Chairman of the Board of Trustees

I am a chartered accountant with over 12 years of experience of helping businesses with turnaround and restructuring solutions.

Whilst I am numbers person, my true passion is in for developing people and improving their outlook in life, particularly those that are vulnerable and less fortunate.

My other interests include playing jungle gym with my 3 young children, and when they are being half sensible we try packing our bags to explore the world.

Deputy of the Board of Trustees

I have over 40 years experience on the West Midlands property market and have worked within private practise, local and central government before retiring in March 2022.

I joined Pennycuick Collins Chartered Surveyors in 1999 to establish a commercial property department specialising in property management, landlord and tenant issues which is where I became aware of the work Lench’s Trust undertook.

I have also been involved on a local, national and international basis representing surveying via my work with the RICS.

I am currently a National Judge for the RICS Awards where he judges the commercial award category. I have recently taken on various trustee roles with various local charities including the Richard Kilcuppes Trust and Friends of Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery.

I am also a visiting lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton lecturing in Property management.

Why become a Trustee

I have acted as a Trustee for a number of years with a small charity but upon retiring from business. I felt it would be good to expand my interest and also “give something back” to Birmingham and the community.

I’m a “Brummie” born in the City and I have spent my entire working life with companies based here, I thought it would be nice to use whatever skills and knowledge I have built up over the years to help other organisations and people if I could. Fortunately, I have worked with Lench’s Trust over many years and when Jean-Luc approached me, to see if I would be interested in joining the Board of Trustees, I was delighted to accept.

Outside of the Trust I am an active Grandfather and have a keen interest in football (just watch these days unfortunately), history, walking and travel.

I look forward to my continued involvement over the years with everyone associated with Lench’s Trust and to meet many more of you.

Trustee

My name is Ruth Evans. I am a senior leader with over 30 years’ experience in Customer and Patient Experience; I am incredibly honoured to have been awarded an MBE for some of this work.

Working as a Trustee for Lench is something I am very proud to do, as a Brumophile recognising the importance of looking after people who need a safe home. I am inspired by our charitable work and by the vison of William Lench who established Lench’s Trust back in 1526. I wonder if he could have imagined the impact he would have!

I bring a people focus both residents and colleagues. It is important to me that we consider the experience of our people and do the best we can to make this a great one.

My other interests include playing hockey for my local club, gardening and being with my family.

Leke joined Lench’s Trust as a Trustee in 2018 and served as chairman of the Trust from 2021 - 2023

Leke is a dynamic and experienced start-up and social impact leader within the tech ecosystem. He has a strong passion for entrepreneurship, innovation and scaling the next generation of start-ups. Through his efforts at Black Valley, he delivered a robust support infrastructure for entrepreneurs across Healthcare, Educational and Finance industries, providing them with expert mentorship, guidance and resources for growth.

Prior to founding Black Valley, he worked across the Educational Technology and Charity sectors to drive better outcomes for young people and local communities. In these roles, he provided technical guidance, championed social causes and led diverse teams to achieve objectives.

Trustee

I’m Ali, and I am a Trustee and Chair of the Audit and Assurance Committee for the Trust

I work in the audit profession for Beever and Struthers Chartered Accountants. Since the early 1990’s I have dealt almost exclusively with the Social Housing Sector, which I absolutely love, there are some great people who work in the housing sector and I enjoy the day to day interaction I have with the different teams I work with.

The nitty-gritty : Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) , Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, BSc (Hons) Business Finance and Economics

My story : I joined the Board of Trustees in 2022. In my previous employment I was the Audit Manager for Lench’s, so was very proud and honoured when Jean-Luc asked me to be on the Board. At the same time as I joined the Board of Trustees, I was also asked to take on the role as Chair the Finance and Audit Committee, which has recently been renamed the Audit and Assurance Committee.

I do this too… Outside of work, I love to run, cycle and go to the gym, so I like to keep active, never sitting still as I get bored easily! At home, my time is spent in the kitchen, I love to cook, (whilst sipping red wine) and also help my other half out in the garden, basically do what I’m told 😊 We keep chickens and sell the eggs when we get inundated, which is often!!

Trustee

I’ve worked for HSBC for 24 years and currently an International Subsidiary Relationship Director; which i’ve been in the role 7 months.

I also provide full time care for my mom since 2017 ,when my dad sadly passed, mom lives at William Lench Court since 2018 and is physically and mentally disabled following a brain haemorrhage.

I don’t have any children I am married to Dave and we have a big ginger tom called Jack.

Happy to be known as Kam!

Skills and experience: A Chartered Accountant by profession who has experience in audit, corporate tax, transfer pricing, large groups, charity sector and most recently IT.

What I offer to Lench’s: I offer an array of skills from my financial, accounting, tax , IT and community work background and is proficient with working with different beneficiary groups.

Other interests: Kam’s hobbies include walking, experimental cooking and voluntary work.

Trustee