Meet our Trustees
Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and administration. They play a very important role, almost always unpaid, in a sector that contributes significantly to the character and wellbeing of the country. We’d like you to meet our trustees – the people who set Sight Life’s direction of travel.
John Sanders (Chair)
“My first contact with the organisation was towards the end of 1998. This was just after I came back to South Wales after working in London for nearly 20 years. Much of the time since then I’ve been a trustee of the charity. I’ve also written articles for our newsletters. That was a bit of a busman’s holiday really – for much of my working life I was a journalist and translator.
For seven years before I retired in 2016 I was development manager at the Nystagmus Network (NN) charity. Nystagmus is an eye condition I’ve had since infancy, so I’ve always been vision impaired. There’s no cure and little in the way of treatment for nystagmus, which is one reason I became and remain active in support groups and charities like Sight Life, NN and RNIB.”
Ceri Jackson
“I have been a trustee for five years and I was chair of the Board of Trustees for two and a half years.
I’ve worked in the charity sector for over 20 years. I spent most of this time working with blind and partially sighted people and older people. I held the role of Director for RNIB in Wales for five years and have experience in leading organisations and alliances to deliver sustainable change.
As a consultant, I provided advice, training and support in the third sector. I live in Cardiff with my family. I’m passionate about equality and inclusion and I thoroughly enjoy my trustee role. It’s a great charity that punches above its weight. It supports people when they most need it and helps to reduce loneliness and isolation. There’s a fabulous team spirit within the organisation; I particularly like the meetings we have with staff, volunteers and service users.”
Stuart Fox
“I’ve been a trustee since October 2016 and an employee of RNIB since 2016. I’m passionate about breaking down the barriers to people with sight loss, particularly since a close friend suffered major sight loss following a brain tumour. Before joining RNIB, I was Head of Finance at Parkinson’s UK, following ten years in investment-related roles at Barclays Capital.
I live in London with my wife and three children.”
James Askey
“I have been a trustee since November 2019 and am currently Head of Campaign Marketing at the Royal Mint, joining the business in 2018, working across consumer investment and collectables products/services. A graduate of Cardiff University (BSc Business Management and Marketing) I am also a member of the Institute of Data and Marketing (PG Dip IDM).
I have always been passionate about charitable work and in 2017 I was diagnosed with a progressive sight condition, Keratoconus, which led to my motivation to get involved with Sight Life. My aim is to share my own personal experiences at board level as well as promote the services and support we offer as a charity so that more people with sight conditions can gain access to crucial support.”
Susan Sullivan
“I have spent over 30 years working in public, private and not-for-profit organisations alongside executives and boards. Leading on corporate and charity governance at Tŷ Hafan, having held the role of company secretary for the Charity and its subsidiaries, the charity cares for life-limited children and supports their families, throughout Wales.
A member of the Chartered Secretaries Association, I am passionate about aspiring to the highest quality standards and codes of professional conduct. I share my expertise to help others, particularly in charity law and governance, enterprise risk management and information governance.
A keen gardener and DIY enthusiast, I am hands on in the work setting and at home, supporting Llanilltyd Fawr in Flower in my local community, making planting inclusive for all. Born and raised in Wales, with a love of rugby, my other passion is my five grandchildren, which keeps life pleasurably busy.”