Wooden Spoon welcomes five new trustees

Wooden Spoon, is pleased to announce the appointment of five new trustees to its esteemed board. The new additions are Ali Gilbert, a highly experienced board executive with a decade-long track record in the health and care public sector. Rufus Hack, CEO of Sony Sports and an influential figure on several sports-focused boards; Victoria Sparkes who brings over two decades of extensive experience in Learning Disability and Mental Health care ; Sarah Wight who has more than 25 years of senior leadership experience within the charitable and social care sectors, both in the US and UK and Becca Brackwell-Slade who has personally benefitted from initiatives supporting children with life limiting conditions and brings two decades of diverse leadership experience across private and public sectors

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Ali Gilbert has played a pivotal role in the delivery and commissioning of children and young people’s services across various organisations throughout her career. Her expertise in navigating the complexities of the health and care sector, coupled with a passion for enhancing the lives of families and children, makes her a valuable asset to Wooden Spoon Charity.

“My love for families and children is integral to my home and working life. As a keen sports enthusiast, I actively engage with the local community by coaching children in netball. I am dedicated to sharing my skills and expertise to make life a little easier for many.”

Rufus Hack’s extensive background in sports management, coupled with a lifelong passion for rugby, positions him as a valuable addition to the Wooden Spoon team.

‘I am incredibly proud and energised by the opportunity to serve as a trustee and help apply my strategic background, sports knowledge and passion for rugby to help take Wooden Spoon to a bigger and bolder future!

Victoria Sparkes, currently serving as a Clinical Director in the independent sector, has dedicated her career to the well-being of individuals facing learning disabilities and mental health challenges. With a passion for ensuring the welfare of beneficiaries remains at the forefront of all planning and decision-making processes, Victoria is poised to make a significant impact on Wooden Spoon’s mission.

“ I became involved with Wooden Spoon almost 5 years ago after supporting a fundraising drive with a large Women and Girls event. I have stayed active ever since being introduced to Wooden Spoon as I feel a real synergy with playing a sport I love and raising much needed funds for resources that can really benefit disadvantaged children.”

Sarah Wight is currently an influential figure within the national support provider landscape, overseeing the Development and Innovation team. Her role focuses on driving growth, enhancing communications and digital strategies, and spearheading the development and implementation of new services and models. Sarah’s leadership aligns seamlessly with Wooden Spoon Charity’s commitment to expanding opportunities and delivering impactful initiatives to improve the quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

Becca Brackwell Slade  is currently serving as the Director of a high-tech manufacturing company. As an Army Veteran and self-described ‘business generalist,’ she has held key roles in operations and strategy for one of the largest global management consultancies and UK Defence companies, Becca’s extensive leadership experience will undoubtedly contribute to Wooden Spoon’s strategic vision and operational efficiency.

Joining the Wooden Spoon board, Becca merges her love for rugby with a heartfelt passion for delivering support to enrich the lives of children facing adversity. Having personally benefited from initiatives supporting children with learning disabilities and life-limiting conditions, she is excited to contribute to Wooden Spoon as it embarks on its next chapter.

Quentin Smith, Wooden Spoon’s Chair of Trustees expressed his delight at welcoming the new trustees to the Board:

“The newly appointed trustees bring diverse backgrounds and expertise, which will further develop and strengthen our leadership team. Having successfully managed the challenges of Covid, and being able to celebrate Wooden Spoon’s 40th anniversary in 2023, we are embarking on a period of growth with a new three year business strategy. The additional skills, experience and commitment of the incoming trustees will enhance our ability to deliver an even greater, meaningful, difference to the lives of children, and young people, with disabilities and disadvantage.”