A trustee is part of the team that governs a charitable organisation, like ours. Our trustees volunteer their own time over the course of the year based on monthly board meeting and the occasional ad-hoc sub-groups.
The range of business skills and knowledge that the team bring to 'Friends of Hardie Park' help the project / charity navigate the sometimes complex challenges we face in our world. From a variety of backgrounds, our trustees are in place to understand and process complex information, assess risks in relation to doing something and also assess the risk of doing nothing. At times we may find ourself facing specific financial challenges that require our board to take difficult decisions in a considered, informed and timely manner.
Let's meet the team!
Matt Adams, Chair of the Trustees has been on the board since 2018. He’s a long-time user of Hardie having spent many hours enjoying the park with his young family. Matt works for a Charity Recruitment company in London and is responsible for teams that recruit to Fundraising, Marketing and senior leadership positions for some of the biggest (and smallest!) charities in the UK.
‘I’m so proud to be Chair of this wonderful charity – to see how the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers makes such a huge difference to our little corner of Thurrock.’
Fabiana Goodall has been a trustee at HP for a couple of years now. She has lived in Stanford for 7 years and has travelled to Stanford le hope for many more years on the school run with her two, now grown up, sons. Fabiana is a retired qualified accountant, and worked in a governance role in Corporate Finance. Her governance role involved looking at processes, making sure they worked as they should, and always looked for ways to make them better. She led the company's fundraising activities in the UK for around 20 years and uses those skills to help Hardie Park where she can.
“I am pleased to be able to provide support and advice to the charity as a trustee. Hardie Park provides a special place for many local residents in our community, a real beating heart in our midst. It’s great to be part of the team.“
Julie Cooke has lived in Stanford all of her life and her children attended school locally. She currently works at, and part owns an industrial construction company. She has a lot of experience in the day to day running of a business and finance at all levels. Julie grew up in a Scouting family and was involved for many years as a leader.
“I have enjoyed being a trustee at Hardie Park for a number of years and hope to continue to help Hardie Park and the project where I can.“
Jim Heale moved to Stanford from East London in 1975 as a 24-year-old newly-wed. He has a background in banking having worked in the industry for 26 years, he then became Secretary of a Registered Friendly Society Social Club. Jim also has experience as an Ambulance Care Assistant.
“I have had an interest in Hardie Park after becoming friends with those passionate about improving the Park. I have been on the board of Trustees for many years.“
Jordan Barzoukas moved to Stanford in 2010. He became a frequent user of Hardie Park during lockdown with his wife and two young daughters. They found the community there such a welcoming place and the children love the park. Jordan is a teacher in Chelmsford and Heads a department of Art, Media and ICT. In his spare time Jordan is often found drawing children’s books or animating cartoons for children.
“I am interested in Hardie park, because I saw an advert for a trustee post and thought it would be a good way to support a community project that my family have made a great use of. I hope with my experience of working in education and with children, to ensure many other young families can benefit too”
Douglas Kennedy, born in Glasgow. Worked for major liner shipping companies and liner shipping agencies throughout U.K. A lot of this time was in senior management capacity. Now living in Stanford le Hope since 2021.
“I started visiting the park with my grandchildren and was impressed by cafe and volunteers. Once I retired I had a chat with a volunteer who suggested I apply. Very happy I took her advice!!
I became a trustee later part of 2025 and look forward to helping the cafe and park achieve more of its vast potential.”
Our staff team and volunteers work incredibly hard to make Hardie Park a welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable space for the whole community.
If you would like to better understand how Hardie Park operates day-to-day - including how the charity is run, how the café supports the wider park, and the role volunteers and Trustees play - we would encourage you to visit our “How Hardie Works” page.
If you have any questions about the management of Friends of Hardie Park, the running of the park, or ideas for its future development, you are very welcome to contact the Trustees in confidence.
📧 trustees@friendsofhardiepark.co.uk
Emails sent to this address go directly to the Chair of Trustees and we aim to respond within 7 working days.
Our Trustees are all volunteers who generously give their time, experience and skills to support the charity. As a registered charity, the Board is responsible for ensuring that Friends of Hardie Park operates responsibly, legally and in line with its charitable aims and community values.
This includes responsibilities such as:
• Setting and protecting the charity’s vision and values
• Supporting the long-term development of the park and café
• Ensuring good governance and financial oversight
• Making sure the charity meets its legal obligations
• Supporting staff and volunteers
• Helping create a safe, inclusive and positive environment for everyone
Like the wider Hardie Park team, our Trustees are passionate about community spirit, inclusivity and making the park the best it can be for local people.