BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

Marita Brown - Chair

I have over 25 years' experience of working in different parts of the public sector. My current role involves leading learning and organisational development for a large NHS Trust and I am passionate about supporting and enabling individuals, teams and organisations to fulfil their potential and be the best they can be.

I have been volunteering for different organisations for the past 6 years and was previously a trustee for the charity that manages the Brixton Windmill, where I had responsibility for HR and Governance.

My role as Chair of Creekside is to oversee its strategic direction, ensure its long-term viability, and help the charity demonstrate its impact on conversation, wildlife and the local environment.

 

David Boyd

I am a native of Antrim, but have lived in England for 17  years. I moved to Bath in 2007 to study history. From studying African, Islamic and Irish history, I decided to pursue a career in law with the intention of utilising the law for communities that are excluded. I moved to London to study an accelerated law degree at Queen Mary, University of London. I trained at international law firm, Clifford Chance, and am now a senior associate and head up the firm's pro bono practice for the UK & Ireland. I have degrees in history and law, and am a passionate advocate of access to justice. I am also a trustee of the Irish Cultural Centre, a director of Camden and Islington United Football Club and a governor of Deptford Green School.

I have a keen interest in supporting Deptford, particularly access to nature and conservation for local residents. Whenever longer free time arises, I will inevitably gravitate towards the most beautiful part of Ireland, south-west Donegal.

 

Kate Coss

I have over 20 years' experience of urban nature conservation in London in both a paid and voluntary capacity. I have worked in environmental education, nature reserve and habitat management and on research projects for organisations including London Wildlife Trust, The Natural History Museum and The Linnean Society.

I have been an active supporter of Creekside Education Trust since 2007 when I first moved to the area and was looking for a local project to engage with. I have been a trustee since November 2022.

I grew up with the freedom to develop a wild wandering habit and have never lost the joy of that adventure. I love living in London and am passionate about the idea of creating liveable cities for all of us - wildlife and people. I remain optimistic against the odds that projects like Creekside will help us get there.

 

Gemma Glanville

I had been volunteering at Creekside on the ever-popular low tide walks for several months before I decided to apply for the position as trustee. I am delighted to be appointed as the Creekside safeguarding and HR trustee in 2024. 

Previously I volunteered as a nursery centre school governor for over 12 years developing my skills in local governance, safeguarding, equality and diversity within the educational sector. 

I have over 15 years' experience working in various fields within Human Resources in the public sector. I have specialisms in employee relations, equality and diversity and improvement. 

I love being outdoors and being near water. I am looking forward to learning more about Creekside and contributing to its future success.

 

Jo Kerr

I have over 25 years’ experience helping large organisations become more purposeful, sustainable, and aware of the positive impact they can play in society.  In my current role as Head of Purpose at Brandpie, I am on a mission to prove the value of purpose-driven organisations and to help shape what a ‘future normal’ organisation should look like.

I wanted to apply this passion and expertise, along with a background in broader marketing, customer engagement and communications to have an impact in my local community.

I live next to the creek in Greenwich and care passionately about the role that Creekside can have in connecting people with nature and wild spaces.  I was fortunate enough to grow up in a very wild space in New Zealand and have always valued the immensely positive impact that this connection to nature can have on all of us.

 

Anna Mandlik

I began my career in arts funding in 2005 in Bloomberg LP’s philanthropy team, supporting a range of arts organisations and charities. Since 2010 I have worked at Arts Council England, where I distribute public money and provide strategic support to London-based arts organisations and artists.

I was born and raised in the Borough of Lewisham and have spent most of my life living in the area. I have two children at primary school in Blackheath.

I recently joined the Board of Creekside because I am passionate about showcasing the best of south east London and helping make it an even better place to live and work. I am excited to support Creekside’s urban conservation and education work and its role in tackling the climate emergency.

 

Fiona Slater

I started attending Creekside Education Trust (CET) events as a local resident, interested in learning more about nature & conservation. Growing up in Lewisham, I have always treasured pockets of green (blue and brown) space but through CET talks and tours my view of where (and how) these places exist has significantly expanded.

Alongside my Trustee role I work as Head of Access & Equity across the national ‘Science Musuem Group’ and bring a commitment to sharing and sustaining these havens of wildlife, with local SE London communities and beyond.

 

TRUSTEE VACANCIES

Do you have a passion for nature conservation and community-centred environmental education, plus the skills and personality to help steer our small but impactful charity as one of our new trustees? If so, the Creekside Education Trust would like to hear from you.

 

We are a unique charity which owns and runs the Creekside Discovery Centre on the banks of Deptford Creek. We are a successful wildlife conservation charity with a vision for building a vibrant community in the heart of London where people and wildlife can thrive. We do this through: 

  • Deliver and enable informed nature conservation management for resilient local habitats
  • Provide and enable lifelong learning for all through adventurous, hands-on activities
  • Collaborate and connect with partners and communities to grow the reach of our work
  • Ensure the sustainability of Creekside through diverse income streams and exciting projects
  • Engage volunteers to join Creekside in achieving all parts of our mission

We may be small, but we have a big impact. Since opening in 2002 we’ve welcomed 50,000 visitors. At our peak 7,000 people per year have a chance to wade safely in Deptford Creek, equipped with wading boots, waterproof coats and walking sticks. There is nowhere else in London where you can wade out onto the tidal river bed in this way. We also work with developers to share our knowledge and expertise, protecting biodiversity and improving land management in the area.

 

 

We seek new trustees to join our board. Belief in the mission and work of the charity is essential, as is a strong commitment to helping us achieve our aims. You’ll offer good judgement, a positive attitude and, ideally (but not essentially), experience in areas such as governance, fundraising, built and wild environment, and management. Previous experience of being a trustee or serving on the management committee of a community organisation or small business is preferred, but not required.

We are not actively looking for new trustees at this time but we are open to receiving applications from passionate individuals.Those interested in applying should send a cover letter and CV to info@creeksidecentre.org.uk. Please read the trustee recruitment pack for more information.

The board meets six times a year (virtually or in person). This is an unremunerated role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

The charity is striving to become more representative of the area we serve, and particularly welcomes applications from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, as well as from people from LGBTQ+ communities, women and people with disabilities. Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either the application or interview stage, please contact us.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact info@creeksidecentre.org.uk.