Meet our Board of Trustees

The Foundation is governed by an eleven-strong, independent Board of Trustees who follow Charity Commission guidance. The Board holds collective responsibility for ensuring strong governance, strategic direction, and alignment with our mission. Each Trustee brings valuable expertise and lived experience to help us serve the local community effectively.

Our Trustees

Chris Pople

Vice Chair

Chris is the Head of Pricing at Antalis UK, a Paper, Packaging & Visual Communications distributor based in Leicestershire. He has played recreational cricket in Leicestershire & Rutland for over 35 years and currently represents Cosby Cricket Club. Chris has held various volunteer positions within the club, currently undertaking the role of Treasurer. In 2018, Chris joined the Exec of the Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket League as Social Media Exec and then in 2025 became Chair, growing participation, and enjoyment of cricket in the counties. Chris is married to Sophie and resides in Kibworth, South Leicestershire.

Tom Campbell

Chair

Tom has been a Leicestershire resident for almost 25 years and is the Chief Executive of E-ACT, one of the country’s largest multi-academy trusts. A career in education, predominantly spent in Leicester and Leicestershire, demonstrates Tom’s passion for community, sport and improving the life chances of young people. An experienced executive and non-executive director, Tom is committed to working with the foundation, the ECB and the cricket club board to ensure that cricket is a game for all.

Vicky Cartwright

Trustee

Vicky’s first involvement in cricket came through her children’s participation in the All Stars Programme, with her daughter later progressing into the LCCC Women & Girls talent pathway. This experience deepened Vicky’s connection to the game and led her to become a qualified scorer for several seasons, a role from which she has now retired. Vicky also served on her local club’s committee for two years, gaining valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities at the grassroots level. She now serves as the trustee with oversight of safeguarding and sits on the cricket committee, helping to ensure that the foundation’s strategy is effectively delivered across all programmes. She is passionate about encouraging more parents and carers to step forward as volunteers, helping to grow the women’s and girls’ game and making cricket a welcoming and family-friendly sport. Vicky is married to Neil and lives in North West Leicestershire with their two children.

Chandila Fernando

Trustee

Chandila specialises in driving innovation and fostering growth to secure risk capital. With a proven track record across three continents and a wide spectrum of industries, his passions are cricket and politics.

Paul Gowdridge

Trustee

Paul is the Chief Financial Officer at the University of Leicester, leading financial performance and delivery of the University’s financial strategy focused on ensuring the University is financially resilient and sustainable. A member of the Executive Board and Senior Leadership team, Paul is responsible for all aspects of the Finance along with Estates and Campus Services at the University. The role involves managing relationships with key stakeholders like auditors and banks, while overseeing the smooth operation of the estate which covers over 200 properties and nearly 4,000 student bedrooms. Paul has been at the University since January 2017, initially as Deputy Director of Finance. In April 2019 Paul was appointed Deputy Chief Financial Officer in recognition of his role across the whole of the Finance Division. In March 2020, just as the COVID pandemic began, Paul was appointed Director of Finance and managed the University’s finances through the particularly challenging period that followed. Most recently, Paul joined the Executive Board at the University in October 2022 and took responsibility for Estates and Campus Services in June 2025. Prior to joining the University Paul held a number of positions in the NHS, most recently a series of roles at the University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) where he ended his time in the NHS as Head of Financial Performance and Planning for UHL. Paul is also a keen sportsman, administrator, and coach. A marathon runner, volunteer football coach, and fan, with an equally keen interest in cricket.

Andy Hubbard

Trustee

Andy is a sales, marketing and growth specialist based in Leicestershire and a business founder. His career spans manufacturing, engineering, and professional services, with roles in international sales, PR, and senior marketing management. He previously managed marketing for the UK laboratory division of the world's largest manufacturer of weighing and analytical equipment and co-owned an engineering firm, leading a management buy-out. Since 2019, Andy has supported businesses and charities through his marketing and PR company. In 2023, he joined UKRI’s Innovate UK Business Growth team as an Ecosystem Innovation and Growth Specialist, helping entrepreneurs raise funds, prepare for investment, and scale their enterprises at pace.

Simon Sansome

Trustee

Simon Sansome is the founder and CEO of Snowball, the world’s largest disability access app, helping people discover over 100,000 accessible places worldwide. An award-winning entrepreneur and disability campaigner, Simon has grown Snowball from a small Facebook group into a technology company with 135,000+ followers across social media. A former journalist, he is also a successful producer of documentaries and television content. Simon is passionate about accessibility, inclusion, and using data to shape the future of sustainable, inclusive cities.

Claire Smith

Trustee

Having grown up in Leicestershire, after graduating, Claire moved to London and spent 20 years working in the sport, education and charity sectors. Having relocated back to the county in 2023, she spent time working for the Youth Sport Trust and now Leicestershire County Council. Claire's particular specialisms are project and programme management, strategic relationship building, people management and designing inclusive and accessible initiatives. Claire is passionate about giving everyone the opportunity to reach their full potential. Whether that be through sport, physical activity, education or employment. Through voluntary trustee roles with the Foundation and Charnwood College she is able to give knowledge and experience back to support the growth of others.

