RICE is governed by a board of trustees who elect a chair and nominate two deputy chairs. The board is collectively responsible for governance of RICE and for developing our strategic direction. The trustees have oversight of all RICE activities. They ensure we operate in line with our charitable objectives and for public benefit. The trustees also make sure that we meet our financial and legal obligations by managing and mitigating risk. The board meets four times a year.
RICE Board of Trustees
Mark Kingston joined the Board of Trustees of RICE in 2020, just pre-pandemic, though his history with the charity dates back to 1986 when his wife, Marjorie was a research nurse in RICE’s early days.
Mark Kingston has spent much of his working life as a GP, combining medical practice with NHS Management.
Sarah joined the Board of Trustees in February 2021.
Sarah is a Chartered Public Finance Accountant and worked for the NHS for 35 years, with 9 years in Finance Director roles. She has worked for acute, mental health, community and commissioning organisations in the Southwest.
Nicky was appointed as a Trustee in 2022.
Nicky has a background in communications and marketing having run her own consultancy for 25 years. She currently cares for her husband who was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia six years ago at The RICE Centre, so she is acutely aware of the challenges faced by people with dementia and their carers.
James joined RICE as a Trustee in, 2022 having been the Chief Executive of the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) NHS Foundation Trust for the previous 13 years. The RICE building is located on the RUH campus. James was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Health from the University of Bath in recognition of his contribution to the NHS.
Lindsey was appointed as a trustee in 2022.
She is a local consultant in older adult psychiatry for the Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership as well as being a clinical research fellow in neuroscience at the University of Bristol. She also has personal experience of relatives with dementia.
Ben has been a trustee at RICE since 2016 and maintains a longstanding connection between Thrings LLP and RICE, with senior partners of Thrings serving as trustees since RICE’s inception.
Ben is regularly recognised for his work in both the Legal 500 and Chambers Legal.
Dr Robin Fackrell is a Consultant in Geriatric and General Medicine and a specialist in Parkinson’s and related disorders. He is also an Associate Medical Director in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care System (BSW ICS).
There are three sub-committees made up of trustees which report to the board:
• Finance and Audit Committee which meets four times a year and is chaired by a financial trustee. The committee oversees RICE’s financial position and fundraising activities and makes recommendations as needed to the Board
• Care and Research Governance Committee which meets twice a year and is chaired by a practicing clinical trustee. The committee oversees RICE’s clinical and research activities and makes recommendations as needed to the board
• Remuneration Committee which meets once a year and is chaired by the Chair of the Board. All trustees are involved in the committee which agrees any pay awards due and any changes to agreed pay and pension structures
Trustees also hold an annual strategic meeting which provides an opportunity for trustees and the senior management team to review progress against the strategy and discuss future plans and activities.