I left school at 18 to take up a position with the civil service in London where I worked for 13 years. I left to start a family and then stayed at home to bring up my two sons. I was invited to offer Braille tuition, joining PAVIS in 2005. At the 2015 AGM I was voted on to the Management Committee and more recently to the position of Chair.
Tracy Vice Chair
I began my career at Guide Dogs in 1986, progressing to Deputy Kennel Manager. After several years in this position I qualified as a Guide Dog Trainer. I moved to Basildon in 1992 and have lived in the area ever since. I married Ron in 2004 and became involved with BASIS through its tennis group in 2011. Originally I was co-opted onto the Committee of BASIS as Ron’s P.A. to help him with fundraising and was later voted in as Chair, and more recently, Vice Chair.
Chris Treasurer
Christopher Eaton joined the BASIS Trustee board in August 2019.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
A commercially astute, results driven ACMA qualified senior finance professional with extensive experience gained in public listed companies, SMEs and family run businesses across a variety of sectors. A motivated and dynamic leader skilled in developing and managing high performing teams as well as being a proactive team player.
Highly analytical with the ability to identify opportunities and make informed decisions based on the data presented.
Effective communicator, negotiator and influencer enabling strong and effective relationships to be built both inside and outside the organisation.
A proven ability to provide key financial data, support and reporting to both finance and non-finance literate stakeholders to assist in key business decisions, ensuring the continued delivery of results in line with the company vision. Exceptionally trustworthy with an awareness of confidentiality and data protection.
Samantha Leftwich Secretary
Sam has been a beneficiary of BASIS for several years and has a visual impairment herself. Sam is a guide dog owner and with her guide dog Lizzie has achieved some incredible personal goals both in her career and through her passion for running. With a background in teaching children with special educational needs she has brought a wealth of knowledge to the board around policy and safeguarding. She is currently in the role of secretary supporting the admin function of the trusteees.