Crossroads has a supportive and dedicated Board of Trustees who are unpaid and serve on behalf of their local scheme, which in our case is Sandwell.
Here is a brief outline of our Trustees and their histories:
Ivan Wyle FCA – Chairperson
Our Chairman qualified as a Chartered Accountant in a professional office and soon moved into industry where he gained experience in the Group Accounts Department of a global equipment manufacturing group. He developed international exposure as a line manager in one of their African subsidiary companies.
Upon returning to the United Kingdom he worked for some years in the accounting department of a company engaged in plumbing, heating and electrical contracting, and subsequently gained additional experience as a partner involved in businesses in property renovation, rentals and financial services.
He finished his career as the Group Chief Accountant of a local packaging company whose products were sold internationally.
Since retirement, he has become an active committee member and is currently Vice Chairman of the Sandwell University of the Third Age (SU3A). This is a learning and social activities charity for older people operating out of West Bromwich Town Hall. He was also a member of the West Bromwich Panel of the Community Development Foundation which was involved with charitable match funding principally in deprived areas.
He is now a life member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and has been our Chairman since 2006.
Wendy Bodenham – Trustee
Prior to retiring, I was a District Nurse Team leader in Sandwell for many years. I worked alongside many crossroads staff and witnessed their dedication and care shown to both patients and carers. I was also a trainer for student nurses. My other interest besides providing nursing care is in health and safety. I was a moving and handling trainer and lead a team of trainers with city and Sandwell health care. This ensures that both staff and patients are handled safely and use up to date equipment and methods.
Unfortunately, my arthritis got worse and I had to take early retirement. I also have an interest in social housing and have been a chair of a community housing association for some years, where we are landlords for social housing in West Bromwich.
Matt Kelly – Trustee
Matt has worked in the voluntary and community sector for the last 13 years, managing projects and programmes both internationally and domestically. He currently manages an £80m small grants programme at the National Lottery Community Fund (formerly Big Lottery Fund). In his spare time, Matt enjoys volunteering, writing, music, and travel.
Alexandra Nixon – Trustee
Alex has spent the last 28 years working within both the private and public sectors. For the last several years, she has primarily been working within the NHS as a consultant in Contracting across the West Midlands, Oxfordshire and Lincolnshire and enjoys every minute of it.
She believes in the work that Crossroads do and is honoured to be part of this wonderful family.