Our Trustees
GINA REPTON – ACTING CHAIR
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.
FATIMAH RAZAK – TREASURERÂ
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.
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.
MAURA TEAGER MBE – TRUSTEE
I am a nurse by profession and have gained extensive experience throughout my NHSÂ career across Primary Care, Acute and Community Hospitals, Mental Health and Children & Young People Services mainly across Derbyshire.
I have previously held posts on NHS Trust Boards in Executive and Non Executive roles and as Deputy Chair of a Local Authority Safeguarding Board.
Post retirement I have continued to be active in a range of volunteer roles in the public sector including Derbyshire Criminal and Family Courts and as Lead Governor at the University Hospitals of Derby & Burton. Across these roles I have retained my passion and commitment in reaching out to and advocating for some of our most vulnerable communities including children and young people.
My professional and personal networks enable me to continue to explore and influence strategy at a local and regional level. I am honoured and delighted to be invited to support this worthwhile and amazing charity in this way.
I am married with one adult son, enjoy walking our beautiful countryside, and love volunteering at the Derbyshire Children’s Hospital tea bar which is one of my reality checks on what can truly matter!
MEGAN FOREMAN – TRUSTEE
I have worked as a GP in South Derbyshire since 2017 and I am a mum of two. I grew up in Derbyshire and moved back to the area in 2013, after living and working in Birmingham for 15 years.
I am passionate about advocating for vulnerable individuals and groups. My experience as a GP has highlighted the importance of providing early support and intervention to help children and families to thrive.
I am involved in clinical research alongside my GP role and I also teach and supervise doctors who are training to become GPs.
I have a background in research and did a PhD in Biological Sciences before I became a doctor. I really enjoy working within a team, sharing and developing new ideas.
I am proud to be involved with Children First Derby, working to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and parents in Derbyshire. I am delighted to have the opportunity to help the organisation continue to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs to the local community.
SARAH LE-GOOD MBE – TRUSTEE
I’ve spent over 25 years working in Further Education, driven by a lifelong belief in the power of inclusion and the right of every child and young person to access opportunity, ambition and belonging—regardless of background or ability.
Throughout my career, I’ve been proud to lead innovation in inclusive practice, from developing specialist curriculum and high needs provision to shaping college-wide systems that ensure no learner is left behind. I’ve held senior leadership roles across several colleges, and I’m currently Assistant Principal for Inclusion and Learning Support at The Sheffield College, where I’m supporting the development of a new specialist campus, supporting high needs learners, and helping shape the future of inclusive education in partnership with our local authority.
In 2024, I was honoured to receive an MBE for my services to Further Education and SEND. I also work as a Director of Allies for Inclusion Ltd, supporting colleges and providers across the UK to build inclusive strategies, access sustainable funding, and coach leadership teams to drive meaningful change.
My work has always been grounded in co-production—working with young people, families, staff and community partners to design solutions that are responsive, effective, and respectful of individual journeys. I bring a strategic mindset, a strong understanding of policy and funding, and a real commitment to listening and learning from those with lived experience.
Joining the board of Children First Derby is a privilege. I’m excited to support the charity in its mission to meet the complex and growing needs of the children, young people and families it serves. I bring previous trustee experience from my time with Enthusiasm, a charity supporting some of the most vulnerable young people at risk of exploitation and disengagement, and I look forward to contributing my skills, knowledge and energy to help shape futures where every child feels seen, supported, and safe.
JASON COUPLAND – TRUSTEE
I grew up in Derby city centre and now live in the city with my wife and our two grown up children. Derby is in my heart, and I fondly remember my childhood, but as a parent I became acutely aware that not all families have the same opportunities and needs. I am really proud to be a member of the charity team and feel that being part of a community based charity like Children First Derby means that we can help support some of our families and young children that are most in need.
It has been a privilege to have a had career in supporting schools for the past 20 years. I have been able to experience how day to day decisions can directly impact the opportunities and experiences for young people.
I have been supporting schools as part of the Local Authority finance team, working directly in Primary and Secondary schools and more recently I have been working as a Chief Finance Officer at a school in Derby.
I have over a decade of experience of being a trustee on the governing board at a number of Derby schools. I quickly discovered  that trustees can make a huge difference, and with the right support, they can help the young people get the most from their opportunities. I have tried to use this as the focus in my support and have helped to a number of schools, some of which have are in the most deprived areas of the city and have faced extremely challenging issues.
I pride myself on building positive relationships so we are able to work together as a community to ensure that the young people have the best possible life chances.
AMANDA SOLLOWAY – TRUSTEE
Throughout my career in my roles as a trusted advisor, board member, founder of a mental health CIC, I have worked tirelessly to understand, analyse, and resolve many complex issues. I have developed a reputation for being community focused and leaning into challenges as well as bringing communities together such as mental health awareness days as well convening meetings for the not-for-profit sector.Â
Was a Member of Parliament for Derby North from 2015-2017 and 2019-2024 and as Minister for Science in 2020 I commissioned and led the framework for the People and Culture strategy working alongside key stakeholders including the CIPD. As a founder of a mental health CIC, I recognise how important health care is to those suffering from poor mental health often as a result of isolation and loneliness. I have been a Chartered Fellow member of the CIPD since 2005 and a diploma level coach
