Trustees and Governance

Robert Templar – Chair 

I previously worked as a Global Strategy Director at AT&T. Since then I have worked as a strategy consultant and taken on a variety of charitable roles including trustee and treasurer of The Craven Trust, an organisation that funds local grants.

I enjoy long distance walking with my Viszla – Sophie, and skiing in the Italian Dolomites.

Dorcas Olayemi Amusan-Fagborun

I am currently the Chief Executive Officer of Peacemaker International, where I campaign against FGM. Originally a qualified teacher, I worked for many years in primary and secondary schools, and I now have over 30 years’ experience in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

I have received a number of outstanding awards, including an award from West Yorkshire Police, the African Achievers Award, a Life Star Award for an Extraordinary Lady, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Obafemi Awolowo University. In 2018 I was awarded an MBE from Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II for services to community cohesion and to women and girls’ rights.

Ezhil Anand

I was born in India and have lived in the UK over the last 20 years. I came to take up a Consultant Psychiatrist job in Bradford 12 years ago after living in Derby, Newcastle, Scotland and Oxford. I now reside in Bingley with my wife, who is a GP, and my 2 children.

I love community work and want to make a difference in other people’s lives. I believe human beings are the same irrespective of their background.

Sonya Douglas

Having worked in the private sector while studying for an Applied Community Studies degree, I went on to spend 10 years running a charity and supporting the voluntary sector as part of many different boards, partnerships and as a trustee. My current role has been developing an employment and skills service unique to Bradford. 

I have a family consisting of my daughter, who is currently studying law, and 2 beautiful grandchildren. Any spare time I have is spent with my family.

Pam Essler

A science teacher by background, I have taught in a wide variety of settings. After a negative experience with the healthcare system when my son was young, I became involved with quality of care and patient experience at the NHS, where I have held a variety of lay roles at the local, regional and national level. A long-time resident of Keighley, I am a trustee for a number of local charities, mainly supporting health and wellbeing. To maintain a connection with education I am a school governor.

In normal times I enjoy socialising with friends and family whilst attempting to develop my culinary and gardening skills!

Mark Gerdes

After a career in financial services, and later in scholarly publishing, I completed a Masters’ degree in Data Science and now work as a consultant on analytics and insight. I am involved with a number of other local charitable and community roles, including a Trustee of Bradford Flower Fund Homes, which focuses on residential provision for the elderly. 

As a Trustee, I am excited to see Community Action doing its utmost to help local voluntary groups that do so much to inspire and support our local community.

Mark P Nicholson 

I am currently employed as the CEO of Equality Together, a disabled peoples, user-led organisation that provides a diverse range of services to disabled people, carers and their families.  In my spare time, I am the Executive Director of The Company Performance Ensemble and sit as a trustee on a number of charities, including Sing from the Heart, Northern Academy of the Performing Arts, and Marching & Performing Arts United Kingdom, in which I am the Chair of Winter Guard United Kingdom.  

As a trustee, I am committed to collaborative working that will produce innovative approaches and solutions to the challenges that face voluntary organisations and the communities they serve.

Katherine Wyatt 

With over 15 years’ experience in business, Katherine is passionate about supporting local people to explore and develop their ideas. She believes in providing a welcoming and safe environment which empowers clients to be confident to take their ideas forward.