Suzanne is an experienced non-executive director with extensive senior leadership experience. A qualified accountant and tax consultant with over thirty years’ experience in business, primarily Financial Services, she now has a portfolio career.

As a non-executive director Suzanne is the Chairperson of the Finance and Performance Committee at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, the Chairperson of the Finance and Investment Committee at South East Coast Ambulance Service and Chairperson of the Treasury Committee at mhs homes. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, she works part-time at Canterbury Christ Church University where she enjoys leading and inspiring the next generation. She also works as a consultant with Advance HE specialising in both leadership and in governance. An advocate for social justice, she champions equity for all.

David retired from the full-time position of Consultant Physician in Palliative Medicine at the Wisdom Hospice in Rochester in 2016 but remains active as an Honorary Professor at the Tizard Centre at the University of Kent. He trained first as a GP and worked at St Christopher’s Hospice with Dame Cicely Saunders before his appointment at the Wisdom Hospice in 1984.

He has lectured and published widely on neurological palliative care, particularly on the care of people with motor neurone disease. He is past chair of the EAPC Reference Group on Neurology and Palliative Care and member of the Reference Group on Intellectual Disability and Palliative care.

David joined the Trust in June 2018.

Neil is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. In 2017 he retired from the Ministry of Justice where he had worked at a national level for 17 years in financial management for the prison and probation services. Prior to that, he had worked for the NHS in financial management in east Kent and elsewhere. Married to Sue, with two daughters and three grandchildren, Neil lives in Lyminge. His interests include gardening, amateur dramatics and travel. Having been a member of Elham Valley and Wye Lions Club for many years, he is now a member of Ashford Lions Club. Neil joined the Trust in April 2018.

Paul is a chartered quantity surveyor and a director of a Canterbury-based construction consultancy, which he purchased eight years ago having started there as a trainee. His career in construction has spanned over 30 years and includes a diverse range of projects, including the Turner Gallery, University of Kent and Shepway Sports Trust. He lives in Whitstable and has three daughters: Isobel, who is a building surveyor, Beth and Amelia. Paul joined the Trust in June 2018.

Jo is a highly experienced commercial executive and strategic management consultant, who has spent over 35 years working across a number of industry sectors including fast-moving consumer goods, retail, transport, tourism, service industries and public sector services. Most recently she was employed by Eurotunnel as Commercial Director for the Passenger & Freight Shuttle Services and as the senior UK-based director for operations and staff. Prior to joining Eurotunnel, Jo was a Managing Partner at Quadrant Consultants, specialising in business strategy development. Jo lives in Stowting with her husband John and two boisterous spaniels. In her spare time she keeps fit with yoga and long cycle rides on her much-loved electric bike.

Ceridwen is a lecturer in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent. She completed much of her education at Bangor University, where her PhD focused on the best ways to coach special education and social enterprise staff in developing employability skills in the people they supported. Prior to her PhD, Ceridwen worked as a behaviour specialist in a special education school and is passionate about enhancing community involvement and vocational opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities. In her spare time Ceridwen enjoys hiking and spending time with friends and family. Ceridwen joined the board in September 2022.

Malcolm trained in London as an obstetrician and gynaecologist and has held consultant posts in Kent. He has been Clinical Director and Executive Medical Director in acute trusts in the home counties and west country, and Medical Advisor to a strategic health authority. He has been Chairman of the Friends of the William Harvey Hospital and is a past President of the Rotary Club of Folkestone Channel. Malcolm joined the Board in September 2022 and would like to strengthen the fundraising activities and governance of the Trust.

Bis is a Risk Leader with over 18 years’ experience in financial services, with expertise in enterprise risk management, data analytics, digital and strategy. At the core of his professional ethos is a dedication to innovation and thought leadership, where Bis designs transformation frameworks. His thought leadership is frequently sought after at various industry conferences and FinTech media events where he is a regular speaker. Bis joined the board in February 2024.

Jonathan is a Folkestone resident with over 25 years of experience in the charity sector. He is currently the Senior Relationships Lead at Help Musicians and Music Minds Matter, where he works to build meaningful connections with VIPs, high-net-worth individuals and legacy supporters.

Jonathan brings deep expertise in relationship development and fundraising, and is looking forward to supporting The Fifth Trust in growing its community of supporters to help ensure the charity’s vital work continues to thrive.

Kevin is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and has held senior finance and general management roles in international engineering and manufacturing businesses, including IMI plc, Enodis plc and Rexam plc. His CFO and Director positions took him across Europe, the USA and Asia, including extended periods living overseas.

Now semi-retired, Kevin supports small to medium-sized manufacturing companies, mentoring management teams on strategy and business development for sustainable growth.

He met his wife Maxine while studying at the University of Kent. They have two daughters, Andrea and Lauren, and live in Stelling Minnis, with Andrea now based in London.

In his spare time, Kevin enjoys walking, swimming and reading history and contemporary politics.