Celebrating the people behind CPSL Mind: Trustees’ Week 2026

Behind every charity is a group of people helping to ensure it can continue making a difference. At CPSL Mind, our trustees play an important role in shaping our direction, providing guidance and helping us deliver our mission to improve mental health and wellbeing across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire.

Trustees’ Week is an opportunity to recognise their contribution, celebrate the skills and experiences they bring, and say thank you for the time and commitment they give to our organisation.

Why trustees matter

Being a trustee is about much more than attending board meetings. Trustees help shape an organisation’s strategic direction, provide oversight and ensure it is well governed, financially responsible and working towards its charitable purpose.

They bring different professional backgrounds, skills, knowledge and perspectives, helping to challenge ideas, support decision-making and guide the organisation through opportunities and challenges.

At CPSL Mind, our Board of Trustees also brings something particularly valuable: a shared commitment to improving mental health, informed by both professional expertise and personal experience.

Their contribution helps us stay focused on what matters most: the people and communities we exist to support.

Our CEO, Ashley Bunn, said:

“Our trustees play an invaluable role in shaping the future of CPSL Mind. They bring a wealth of professional expertise, personal experience, insight and passion, all united by a shared commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing across our communities.

Their contribution goes far beyond governance. They challenge us, guide us, champion our work and help ensure we remain focused on the people and communities we exist to support.

Trustees give their time, energy and knowledge generously, often behind the scenes, and their commitment makes a real difference. I’m incredibly grateful to each and every one of them for the care, thought and dedication they bring to CPSL Mind. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them. Thank you so much”

Meet our Board of Trustees

Our trustees bring a wealth of experience from different professional backgrounds, alongside personal experiences that connect them to our mission. Get to know the people behind the board and discover why they are passionate about supporting CPSL Mind.

Alex Page – Interim Chair of Trustees

Alex’s relationship with CPSL Mind began as a client, when he was experiencing his own challenges with mental illness. Having since volunteered in peer support and co-production, he describes joining the board as an absolute privilege.

Professionally, Alex is a Trade Union representative and HR consultant, specialising in people, leadership, coaching and employee relations. He has also worked across a range of sectors, including finance, newspapers, retail and education, bringing a broad perspective to his role.

Outside of his trustee responsibilities, Alex enjoys reading, supports Cambridge United and is a qualified FA coach, working with young players at Ely City Crusaders FC.

Scott Smith – Interim Vice Chair of Trustees

Scott joined CPSL Mind as a trustee in 2024, bringing a strong passion for mental health and wellbeing.

Having seen friends, family and colleagues experience mental health difficulties, as well as experiencing periods of poor mental health himself, Scott hopes to use his role to make a positive difference in his local community.

A qualified solicitor, Scott also brings legal expertise and experience in equality, diversity and inclusion through his role as EDI Officer for the Local Law Society.

Away from work, Scott enjoys knitting, jogging around Parkrun and walking his pug around Mill Road Cemetery.

Maria Huber – Trustee and Treasurer

Maria moved to the UK 15 years ago to undertake postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. She went on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant and has worked for various organisations in Cambridge.

Now Head of Financial Planning and Analysis at the Royal Society of Chemistry, Maria brings valuable financial expertise to the board.

Having had both personal and family experience with mental health issues, she is particularly motivated by the opportunity to use her professional skills to support CPSL Mind.

She describes it as a real privilege to be part of an innovative organisation dedicated to making a difference.

Bernadette Fitzharris – Trustee

Bernadette joined CPSL Mind as a trustee in 2026, bringing many years of experience as a senior HR professional within the NHS.

Alongside her professional background, Bernadette brings lived experience as a carer and advocate for a close family member who has experienced mental ill health. This has given her an understanding of the impact mental health challenges can have on individuals and their families.

She is particularly passionate about ensuring people can access mental health and wellbeing support at the earliest opportunity.

Outside of her role, Bernadette enjoys running with a local club, playing Scrabble and spending time with family and friends.

Stuart Jessup – Trustee

Stuart has a lifetime’s experience of being treated for depression and has supported mental health charities since 2011, when he walked around England with his Springer Spaniel, campaigning against mental health stigma and raising funds for charities.

