Our Trustees
FRED JACQUES – CHAIR
I have over 40 plus years of knowledge and experience of Children First Derby through a family member, and I consider the work the charity undertakes to have a significant value to the children and families they support.
I became more involved at a time when the charity was coming through a difficult time and I became a Trustee in 2014. Since which time I have been impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the staff and volunteers, often in the face of significant challenges.
I am a retired Chartered Engineer; I studied at the University of Wales in Cardiff and at Aston University in Birmingham. I am married and I have one son and two lovely grandchildren.
FATIMAH RAZAK – TREASURER
I am a self-employed Accountant and a mother of two young boys. My role at Children First Derby is the Secretary but I also assist our Treasurer, David, with the financial reports for the monthly board meetings.
I also volunteer as a trustee at Women’s Day Derby and I am a Treasurer at Global Education Derby. I enjoy working with numbers and this is my way of giving back to the community – using my accountancy skills and knowledge.
I enjoy keeping fit, watching movies and cooking. I organise an annual curry night for Women’s Day Derby, making a healthy profit to contribute towards the main event in March. I have used my cooking skills at Children First Derby too – for a curry night for the volunteers and making onion bhaajis for the AGM.
RACHAEL BROWN – SECRETARY
An experienced Independent Financial Adviser, Rachael Brown joined the Children First Derby board of trustees in January 2020.
Rachael has over 25 years financial experience working at banks such as HSBC and NatWest, as an Area Manager and Independent Financial Adviser for Private, Business, and Commercial Banking.
Rachael is a huge asset to the Children First Derby team. We’re delighted to have her on the board of trustees and we look forward to seeing what the future holds.
RACHEL LUFT – TRUSTEE
My involvement with Children First Derby began in 2016 when I started volunteering as a mentor. I have supported young people through various stages and challenges in their lives, witnessing first-hand the excellent work that Children First Derby carries out in the local community.
I joined the board of trustees in March 2021, and I have since joined the fundraising team too – helping to organise the charity’s upcoming events and activities. I am keen to support in whatever way I can, and I recently modelled in the charity’s Annual Fashion Show, in November 2021, which raised over £4,000.
As a qualified solicitor, I have worked as an in-house lawyer for most of my career. I also have experience of being a trustee and administering various charities in the past, and I am looking forward to utilising my skills and experience for the benefit of Children First Derby.
AMANDA STRONG – TRUSTEE
I am delighted to be appointed a Trustee of Children First Derby.
My passion for this local charity began a number of years ago and in 2019 I chose Children First Derby to be one of the five charities to receive £5,000 from the Mercia Image Print ‘30 days of giving’ challenge – which raised £30k in 30 days for local charities.
After recently stepping down as owner and Managing Director of Mercia Image Print after 32 years, I am looking to utilise my passion to succeed, business skills, and contacts to help raise awareness and further support this incredible charity.
I am committee member of Derbys Finest – a group which encourages and supports women in business. And I have three children, now young adults.
I understand the challenges of bringing up three children under difficult circumstances and I am passionate about being able to help the charity support vulnerable children, young people, and families across Derbyshire.
I am excited to be part of this vital local charity and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.
Amanda joined the board of trustees in November 2021 and we’re sure she’ll be a huge asset to the Children First Derby team
GINA REPTON – TRUSTEE
I retired as Fundraising Co-ordinator with Children First Derby in 2022, having been with the Charity for seventeen years.
During my time with the charity, I had the privilege of working with a dedicated and professional team of colleagues who support and deliver an extremely high-quality service to vulnerable children, young people and families in the Derby area. I have watched the charity grow from strength to strength and I was delighted when Children First Derby received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.
I thoroughly enjoyed my role within the charity and, with the support of a hardworking and enthusiastic team of fundraising volunteers, we managed to exceed our fundraising targets set by the Board of Trustees, whilst also raising the profile of the charity.
When I received a call from the Chair of the Board of Trustees for Children First Derby, inviting me to apply as a board member, I did not hesitate. I feel the experience I have gained through working for the charity and my previous job as Head of Communications at Chelsea Football Club will assist me in contributing to the governance of the charity.
I am married and have two daughters; four Grandchildren and our latest addition is a cocka-poo puppy named Lola.
‘Treading the boards’ and Directing plays for the Watson Players Drama Group in Derby has been one of my main hobbies. I am also Secretary of St. Joseph’s Youth Club in Derby, where incidentally I met my husband Aidan many years ago!
I have always been passionate about the work of Children First Derby and have great respect for all that have contributed to its success. I am pleased to be part of this worthwhile charity and will very much enjoy the challenge this role will bring.
JULIE FELLOWES – TRUSTEE
I have worked in education for 26 years and have spent the last 10 years as a Headteacher in Derby. Whilst my career has taken me out of the area, I remain committed to the children of Derby and am proud to be able to be part of the Trustees at Children First Derby. I hope that my experience will provide a unique insight as we continue to support young people and their families in a variety of ways.
I am passionate about the need to develop child support services at all levels, to ensure they remain current, fit for purpose and evolve in response to need. Children First Derby have an excellent track record of achieving this and I am excited about the future.
I enjoy travelling, reading and experiencing life. I am quite good at organising and am at my happiest when planning events or trips for friends and family.
