Trustees

Chair

Richard became a Trustee in 2023 after supporting Canine Partners for more than five years. He became Chair in 2025.

Now retired from a 30-year career in property development, he brings strong leadership and financial experience from senior roles with one of the UK’s largest housebuilders. A qualified accountant and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Richard combines professional expertise with a genuine enthusiasm for the charity’s work.

Originally from Berkshire and now living in Derbyshire, Richard enjoys gardening, walking in the Dales, cooking and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Vice Chair

Nick joined the Board in 2022 and became Vice Chair in 2025.

He is now retired following a successful career as a Business Continuity and Crisis Management consultant, advising major organisations across the UK and internationally. He has supported Canine Partners in many ways, from volunteering at events and fostering dogs to helping guide the charity’s Covid-19 response.

Nick brings valuable experience in organisational resilience and strategy, helping Canine Partners continue to grow and adapt for the future.

James became a Trustee in 2022 after supporting and fundraising for Canine Partners for more than a decade.

A partner at communications consultancy HarknessKennett, he works with a range of UK and global clients and previously held senior roles in marketing and communications, including Head of Internal Communications at The Body Shop.

James lives with his family in Suffolk and enjoys walking his Golden Retriever, Chase, through the countryside.

Agnès joined the Board in 2023, bringing her background as a veterinary neurologist and her experience in healthcare leadership.

After qualifying as a veterinary surgeon in Belgium, she specialised in Neurology and Neurosurgery in the USA and went on to practise in leading hospitals in both the UK and US. Following an MBA at Cranfield School of Management, Agnès moved into senior roles in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors.

Anges brings a unique insight to Canine Partners and a genuine passion for how dogs can change lives for the better.

Miriam became a Trustee in 2023 and has been part of the charity since being partnered with her canine parter, Laurel, in 2018.

With over 30 years’ experience in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), she has held senior roles across the education, charity and public sectors and is currently Head of EDI at The Wildlife Trusts, where she also chairs a national working group.

A passionate advocate for representation and accessibility, Miriam brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role. She is married with five grown-up children and enjoys weekends away in her caravan with her husband and Laurel.

Brendan became a Trustee in 2023. Alongside his trustee duties, he actively fundraises for Canine Partners, taking part in events across Scotland.

He is an Investment Manager at Rathbones Group Plc, supporting private clients, charities and trusts.

Brendan enjoys travelling with his wife and Son, while keeping his Dalmatian, Spot, entertained with long walks.

Rachel became a Trustee in 2025 and brings more than 30 years’ experience in healthcare leadership.

She is Chief Executive Officer at Nottinghamshire Hospice and has held senior roles across NHS and private healthcare, covering services from cardiac surgery to mental health. Rachel also serves on the Advisory Council for Hospice UK.

Away from work, she enjoys long walks with her two beagles and has a passion for theatre and live music.

Vicki became a Trustee in 2025, bringing a background in nursing, integrated health and social care. After working with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, she joined CVS Inverclyde, where she fosters collaboration between third sector and public sector partners to improve health and wellbeing in her community. She also contributes to strategic planning for community health and social care provision.

A passionate advocate for partnership working, Vicki also teaches with the Integrated Care Academy, sharing her expertise with international audiences. She lives in Scotland and enjoys exploring the outdoors and connecting with her local community.

Hayley became a Trustee in 2024, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience across Defence, Banking, Emergency Services, Charity, and Manufacturing sectors. She is currently Director in a digital services and consultancy business, where she leads operational excellence, strategic transformation, and AI-driven initiatives for her clients. 

A mum of three, fitness enthusiast, and proud owner of a lively Cockapoo, Poppy, Hayley is inspired by the difference a canine partner can make and proud to support the charity’s life-changing work. 

Tom joined the Board in 2025, bringing over 20 years’ experience in digital transformation and marketing across the sport, leisure and healthcare sectors. He has worked both in-house and in consultancy roles, delivering digital strategies that enhance engagement and efficiency.

Tom, his wife and twin daughters are dedicated Canine Partners volunteers, fostering dogs and supporting the charity’s work. His hands-on involvement deepens his understanding of the charity’s impact, and he is passionate about helping it grow and transform more lives.

Roz became a Trustee in 2024 but has been connected to Canine Partners since 2015, when she led a corporate partnership through her role at National Express.

With a successful career in communications spanning some of the UK’s best-known brands, Roz has delivered high-impact PR campaigns, managed complex issues and written speeches for members of the Royal Family.

She brings extensive communications expertise and a collaborative approach to the Board. Based in the South West, Roz enjoys relaxed weekends and spending time with friends.

Georgina joined the Board of Canine Partners in 2024. She is Chief Executive of The Neurological Alliance, a national coalition of charities improving care and support for people affected by neurological conditions. She previously spent over six years at the MS Society and has worked on EU health policy for the consultancy Burson-Marsteller.

A trustee of the NCVO and member of several NHS England advisory groups, Georgina brings extensive experience in leadership, policy and advocacy.

Outside of work, she enjoys running, walking her dogs, and is passionate about promoting independence, inclusion and wellbeing for both people and animals.

Katharine qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2003 and later obtained additional postgraduate qualifications in animal behaviour and small animal surgery. She spent 22 years working in a private veterinary practice in Bedford, during which time she was fortunate enough to meet and care for many Canine Partners, both those in training at the Bedford community hub and those in established partnerships.

Katharine leads the Royal Veterinary College’s General Practice division, encompassing the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital in Camden, Acorn House Veterinary Hospital in Bedford and charity veterinary clinics in London and Cambridgeshire, with a focus on the promotion of high-quality general veterinary practice and research within veterinary education.

Katharine is a member of the Health Research Authority Research Ethics Committee (Essex), which reviews health and social research to protect the welfare and dignity of participants. She also holds a regulatory role with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. She brings expertise in animal health, behaviour and welfare to the Board, as well as regulatory and commercial experience.