He has also volunteered with CPSL Mind for many years and is a past Chair of Trustees.

Professionally, Stuart has worked as an electronic engineer, designing mobile phones, and held senior management roles in technology companies. He later retrained as a teacher and now teaches science at Boston Grammar School.

Having moved to Lincolnshire, Stuart has developed a particular interest in the mental health challenges faced by rural communities and the importance of accessible support.

Karen Quinn – Trustee

Karen joined CPSL Mind as a trustee in 2026, motivated by a strong connection to her local community and a desire to make a difference.

Having recently retired following a career in the NHS, Karen brings extensive experience in senior operational, commissioning and service development roles. Her most recent position as Assistant Director for Commissioning and Service Development covered the UK.

Having grown up in South Holland and now living in Cambridgeshire, Karen is particularly pleased to be able to contribute her experience to an organisation supporting the communities she belongs to.

In retirement, she is looking forward to spending more time with family, friends and animals, particularly her retired Welsh Cob.

Tracy Auchterlonie – Trustee

Tracy brings more than 30 years of experience in financial services, with a background spanning governance, compliance, conduct risk, business development and organisational change.

She has also been actively involved in the voluntary sector for several years, serving as a trustee of Easton on the Hill Village Hall and previously Citizens Advice. She has also supported the charity Second Helpings through its governance and operations.

Tracy is passionate about using her skills and experience to support organisations that make a positive difference to people’s lives.

She is looking forward to working alongside fellow trustees, staff and volunteers to help CPSL Mind continue its important work.

Emma Fountain – Trustee

Emma is a Chartered Accountant with more than ten years of experience in financial services, having spent most of her career working in Cambridge.

Her professional experience includes audit, financial controls and helping organisations strengthen their governance, all of which she looks forward to bringing to the board.

Mental health education and support have long been important to Emma, shaped by both personal and professional experiences. She is passionate about using her skills to contribute to the vital work CPSL Mind delivers across local communities.

Outside work, Emma enjoys creative and crafty activities, the occasional jog and travelling.

Emma Morley – Trustee

Emma has been passionate about raising awareness of mental health and emotional wellbeing from a young age and is proud to be part of an organisation making a meaningful difference.

She brings more than 25 years of experience in people-focused roles, including over 15 years specialising in organisational development, workplace wellbeing, coaching and creating positive organisational cultures.

Having worked with diverse communities across different geographical areas, Emma understands the importance of inclusive, accessible support and creating environments where people feel valued and able to thrive.

Outside her professional life, Emma enjoys gardening, playing netball and spending time with family and friends.

Natalie Church – Trustee

Natalie is currently Chief Operating Officer for an Air Ambulance charity and has dedicated more than 25 years to the charity and healthcare sectors.

She brings extensive experience in operational development, organisational transformation, governance, regulatory compliance and quality assurance. As a CQC Registered Manager, she also has a strong understanding of delivering safe, effective and person-centred services.

Natalie is passionate about improving wellbeing, supporting people through life’s challenges and helping people access the services they need.

She is proud to support CPSL Mind and its work to improve mental health and wellbeing across our communities.

Maddy Hill – Trustee

Maddy brings extensive regional experience in mental health transformation and health and social care commissioning. She is passionate about reducing mental health stigma, promoting community wellbeing and ensuring people remain at the heart of service design and delivery.

Her commitment is also informed by personal experience of navigating mental health systems, both directly and as a parent carer. She understands the challenges and frustrations this can bring and is keen to help make accessing support a simpler experience for people.

Maddy has also volunteered in a range of roles supporting better mental health and inclusive, person-centred services, including helpline support, Mental Health Act panels and as a Patient Champion.

Outside of her work, she enjoys dancing, quizzing and walking her dog.

Thank you to our trustees

Each of our trustees brings something different to CPSL Mind, but they share a commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing and making a positive difference to the communities we serve.

Their knowledge, experience, challenge, guidance and generosity help us continue developing as an organisation and delivering support to the people who need us.

This Trustees’ Week, and throughout the year, we want to recognise the important contribution they make and say a heartfelt thank you for everything they do.

To all our trustees: thank you for your time, your dedication and your belief in CPSL Mind. We’re incredibly grateful to have you as part of our team.