We are seeking to expand and strengthen our trustee board to help us to continue to support people and families affected by asthma in Medway.
Medway Asthma Self-Help's trustee board consists of people with asthma or who have asthma in the family and those who work/have worked in the respiratory field or have an interest in asthma. On this page, you will:
Our trustee board:
Clive Johnson, MASH Chair of Trustees
Clive has a background in education, having taught English and English Literature at schools in Kent and Medway, at MidKent College and at the University of Kent. Clive is keen to support MASH because of the important work the charity does helping the people of Medway. Clive is a Medway Council member, representing Gillingham South ward.
Peter is a biometeorologist working at the University of Greenwich’s Medway Campus. He has almost 40 years experience working on aspects of the airborne dispersal of pollen, spores and insects in the UK and overseas. He has also investigated atmospheric pollution dispersal in Medway and other parts of the Southeast of England. He has been a supporter of MASH since its inception and is delighted to have been appointed as a Trustee.
Judith Pender, MASH Treasurer Trustee
Judith Pender is a geographer who previously worked as a senior scientist in the Environmental Sciences Department at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich. She has a particular interest in weather and climate but has worked on many projects in Africa and Asia including migrant pest forecasting, water management and environmental change after human intervention.
As a person with asthma, Judith has been involved with MASH since its inception as a trustee in various positions such as secretary, chairperson and now treasurer.
Maggie Cane, MASH Trustee
Maggie is also part of our Medway Asthma Self-Help trustee team, joining at our 2019 AGM. She has had asthma since she was a toddler, so appreciates how day-to-day life can revolve around your asthma. Maggie works full time as manager at Healthwatch Medway, an independent statutory body representing Medway's patients and public in all things related to health and social care.
Wei Wei, MASH Trustee
Wei has a background in Human Nutrition and previously worked for Kent Community Health NHSFoundation Trust. She has a particular interest in clinical nutrition and providing high quality nutrition support to patients in care home settings, community hospitals settings and in their own homes. She is currently employed by Medway Council. She helps smokers to stop smoking and does NHS Health Checks for the clients. She has a passion for delivering high standards of care to clients who are willing to make changes to improve their quality of life. She is pleased to have become a MASH trustee because the lifestyle changes can help asthmatics to manage symptoms better and she is able to empower them to make changes
Hi, Maggie here. I am a Trustees here at MASH and I just wanted to share my experience with you all and that being a trustee is really rewarding! Being a trustee is a great way to help you develop your own professional experience, I have now learnt more about being in a governance role and sitting on a board.
Years of experience is not a requirement, I have never done this before, I would say you just need a passion for the charity and the desire to share your skills. My professional background includes managing staff, policies & procedures in relation to Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity, and contract management. All these skills have been of use since I started as a trustee with MASH.
There are so many reasons that you should join charity boards. It is an excellent opportunity to give something back to society or do something meaningful outside work, or perhaps you are retiring / have retired and would like a new interest, I can assure you it is also an opportunity to develop new skills and learning opportunities. I have learnt a huge amount from my trustee role already, ranging from understanding a different organisational model and pressure, to learning from the other expertise and perspectives around the table, as well as the importance of being able to focus on strategy instead of interfering with day-to-day operations. I have also been given the opportunity to get to know and work with people from all walks of life, which has made it even more enjoyable.
Charities can gain so much from having people with skills and experience that their board may lack such as finance, Human Resources, marketing or legal knowledge, and many individuals can gain board-level experience earlier than they might do in their job. My employer has benefited too, as being a trustee has brought new skills and experiences back to my organisation, including exposure to how a board operates, strategic thinking, an awareness of risk management and governance experience.
If you are reading this and thinking 'I’m not sure…', get in touch, I’m more than happy to chat to you about what the role entails.
Maggie Cane, MASH Trustee