Board Members & Governance
The Kent Autistic Trust is established as a Company Limited by Guarantee. It has no shareholders and is non-profit making. Membership is by subscription and is open to all persons with an interest in autism.
The Trust is also registered as a Charity and is subject to the regulations of the Charity Commission.
The governing body of the Trust is the Board of Directors, which is elected by the Trust's membership.
Board members are also Charity Trustees under charity law. The Board, whose members are voluntary and unpaid, determine policy and strategy, set priorities and give direction to the full time salaried staff of the Trust.
The Board is non-executive and does not participate in the day-to-day running of the Trust.
The founders of the Trust aimed to create an organisation that could be used by and benefit autistic individuals and their families. The scope, direction and expansion of the Trust’s activities is and will continue to be driven by these needs.
The Board welcomes interest from people in joining the Board. Meetings are held around four times a year in the evening in Gillingham, Kent.
​
To view our Articles of Association click here
​
Interested in becoming a member of the Board?
The Kent Autistic Trust are looking for new, dynamic, creative and inspiring trustees who can bring energy and expertise to our charity. We welcome and support diversity and would particularly encourage applications from autistic individuals.
For information about the role and how to apply, please click here.
Nicola August
Joint Chair
As Partner at Furley Page Solicitors, I head the Vulnerable Client Team and I'm a specialist in elderly and vulnerable client matters. I have been an Approved Panel Deputy of the Court of Protection for some years and was successfully reappointed to the panel following a rigorous section process. I am also the only Panel Deputy in East Kent and Medway. Having worked with The Kent Autistic Trust for a number for years, I have been on the Board since 2015.
Helen Jones
Joint Chair
Mother of a son who lives in a KAT residential service, also mother of a daughter aged 31 years and I have 6 Grandchildren. I am employed as a Manager at Kent Space Chatham and have experiences of running businesses, a Public House and home for the elderly. My interests are walking, reading, spending time with friends, family and taking holidays. I have been a Board Member for the Trust for over 25 years.
Gary Warner
Trustee
Gary is a Chartered Engineer. After qualifying with a Master’s Degree in Engineering and Asset Management he has held various engineering roles in the rail sector, most recently as Asset Lead on the Crossrail Project. He has been a trustee since 2008, he is passionate about ensuring the longevity and development of the Trust, whilst maintaining our excellent care standard. His spare time is enjoyed spending time with his wife and 3 daughters, he is also an avid cyclist when time allows, either getting covered in mud on his mountain bike in the country or road riding to the coast for a well-earned visit to the café!
John Fosker
Trustee
I retired in 2018 from a busy Commercial Insurance Broking business, holding the position of Managing Director from 2009. I had overall responsibility for finance, compliance, business operations and strategy. I have a son who is cared for in KAT supported living and has been in the care of the Trust for 9 years. I recognise the professionalism, kindness and compassion shown by KAT staff at every level. In my spare time I play vets tennis, fish and spend time with my family and grandchildren.
Martin Connolly
Trustee
I was part of the Operational Management Team at the Kent Autistic Trust for many years. I am both a qualified teacher and mental health nurse and amongst my qualifications I have Masters degrees in Autism and Nursing. I now work as a Specialist Autism Nurse in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan NHS, undertaking autism diagnostic assessments for adults, as well as providing support for adults with a diagnosis and advice and support for professionals. I continue to have a passion for supporting autistic individuals, especially those who come into contact with mainstream services.
Paul Fosker
Trustee
I graduated with a BA (Joint Honours) in Modern Languages from Leeds University in 2010. As a Director and Co-Owner of a successful Commercial Insurance Brokerage, my primary responsibilities include Finance, HR, Operations and Customer satisfaction within a busy, FCA regulated financial services business. My brother has been in the care of the Trust for a number of years and I am passionate about supporting the Trust to continue to provide high quality care and support for people with ASD and their families. In my spare time, I enjoy playing Golf, Cycling and spending time with my young family.
Dee Pickerill
Trustee
Dee is the Principal of the OUTSTANDING Snowfields Academy, a school for autistic children in Kent and is the sister of someone supported by KAT.
Will Harrison
Trustee
​Will is an experienced delivery and business manager and co-lead for the global neurodiversity employee network at UBS. He is the most recent recruit to the board.
Neil Fisher
Trustee
​Neil has worked for the NHS for 26 years and was diagnosed as Autistic in 2020. He describes the moment as "finally being given his instruction manual". He is a keen advocate for autistic individuals having personally faced a number of challenges in his life as a consequence of living in a world not designed for him.