The Vista Team
The Board of Trustees have overall responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of ViSTA and are the accountable body.
The members of the ViSTA Board of Trustees:
- Lesley Gagg. Chair. Lesley is a barrister and worked for the Magistrates Courts Service. Lesley has held a range of posts including Deputy Training Officer for Magistrates for Avon and Somerset. Lesley is a qualified tutor, a governor of Strode College and was the Vice President of Young Somerset.
- Amba Chawla. Amba is a solicitor, an experienced trustee and a qualified adult tutor and facilitator. Amba specializes in organizational development and management and works with staff and volunteers across a range of levels of responsibility and experience.
- Brenda Pyle. Brenda has over 20 years experience in the further education sector, holding a variety of positions at Yeovil College, and has an MEd in Education Management. She has extensive experience in project management and prior to moving to Somerset was director of a private training organisation. Now retired, she works in a voluntary capacity with several organisations.
- Neil Oliver. Neil is a leading Public and Voluntary Sector facilitator with more than 20 years experience of working with individuals and groups at all levels and all sizes. He has a background and experience of Social and Health Care alongside many years of coaching and counselling.
- Anne Bullied. Anne has recently retired after leading Somerset County Council's business planning and partnership policy work. She has over 20 years experience in local government at both county and district councils, working with elected members and a range of public sector and other partners. Anne has also worked in education and training, she is a qualified planner and programme manager and a trained facilitator.
- Simon Milner-Barry. Simon comes from a general management background, with specific experience in operational and financial control. He moved down from London to Somerset in 1982 after a ten year career in international trading with the Bowater Corporation. He then set up and ran the Taunton-based design company, The Magus Consultancy, selling on to his partners ten years later. For four years he was general manager of the Rosehill Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit in Torquay; and before retiring from full- time employment in 2007, he was Operations Director of The Organic Herb Trading Company in Milverton. He has also had a long-standing, voluntary involvement with the charity and social enterprise sector.
The Office Team
Angela Kerr - The Chief Executive Officer of ViSTA (CEO), Angela has over 20 years of experience as a senior officer within the VCS across a range of service areas (substance misuse, supported living and adult employment and training). Angela holds a Certificate in VCS Management, a PG Dip in Managing Performance and Change and has achieved an MSC in Voluntary Sector Management with The Centre for Charity Effectiveness. Angela is a member of the Institute of Fundraising.
Peter Millar - The Senior Finance Manager (SFM) is the Company Secretary and a qualified accountant and auditor who is responsible for the financial management systems, management accounts and for advising the Board and staff on financial aspects of the organisation’s work.
Deborah Speed - The Finance Administrator is responsible for the day to day administration of ViSTA’s finances and for monitoring and controlling the budget plans and funding accounts.
Sara Iles - The Projects and Services Manager (PSM) is the Deputy Chief Executive and manages the Community Learning Partnerships as well as working with the CEO to develop new provision. Sara is a qualified adult tutor and a qualified community development worker with extensive experience of working in adult learning services (LSC and Jobcentre Plus). Sara is also the lead officer responsible for the careers information, advice and guidance service
Tina Herbert - Community Outreach worker. Tina has extensive experience of working with volunteers and has a background with the NHS. She now works with our volunteers and project manages the Community Learning Clubs
Catherine Beedell DipM MCIM, Workforce Services Development Manager. Catherine has over 25 years experience of General Management, Marketing and Training gained in the Arts, Education and Public Sectors. She is responsible for managing and developing workforce development services at ViSTA, including bespoke, short and qualification based courses. She also leads on the Capacity Builders modernisation programme which includes free HR and Financial Management support to better prepare organizations for Public Sector Commissioning.
Laura Gowers - Communications and Information Officer supports all aspects of ViSTA’s work and maintains ViSTA’s websites, produces e-bulletins and mailings and also provides administrative and ICT support to ViSTAjobs clients.
Bradley Welch - Assistant bookkeeper. Bradley's main role is to help with the day to day running of ViSTA’s financing but he is also involved in the Community Accounting Service, helping other charitable organisations with their accounts.
Matt Day – Coordinator, Somerset Towns Forum
Matt supports this regeneration network by organising regular learning and networking events, producing e-bulletins, offering an information & signposting service and organising training events for members. Find out more at www.somersettownsforum.org.uk
Associate Staff
Where there are identified skills gaps or where there is a need for additional staff associates join the team on a temporary secondment or by special agreement to create an “extended team”. Where this has not secured the necessary staff external consultants, commercial organisations and freelance trainers will be sought to deliver aspects of the programme.
Tim Green. Tim is a freelance associate who is a qualified accountant (FCMA). He has over 27 years experience in industry latterly as Financial Director of a number of SME organisations. Tim is working 1 – 1 ˝ days per week helping to pilot the Community Accounting Service and is currently working closely with ChYPPS and SVSN to improve and develop their financial systems and management imformation.
Pauline Dagnall. Pauline as extensive experience of Project Management in corporate, public and voluntary organisations. She has a very strong background in IT, systems and information management. Pauline is currently delivering Project Management and PTLLS training for us.
Company no 6074763 , Registered Charity no 1119172, Telephone: 08453 580372
UK Learning Provider Reference Number: 10020323