. I believe in continued personal development so I look forward to learning from being a Trustee too.“

We are excited to welcome Chris and Vikki to the Board and look forward to the insight, experience and perspectives they will bring as we continue working towards a more inclusive Gloucestershire.