LUCY WOMACK

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Lucy was named Chair of Trustees in March 2022, having been a trustee of the charity since 2013.

She worked in employee development for the retail group Liberty, and for a financial management consultancy in London before moving back to Leicestershire. Since then Lucy has worked in primary education, and was a primary school governor for a number of years, and is now a public school trustee.

Lucy is also a driving force behind the Scholarship programme at The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity and finds it incredibly rewarding.

“We can provide opportunities for young people to develop and thrive in ways they may never had though possible,” said Lucy.

“Seeing our successful candidates blossom from the initial interview, through to being about to head off to university, is personally a great thrill.”

ANNE WHITLOCK

TRUSTEE

Anne became a trustee in September 2015.

Having worked in women’s magazine publishing in the 1990s and later in independent schools as a Marketing Manager, Anne supports the work that the Sir Thomas White Loan Charity does to promote itself. Anne is also part of a small group of trustees who liaise with independent schools in Leicestershire and Rutland to support the STW Scholarship Programme. This initiative gives bright children from lower income families the opportunity to be educated in some of the best schools in the county. A number of children across varied schools have experienced an enriched sixth form education and gone on to enjoy success at university and beyond.

“I can honestly say that the interview process is the best bit for trustees – we love it,” says Anne. “It’s a privilege to meet such bright young people on the brink of life, who are filled with ambition and hope. Of course, we make interviews as relaxed as possible, and understand the nerves felt by pupils.”

SUE CLEMINSON

TRUSTEE

HR specialist Sue became a Trustee in November 2019.

Director of a HR consultancy called Cleminson & Cleminson Consulting, Sue has worked in HR ever since she left university. Individually, Sue had worked for a number of large PLCs, but over ten years ago started her own business. Cleminson & Cleminson now have clients all over the United Kingdom and a lot of their clients are international.

“I’m looking forward to working with the other trustees to make the charity as visible as possible, because I think that it’s a brilliant opportunity for people,” said Sue.

GREG HOLLINGSWORTH

TRUSTEE

Solicitor Greg was named a Trustee of The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity in November 2019.

Greg studied Law at the University of Leicester. Having completed his qualifications, he joined a law firm in 1992 and qualified there in 1994. In 2000, Greg set up his own business, which was a partnership, and that has evolved into the business that he’s involved with now (Hollingsworths). Greg has been practicing in the city now for 25 years.

“I think that going out and visiting the people that have benefited will be not only interesting, but very rewarding too,” said Greg. “To be able to see the difference the charity can make to people as they’re trying to get things off the ground.”

Linda Neville

LINDA NEVILLE

TRUSTEE

Linda had a 26-year career in the NHS, working initially as a nurse with clients suffering from serious and enduring mental health conditions before spending a number of years in senior nurse leadership positions and culminating in an Operational Director position.

Since leaving the NHS in 2011, Linda has developed her own business, providing Expert Witness reports for Court, and developing a Private Practice clinic, SanaMente, assisting people to make and embed changes into their lives.

“My career has been about supporting people to be the best they can be through enhancing their belief in themselves and building sustainable coping strategies. So, this is like the final piece in the jigsaw, by supporting people financially to realise their dreams,” Linda said.

DAVID HOPE

TRUSTEE

PAUL MURRAY

TRUSTEE

SAM PURVIS

TRUSTEE

Having worked in a variety of roles, from commercial to senior operational management and from talent development to employment law and HR, Sam started her own company and has spent the last 20 years as Managing Director of The Compass Partnership, and recently became a Trustee of the Charity in 2024.

“I know just how challenging it is in the early days and how lonely working hard to build a business from scratch can be,” Sam said.

“I hope to bring experience, empathy and lots of examples of my own to share. Being part of STWLC really does feel like a privilege and being able to help so many people is incredible – I cannot wait to help spread the word!”

Gau Naik

GAU NAIK

TRUSTEE

Business Advisor Gau was named a Trustee of The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity in June 2014

Gau studied Engineering at Loughborough and Brunel University and then later returned to Loughborough to complete his M.B.A.

Gau has worked for multinationals and small and medium sized businesses, in strategic, technical, marketing and finance roles.  He has co-founded several businesses and over the last fifteen years Gau has worked as a business advisor providing support to pre-start, early-stage and growth businesses in Leicestershire.

“I really enjoy meeting and engaging with entrepreneurs.  I feel privileged to be a Trustee of a charity with a rich heritage and a track record of making a difference to individuals looking to further their entrepreneurial hopes and dreams.”

SARAH HOPE

CLERK TO THE TRUSTEES

Sarah joined The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity in 2018, having worked in the charity sector for over 20 years across a number of varied roles and disciplines.

In her role as Clerk to the Trustees, Sarah is the main point of contact for The Sir Thomas White Charity and undertakes a number of duties at Friars Mill, including the processing of all applications from the initial enquiry stage through to the bond signing and payment of funds to successful applicants.

Sarah also liaises with borrowers on an on-going basis and acts as Secretary to the Board of Trustees – meaning that in addition to servicing board meetings, she is also present on interview panels with prospective borrowers.

“The best bit about my role is meeting with applicants,” says Sarah. “I also enjoy hearing from our borrowers about their successes.”

To get in touch with Sarah, please email sarah.hope@stwcharity.co.uk or call 0116 204 6620.