Our trustees

Chairman

Nathan became a trustee of the Essex Recovery Foundation motivated by his own lived experience of addiction and a desire to support others facing similar challenges. Formerly a commercial banker for nearly 15 years, he brings strong practical and financial insight to the charity, alongside his current work as a life coach and addiction specialist in the wealth sector. Now serving as Chairman, Nathan considers leading the charity one of his proudest achievements. Outside of work, he is passionate about fashion and its history, enjoys experimental cinema, and is an avid reader.

Trustee

Dr Marcus Roberts MBE has been a trustee of the Essex Recovery Foundation since its launch and chaired the Board from 2019-22. He has spent much of his career working on drug and alcohol and on mental health issues, with a focus on empowering people with lived experience to influence policy and to co-design services, including as Head of Policy at Mind and Chief Executive at DrugScope. He is now the Director of Policy and Strategy at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.  

Trustee

An original member of the Essex Recovery Foundation and part of its Recovery Advisory Committee since 2019, Kath first engaged with recovery work through the inaugural SHARP cohort in 2013. She went on to volunteer for eight years with Foundation66/Essex SAMS (later Futures in Mind) as a mentor and facilitator. Essex-born and committed to community care, she brings lived experience and on-the-ground insight to the Board. With a background in catering and hospitality management, Kath is proudest of her family and personal growth. Away from work, she enjoys home design, DIY, and curating her ever-growing cushion collection.

Trustee

James grew up in a household affected by alcoholism, giving him first-hand insight into the impact addiction can have on individuals and families. This experience drives his commitment to helping others access the best possible chance of recovery. A long-term Essex resident, he has lived just outside Chelmsford for 25 years. James is a career public servant and qualified accountant, currently serving as Chief Finance Officer for Hertfordshire Police, with previous roles at Essex Police and Essex County Council. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling and is a dedicated Brentford FC season-ticket holder.

Trustee

Madeline brings extensive experience in government innovation and systems thinking to the Essex Recovery Foundation. As a Manager in the Government + Enterprise team, she supports central and local partners to build system-thinking capability, develop outcomes-focused commissioning, and drive meaningful service transformation. Previously a fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Government Performance Lab, she helped governments use data to improve child welfare systems. She has also served as an adviser within the Australian Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, working across government on major policy and budget initiatives. Madeline is passionate about creating better public systems that enable people to thrive.

Trustee

Joe has been involved with the Essex Recovery Foundation since its inception seven years ago, driven by a personal journey through mental health and addiction. His experience inspires his commitment to helping others achieve recovery and wellbeing. Joe works as a psychotherapeutic counsellor, supporting individuals, couples, families, and groups worldwide using a holistic, evidence-informed approach. He is proud of completing his master’s in psychology and looks forward to pursuing a PhD. Outside of work, Joe enjoys travelling, hiking, golf, motorsport, exploring historic sites, and music, having visited over 50 countries and experienced a wide range of cultures and spirituality.

Trustee

Trustee