Steve White, MBE

Trustee

Steve White, MBE, is a distinguished educator, sports advocate, and community leader with over five decades of service across education, sport, and voluntary sectors. He earned a Master of Education from the University of Leicester in 1979 and was awarded an MBE in 2016 for his outstanding contributions to education and sport in Leicester and Leicestershire. Steve’s teaching career began in 1967 at The Marjory Kinnon Special School in London, followed by roles at HM Psychiatric Borstal Feltham and Anstey Martin High School. He later served as Deputy Head at King Richard III Secondary School and as Headteacher at Rushey Mead Secondary School until 2002. His governance roles span Leicester College, Gateway College, and Ellesmere College, where he chaired the board for a decade. He continues to serve as a Trustee and Governor at Fullhurst Community College. A passionate promoter of table tennis for over 66 years, Steve has held leadership roles in the Special Olympics Leicester Committee, Sported East Midlands, and the Leicester Sport and Physical Activity Alliance. In 2025, he became a Trustee of the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket Foundation. Steve’s community impact includes co-founding the Rushey Mead Foundation, supporting a school in Bhuj, Gujarat, and coordinating multicultural initiatives at the Shree Jalaram Mandir & Virbai Maa Community Centre, which earned The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024. He has chaired the Leicester Cultural Strategic Partnership and BBC Radio Leicester Advisory Council, and currently serves on ITV’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Panel. His global outreach includes advocacy for the WWF Friends of Vrindavan Programme and ongoing efforts to establish a Sports Academy in Uganda.

Emma White

Trustee

Emma White has over 15 years of leadership experience within the sports and events industry, holding senior management and executive positions across racecourses, rugby, and consultancy. She has built a strong reputation for driving commercial growth, delivering major events, and creating innovative marketing and sponsorship strategies. Emma has extensive expertise in event planning, operations management, sponsorship generation, and marketing campaigns, with a proven ability to build sustainable partnerships and increase engagement across diverse audiences. She is known for her dynamic, hands-on leadership style, motivating teams to deliver success across high-profile fixtures, festivals, and sporting events. Her career includes senior roles as General Manager at Go Racing in Yorkshire, Sedgefield Racecourse, and Limerick Racecourse, where she oversaw full operational responsibility for major racing fixtures, non-racing events, and commercial performance. She also served as Managing Director at Doncaster Rugby Club before establishing her own consultancy, E&L White Consultancy, advising on sport and event strategy, funding, and sponsorship. Among her many achievements, Emma has successfully launched marketing campaigns that reached hundreds of thousands of people, negotiated high-profile media partnerships, and delivered record attendance at flagship events. Her ability to combine strategic vision with operational delivery has earned her recognition across the UK and Ireland sports sector. Born and based in the UK, Emma brings energy, creativity, and commercial expertise to her role as Chief Executive Officer of Leicestershire County Cricket Club, where she is committed to building the Club’s profile, driving revenue growth, and strengthening connections with members, supporters, and the wider community.

Michelle Williams

Trustee

Michelle Williams, CEO of Meesh Consulting, specialises in improving business efficiencies through the use of Data and AI. A passionate advocate for the positive impact of sports on children’s physical and mental wellbeing. As a mum of three sporty children, she has seen firsthand the benefits that participation in sport brings to confidence, resilience, and overall health. Michelle is committed to supporting the Foundation and Leicestershire County Cricket Club in their mission to make cricket accessible and inclusive for all.

The Role of Our Trustees

Leadership & Oversight

Our Trustees are non-executive directors who guide the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket Foundation. They ensure that our mission and values are upheld and that our strategy delivers meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

  • Overseeing financial integrity and long-term strategic planning
  • Ensuring legal, regulatory, and ethical compliance
  • Supporting and championing community engagement initiatives
  • Representing the needs of the local cricket community
Nexa Finance

How Trustees Strengthen Our Foundation

Governance & Accountability

Providing oversight and ensuring transparency across operations.

Strategic Planning

Setting direction and shaping our long-term vision.

Community Representation

Acting as ambassadors for local communities and cricket clubs.

Join Us

Trustee roles are advertised when vacancies arise.

Our Governance Structure

Our governance structure ensures transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making. It helps us maintain high standards and build trust with our stakeholders.

Guiding Principles 

  • Integrity
  • Transparency
  • Accountability
  • Clear and consistent processes

Understanding Our Board Structure and Roles

Board Responsibilities

Each Trustee plays a vital role in ensuring the Foundation operates responsibly and in alignment with our values. Duties include:

  • Strategic oversight
  • Legal and regulatory compliance
  • Protecting the Foundation’s charitable purpose

Committees

Specialist committees support key governance areas such as:

  • Finance
  • Fundraising
  • Cricket development

These committees ensure deeper focus, expertise, and informed decision-making.

Stakeholder Engagement

We regularly consult with players, volunteers, clubs, and partners to make sure our decisions reflect community needs. Their feedback helps shape our programmes and priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Decisions are made through our governance structure, involving Board meetings and designated committees. All proposals are reviewed against our mission, policies, and strategic priorities. Major decisions require full Board approval to ensure transparency and accountability.

We welcome involvement from individuals and organisations who share our mission. You can volunteer, join working groups, take part in consultations, or partner on projects. When Trustee positions become available, we provide clear information on how to apply.

Governance refers to the systems and processes that guide how the Foundation operates and how decisions are made, responsibilities assigned, and resources managed. Strong governance ensures we are effective, responsible, and aligned with our charitable objectives.

Stakeholders including donors, clubs, volunteers, participants, and partners are engaged through consultations, feedback opportunities, and collaborative projects. Their insights help us remain responsive to local needs.

Visit the EDI section of our website, explore our annual reports, or contact us directly. We publish updates, summaries, and key documents to keep our community informed.