Our Board of Trustees come from all walks of life and bring a vast range of experience and skills. They have a genuine commitment to Balsall Heath and the wider community of Birmingham, generously giving their time to further the work of the St Paul’s.
The Board typically meets ten times a year in the evenings and serve as the Trust’s overall governing body, to which the Chief Executive is accountable. Their key responsibilities include approving the Trust’s budget, strategy, and plans. Each year, they review the work across all areas of the Trust, ensuring alignment with our aims and objectives whilst maintaining compliance with charity and company legislation.
Patrick Wing
Chair of Trustees/Chair of School Governors
Pat became a member of the governing body of the St Paul’s school a good few years ago and then later joined the Trustees board. He retired as a police officer and then worked in the community with Balsall Heath Forum.
He and his late wife fostered children for over 30 years looking after a number of children with disabilities. Pat now sits as a Magistrate on the Birmingham bench and on the governing boards of a college and a Special School in Coventry.
He is an ageing sportsman and having finally given up playing rugby has taken to running (very slowly!).
Pat was awarded the MBE in 2015 for services to the community.
Clare Reardon
Trustee/Governor
I am a Public Health specialist with 18 years’ experience in both NHS and Local Authority Public Health.
Throughout my career, I have led on a range of Public Health related policy, strategy and service delivery areas including; sexual health and teenage pregnancy, substance misuse, homeless and migrant health, domestic abuse, and more recently counter terrorism.
I am passionate about improving life chances and outcomes for people and communities whose circumstances make it more difficult to live healthy and well.
I have a particular interest in creating positive change for people with complex social backgrounds who experience some of the most significant health inequalities of all.
Having lived in Balsall Heath as a teenager, it’s a privilege to contribute to the work of St Pauls and to the area that was so welcoming to me and my family.
Paul Chew
Honorary Treasurer
Over 30 years’ experience as an accountant and consultant in the public, third and private sectors. I am currently a self-employed accountant.
I have lived locally since 1994 and was introduced to St. Pauls by a previous employee. I hope I can use my skills and experience to support the development of the Trust and local community.
My key interests are financial oversight and governance.
Kashaf Ali
Trustee
In my day-to-day role I help community organisations to thrive through support on governance, business planning, community engagement, and asset ownership. I enjoy helping groups strengthen their foundations, grow sustainably, and make a real, lasting difference in their communities.
My connection to St Paul’s is deeply personal, having grown up in Balsall Heath, I’ve seen both the remarkable community spirit and the challenges people face. I’m in-spired by St Paul’s commitment to supporting local residents of all ages, helping them build healthier, more fulfilling lives while strengthening the resilience and vi-brancy of the local community.
I am particularly interested in strategic growth, sustainable funding, and long-term impact for community-led organisations. I focus on helping groups expand their reach, develop innovative initiatives, and maximise the benefits they bring to their communities.
Elaine Meredith
Trustee
Elaine retired from her role as Clinical Lead for Health Visitors in Birmingham in 2020. As a qualified nurse, midwife and health visitor she has worked in many hospitals and communities across Birmingham, including Balsall Heath. She was part of the team who created Birmingham Forward Steps of which St. Pauls Community Development Trust is a partner.
Elaine has many years experience of working with families and young children and is keen to continue her support of early years services.
Nick Shepherd
Trustee
I have lived and worked in and around Birmingham since 2010. I joined the Board of Trustees in 2015 and, having held different roles on the Board since then, I am currently its Deputy Chair. In my day job I am a solicitor practising in central Birmingham, and help facilitate advice to the Board on legal issues wherever possible. Outside of work I enjoy watching cricket and football; gardening; and spending time with family.
Chilufya Dawo
Trustee
With over two decades of experience in communications, I’ve held executive roles across the civil service, the NHS, and local government. Today, I serve as a communications consultant, collaborating with organisations to sharpen and elevate their communications strategies, brand identity, media presence, and marketing campaigns—bringing clarity, purpose, and resilience to every engagement.
I was inspired by the incredible work St Paul’s is doing to uplift and empower local communities. I firmly believe that every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive through access to the right skills and support. I’m excited to contribute my expertise to the Board and senior leadership team as we work together to drive meaningful, lasting change for the communities we serve.
My key interests are digital communications, internal communications, public relations, marketing and strategic communications.
Carol Herbert
Trustee
With a background in Education and Health, I bring additional cultural, social, and health perspectives. Having over 30 years of experience in Quality and Governance, I have held senior leadership positions in the public sector and provide insights to assist in shaping the charity's strategic direction.
Having attended school, college, and married within the area, with family members still residing here, I have developed a profound understanding of Balsall Heath's local challenges through my deep roots and community connections. This insight propels my motivation to contribute meaningfully. Committed to community development and health equity, I am driven by outcomes that align with my personal ethics and values.
My key interests are governance and impact measurement.