Rock UK’s Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall control and strategic direction. The Board is accountable for everything Rock UK does, including setting the strategic direction, scrutinising the performance and supporting and empowering the Senior Leadership Team. The trustees delegate management responsibilities to the Chief Executive and certain other functions to our sub-committees.
We currently have eight trustees on the Board. They come from a diverse range of backgrounds and bring a wide variety of skills and experience to the organisation. They meet regularly to discuss and review Rock UK’s strategies and policies and receive updates from the Senior Leadership Team.
Margaret Wooding Jones (Chair)
Margaret joined the Board of Rock UK in 2011 whilst on the leadership of Ashburnham Place, a Retreat and Conference Centre where she had pastoral oversight of an international team of 40 young people. Margaret is passionate about developing young people. She is also a Licensed Lay Minister and has also recently published a book encouraging people to take time out with God.
Huw Ellis
Huw was a Primary School Headteacher for over 20 years and now works part time for a small local charity in Mid Wales as a Schools worker. He is a fluent Welsh speaker and he has recently, along with his wife, planted a small growing church.
Nicola Foot
Nicola is passionate about stopping human trafficking and violence, working for International Justice Mission, a global organisation which has seen slavery decrease by up to 86% in places where they work. She joined the Rock UK board in 2016 as a result of her background in secondary school youth work and bringing church youth groups to Carroty Wood.
Alan Belcher
Alan joined the board in 2015. He brings over 30 years’ experience working for NatWest, the majority of which has been as a relationship director serving SME businesses. He is a keen outdoor sportsman with interests in most sports particularly football, golf and running.
Rachel Charlesworth
Rachel grew up in Tonbridge, moving to Newcastle to study Architecture, where she subsequently settled and has worked as an Architect since 2003 particularly on historical buildings and with an interest in sustainability. She has a passion for music and young people and helps out with both at her church. She has visited a number of Rock UK centres with youth and student camps over a number of years.
Simon Hodge
Simon trained as a forester and made a career in management of land, property, natural resources and heritage. Simon also has extensive governance experience, including Christian organisations. Living in Scotland gives him perspectives from north of the Border, as well a base for his love of nature and outdoor pursuits.
Keith Hagon
Keith has a background in both domestic and international finance, but has spent most of his working life either leading churches or Christian organisations. Until last year, Keith led Christian Residential Network, of which Rock UK is an active member. He is passionate about residential ministry and sees it as the frontline of Christian mission for all ages, so is delighted to join the board of Rock UK.
Brian Watts
Brian is a qualified management accountant and worked for many years in the computer industry before moving into the charity sector to find more meaningful use of his skills rather than simply working to make profits. He lives in Cumbria and is happiest being outside, whether working in the garden, walking up a mountain, going for a run or out on a bike ride.
