Board of Trustees

Christine Gibbons

I am a pharmacy graduate of Bath University and had a successful career in both hospital pharmacy (Chief Pharmacist at a London Teaching Hospital) and hospital management (CEO and Director). I have three Masters degrees; Information Science, Business Administration (MBA) and Global Public health (the latter achieved during the pandemic). I have extensive charity experience.

I was on the Council of Bath University and after my nine-year term, I joined the SU Board. My husband (also a graduate of Bath) and I sponsor a Gibbons Scholarship.

Why did I want to get involved with the SU

My time at Bath University shaped what I did in my future career, and I have lots of happy memories of time spent on campus and in the town. I also remember the ‘6 hour dispensing practical exam’ we had in those days!

The SU Board gives me an opportunity of contributing to the development of the SU and to positively influence the student experience. If I can help to make the student academic and social experience the best it can be then I would have achieved something. I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to do so.

What do I like to do outside work

I am very active; cycling, running and swimming. I love swimming in lidos, and I have a goal to visit as many as I can! Now I am retired I am also travelling further afield to experience different cultures and traditions. My latest trip was to Vietnam and Cambodia. I live in Brighton by the sea, but I always like coming back to Bath for Board meetings and Bath still remains a ‘home’ to me.

Rebecca Board

I started my career in PR and communications and then grew into more general management of teams and services and then moved into senior leadership roles. I thrive on bringing teams of people together to deliver results for the organisations I work for. Most recently I worked for a Canadian nuclear science and technology company, programme managing CAN$80m of government investment in research, but I’ve also worked in the commercial and charitable sectors and was previously a trustee of Wiltshire Citizens Advice where I chaired their service delivery committee through a period of transformation.

Why did you want to get involved with The SU Bath?

As an undergraduate student I was involved with campaigning with my university’s SU, now at the other end of my career getting involved with the trustee board of The SU Bath appealed to me as an opportunity to use my skills and experience working with a charity aiming to support and inspire students. 

Working with the SU brings together aspects of my career from campaigning and social policy through to service delivery, leadership and governance together in one organisation. I hope I can add value, share experience and support improvements in making the most of the SU’s limited resources for the benefit of students.

Finally, as a Bath resident I am keen for students to enjoy their time in the city.  Being a part of The SU Bath gives me a chance to support and enable students to fully participate in both university and city life.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I am no longer working and am enjoying early retirement.  I enjoy cooking and eating, especially experimenting and trying new dishes.  To counteract that I like to run and go to the gym. Rather a lot of my time is also spent walking and cuddling my elderly dachshund, but I have also started to learn Spanish as a complete beginner.

Barry Hughes

I am delighted to be a part of the trustee board at the SU. I have recently retired after 20 years asthe group chief executive of Selwood Housing, a local housing association, to pursue a portfolio of interests. My time as a CEO has given me a wide-range of experience across all aspects of a business. Selwood is a charity, the same as the SU, so I also have a good understanding of the governance requirements of charities.

Before my current role my background was in finance. I am a qualified accountant and was the finance director of The Evening Standard and Metro newspapers, so I bring that specialism to the board.

I also have previous experience as a trustee as I was previously a trustee of Julian House, the Bath based homelessness charity, for nine years, including being chair of the audit committee for some of that time.

Why did I want to get involved with The SU Bath

I have great memories of my time at university (even if it was 35 years ago!) and I think the SU plays a vital role in supporting students to get the most out of their time at university. I hope that with my varied experience I will be able to contribute to the board of trustees and help support the work of the SU.

What I like to do outside of work

I spend most of my spare time with my wife and teenage daughter, we enjoy walking, films and trying a wide variety of food.

If I'm not with my family then you are most likely to find me training at the gym, where I focus on weightlifting and compete in Masters competitions.

I also look after an allotment but most of my crops end up feeding the local slugs, snails and birds rather than ending up in our kitchen!

Will Lomax

I'm extremely honoured to be a member of the Board of Trustees at the University of Bath Students' Union. I'm a Chartered Chemical Engineer, graduate from the University of Bath, and currently working in Bath as a Business Development Manager for an Engineering Consultancy.

Why did I want to get involved with the SU Bath

My secondary school didn't really have any extracurricular or activities, so when I joined University I was amazed by how much was going on through the SU. Over my studies at the University I spent perhaps too much time helping elections, sitting on committees, and in the Plug and Tub – all things which wouldn't be possible without the students, staff, and trustees of the SU.

I truly believe that the SU plays an immense role in the student experience at University, and I hope that my experience with the SU and my professional career since graduation can contribute to ensure all students have the great experience I did.

Will Darling

I'm Will, a final year Economics and Politics student and one of the Student Trustees on the Board. Before joining the board, I had been involved in the SU throughout my time here at Bath – including as a Hall Rep for Norwood House, a member of SUmmit, and on the Politics Society committee.

On the work side, I spent my placement year at the Office for Budget Responsibility working as a Fiscal Student Economist, helping to produce the UK's economic and fiscal forecasts. I've also previously worked as a Campaigns Coordinator for a political party and as a Support Assistant for councillors within a Local Authority.

Why did I want to get involved as a Trustee?

The SU has given me a lot during my time at Bath - opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise. I'm delighted to now be involved in supporting the organisation in being run effectively so future students get the same great opportunities I've been lucky to have had access to.

What I like to do outside of work

Having grown up in South Devon, I have a love for anything outdoorsy— kayaking and paddleboarding along the coast and hiking on Dartmoor. While in Bath I've got into running and have run the Bath Half a couple of times. Beyond that, unsurprisingly given my degree and previous work, I take a keen interest in politics, elections, and government.

Katie Head

I am a Politics and Economics student in my third year, currently on placement at NS&I (National Savings and Investments). I work in media and internal communications, supporting across everything from writing press releases, to running staff engagement events, and responding to journalists. I have been a trustee at The SU for two years, sitting on the Board and being a member of the People and Engagement committee.  

Why did I want to get involved with The SU Bath 

I've always loved chucking myself in at the deep end, so taking up the role of trustee suited me well! The SU has played a massive role in shaping my university experience. To name a few, I've been Editor-in-Chief of Bath Time magazine, competed at BUCs 8-ball pool (training took place in The Plug!) and spent many hours in the URB studio. I love The SU and the community it creates for us and loved the idea that I would get to be a part of shaping that experience for my fellow students now, and students in the future. I'm always curious to get behind the scenes and I've really enjoyed learning what goes in to running The SU and learning from our amazing staff, officers and trustees. 

What I like to do outside my work 

Outside of work, I can usually be found cooking, baking, and taking up way more than my fair share of the fridge. I love going to the local pub quiz with my flatmates and playing pool with my boyfriend. 

When I'm in Bath, I can usually be found in the Media Hub and occasionally in the Library. My favourite time of year is when it's sunny enough to spend an afternoon essay writing by the Lake instead.