We have new Trustees 

Earlier this year we put a call to find five new Trustees for our Board here at Oxford House. This week, to coincide with Trustees’ Week (6-10 November), we are delighted to announce our new members.  

The 2023 theme for Trustees’ Week is ‘Many voices, working together, with purpose’. This years’ theme celebrates the individual talents, viewpoints and experiences each trustee brings to a board and collective decision making and how diversity can help make a charity stronger.  

Here at Oxford House, we pride ourselves on the diversity of our experience. As a Trustee-led organisation approaching our 140th anniversary, our aim was to recruit members who can bring a wealth of skills to the table and reflect the diverse communities we serve to ensure our beloved community arts centre continues to grow and thrive.  

Find out more about our new Board members, many of whom are first time Trustees:  

Caroline – Arts Programme & Partnership Manager 

Caroline has a wealth of experience in theatre, the arts and education from The Old Vic, New Diorama Theatre, Fuel, and schools. Currently a Programme and Partnership Manager for Wandsworth Council Arts and Culture Service, she works on participatory arts projects and strategies with local communities and organisations.  

Ery – local Writer & Actor 

“I just love Oxford House’s history and what it stands for. Every borough, every neighbourhood… should have an Oxford House. I feel honoured to have been given a chance to serve its cause.”  Ery is a freelance Writer and Actor living locally.  

Sarah – Head of Access & Learning, national museum 

“Oxford House is a place rooted in history yet steadfastly looking to the future as it seeks to build a harmonious and creative community in Bethnal Green. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this journey?” 

Sarah lives in East London (20+ years) and is Head of Access and Learning at a national museum. Previously managing the Museum of London’s higher education programme, she is passionate about inclusion, community arts and music making, and loves that Oxford House works with local communities to promote its work.  

Ruth – local history teacher 

On the Senior Team of a Bethnal Green secondary school, Ruth has lived and worked in East London for 16 years and is a Leadership coach and trainer for schools across the UK. As a history teacher, she is particularly interested in the way Oxford House has been shaped by the history of Bethnal Green over the last 140 years.  

Martin – Head of People & Culture, Whitechapel Gallery 

Martin leads on HR strategy at the Whitechapel Gallery and is passionate about the Gallery’s success through its people. He has ten years + experience in leadership roles across a diverse range of community-oriented organisations, covering homelessness, mental health and learning disabilities. He is a chartered member of CIPD, a qualified and accredited HR professional, and a member of the CMI. 

Our new Trustees join existing trustees,  Michael, Ibby, Rob, Linda and Polly , to lead Oxford House into 2024 as we mark 140 years serving the community of Bethnal Green. Welcome to the team!