Trustees

Derwyn Jones

Chair of Trustees

My background and experience entails being a CEO and Chair, both within the commercial and charity sectors. I worked for many years in global corporations before setting up my own business advising a wide range of companies on strategic planning, cost control, fundraising and operational efficiencies. I am passionate about animals and like nothing better than going for a long walks in the countryside with my wife and our dog, Alfie.

I am proud and honoured to be Raystede’s Chair of Trustees, working with all the teams and continuing the great work that has been done over the last 70 years.

John Amies

Vice chair of Trustees

When I started my career I was a Unilever Management Trainee. I quickly moved into international sales and marketing within blue chip companies. Later I moved into business consultancy, working with many small to medium size businesses. Finally I ended my career in Senior General Management with particular focus on business development, finance and HR. I care deeply about animal welfare, bringing my business experience to the table to support our cause. I live at the foot of the downs with my wife and two cats.

Helen Tracey

Treasurer

I am Finance Director at Sussex Housing and Care. With over 25 years' experience as a qualified accountant, I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

My experience spans major corporations, working for a leading animal welfare charity and education. Originally from Sussex, I spent several years working overseas before returning to Sussex. I now live on the coast where I enjoy walking my two rescue dogs. I am delighted to be a Trustee for Raystede and working with the team to give animals a better life.

Ian Kerr

Trustee

I co-founded the international charity ActionAid in the early 1970s. I've been a Fellow of the British Institute of Management and the Administrative Accounts Institute. I've since worked extensively in the charity sector and chair an African animal charity. I was a founding member of the Institute of Fundraising. Then I returned to my passion for animals, serving on the boards of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust & international equine charity, The Brooke. I've always had Collies; rescuing animals is one of my most satisfying achievements.

Steve Derrick

Trustee

I have always had a passion for the environment that we live in and the animals we share our spaces with. I have worked in commercial businesses my entire career. Since 2012 I have been driving commercial best practice and developing new opportunities firstly at the National Trust and more recently with the RNLI. I will bring my extensive commercial knowledge to Rayste­de to bring in additional income and to support the charities great work whilst at the same time enhancing the visitors experience.

Dr Sam Gaines

Trustee

I am currently the Head of Companion Animal Science and Policy at the RSPCA and have worked in the field of animal welfare science for over 20 years. I have a PhD in the welfare of kennelled dogs and prior to joining the RSPCA, studied the behaviour, performance and welfare of dogs used by the armed forces and police. I passionately believe that all animals should be able to experience, at the very least, a life worth living. I am really looking forward to working with the Raystede team to help them maintain the highest welfare standards and to ensure that, at all stages of care, animals experience good welfare.

Helen Paxton

Trustee

I’m a passionate animal lover and feel blessed to share my home in Little Horsted with many much-loved family members including horses, dogs, ducks, chickens as well as my husband and 2 children! I’ve spent my 30-year career so far in the food retail industry and I’m currently HR Director at Sainsbury’s. I’ve admired Raystede for many years and feel privileged to become a Trustee and work with the team to give as many animals as possible a better life.

Madeleine Macphail

Trustee

I currently work for a defense and Aerospace company, I started as a software engineer within Air Traffic Management, I'm now the head of bid and proposal management for the avionics sector of the business in the UK.

I cannot imagine my life without animals in it, I have a blended family of rescue cats, they bring so much, everyday they do something that makes me laugh. I care vehemently about promoting awareness of animals needs and how to provide them with the care they require. I have always wanted to be part of a team that rescue and rehabilitate animals and help to prevent future cruelty and neglect. I live and grew up in Lewes, Raystede has been part of my life since I was a child, I'm proud to now be able to be part of Raystede.

Claire Brown

Trustee

My background and passion have always been animals and their welfare. I have worked with animals for over 20 years and am currently Cat Welfare Manager at Cats Protection and have a BSC (Hons) in Animal Management and Welfare. I also have a background in volunteer management.

My young family and I have always shared our home with animals such as our much loved cat Salem. I am hugely passionate about animal welfare and helping to promote good welfare practices be that in the home or in a rescue. I am extremely excited and looking forward to working with the team at Raystede and having a part to play in helping them continue to provide the highest standards of animal welfare.