Here are our director candidates
Sarah Burgess
Sarah is community engagement manager for the Cotswold Canals Connected project and is particularly interested in encouraging community involvement in heritage and natural spaces.
She previously worked in management positions at the Arts and Humanities Research Council and at the National Lottery Heritage Fund – and as a volunteer trustee for Stroudwater Textile Trust. These roles involved obtaining funding and organising events, experience she would use to support the HVCBS’s fundraising efforts.
Her skills include team leadership, managing large budgets, procurement, programme oversight, financial management, working with other organisations, risk governance and stakeholder engagement.
She has a BA (Hons) Degree in English & Drama and an MA in Museum Studies.
Sarah says: “The Heavens Valley is a special place, and I would be excited to contribute to its continued success and development as a community asset.”
Matthew sharp
Matthew is a senior ecologist at Environment Bank, where he is responsible for botanical surveys, among other things. He was previously a wildlife site surveyor, which involved advising landowners on habitat management and helping them with funding bids. He has a keen interest in large-scale nature restoration and how it can progress alongside maintaining community access and participation.
He is already involved with the HVCBS as a volunteer and is keen to help the CBS explore funding opportunities.
Matthew has experience of heathland and wood pasture restoration projects, tree
management and animal husbandry and has a particular knowledge of birds and
butterflies.
He has a BSc degree in Animal Biology and an MSc in Applied Ecology.
Matt says: “I am keen to get involved and to contribute and develop my skills, I enjoy working collaboratively and believe that I would bring tangible benefits to the group."
Nicky Turner
Nicky is a communications specialist with experience leading communications and
engagement programmes for agencies, large businesses, the public sector and
membership organisations.
Much of this work has involved planning, strategy, bringing people together around a
shared purpose, helping organisations navigate change and making complicated issues clearer and more accessible.
Her skills include strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, team leadership and
internal communications. She currently works for a creative agency as head of content & strategic operations.
Nicky has a degree in Documentary Production (photography) and an MA in Public
Communications and Public Relations.
Nicky says: “I’d like to put that experience to use for somewhere I genuinely care about. I would bring enthusiasm, lots of practical experience and a willingness to get stuck in.”