Meet the Trustees

Linda Jones

Chair

Born and raised in Leicestershire, Linda has lived in Hallaton, in the Harborough District, for over 37 years. Following a dedicated career in criminal justice, she served as the Chief Probation Officer for Leicestershire and Rutland for 16 years before joining the Home Office and Ministry of Justice as the Regional Commissioner for prisons and probation in the East Midlands.

Linda joined the VASL Board in 2010 to give back to her local community and share her extensive knowledge of good governance. Alongside her proud role as Chair of the VASL Board, she chairs four other charity boards across the region.

Kate Godber

Kate lived in Market Harborough for nine years before relocating to Rutland in 2018. She works as a solicitor and partner at Tollers LLP, operating across their Corby and Northampton practices.

Kate has a lifelong passion for volunteering, with past experience ranging from supporting homeless shelters to running youth clubs and participating in the Harborough Twenty 12 Lions Club. Having joined the VASL board over a decade ago, she thoroughly enjoys all aspects of her trustee role and regularly serves as a vital legal sounding board for the charity.

Suzanne Packer

After spending many years living in London, Suzanne moved to the Market Harborough area with her family. An employment solicitor by trade, she first became involved with VASL as a hands-on volunteer before stepping into the role of Trustee.

Deeply committed to the local community, Suzanne is actively involved with several regional charities, including the Corby Foodbank, the Samaritans in Kettering, and the Market Harborough Third World Group.

Angela Holdsworth

Bio coming soon

Jonno Jackson

Jonno joined the VASL board in 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience within the finance industry to help shape the charity's long-term strategy. Now living in Fleckney, he is incredibly passionate about expanding VASL's local support systems—particularly for dementia carers, understanding deeply how a diagnosis impacts entire family networks.

Alongside his financial career, Jonno presents a radio show for Kettering General Hospital and is dedicated to keeping employees, volunteers, and carers at the heart of every strategic decision VASL makes.

Claire Hurst

Passionate about supporting our local communities in an inclusive and meaningful way, I am delighted to join the VASL Board of Trustees. Their vision, values and services make a real difference when families and individuals face adversity, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission.

With 46 years in financial services and over a decade of trustee experience, I bring a strong understanding of good charity governance and the importance of thoughtful, accountable leadership. My volunteering across a wide range of charities has given me a deep appreciation for the diversity within our community and the many ways people show resilience and strength.

Creative time is precious to me, especially when I enjoy botanical drawing or floristry—two practices that keep me grounded and inspired.