Biographies

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Trustees

Mrs Wendy E Bailey

Dr M Natalie P Briggs

Natalie’s career has focused on HR, education, and charity roles, working in Harland and Wolf as a HR administrator, Dean of Business Studies Faculty in Bromley Further and Higher College, Education Head at The College of Surgeons of England, CEO of Vision Aid Overseas (now Vision Action) and interim CEO of the World Council of Optometry.

Natalie is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, previously a member of the Council and Chairman of the livery charity. She is currently Chairman of The Steel Charitable Trust.

Natalie’s qualifications include a BSc in Social Science (Queen’s University, Belfast),MBA (Cass Business School, London) and Doctor of Education (King’s College London).

During her chairmanship of The Steel Charitable Trust, she has led a strategic review to update the grant giving policies and governance, and supported restructuring of the investment portfolio. She has been committed to the provision of a high standard of grant awards during her tenure.

Natalie has two daughters and four grandchildren; she enjoys travel, gardening, reading, and cooking for her friends.

Mr Peter Day

Peter has been a Trustee with the Steel Charitable Trust since 2020 and is a member of the Finance and Investment Committee. Peter has enjoyed a career of almost 30 years in the asset management industry, in various leadership positions and as a portfolio manager. He is a listening volunteer with the Luton branch of the Samaritans. When Peter isn’t spending time with his two daughters, he enjoys drumming, playing tennis and country walks with his dog.

Mr Jonathan M R Finch

Jonathan brings a strong blend of entrepreneurial experience, governance expertise and community commitment to The Steel Charitable Trust. As the owner of his own successful business, he has extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, finance and building long-term partnerships. This commercial background gives him a practical understanding of sustainable growth, responsible decision-making and the importance of investing wisely for the future.

Alongside his business career, Jonathan has a long-standing commitment to the voluntary sector. He has served as a Trustee and former Chair of the James Marshall Foundation, helping oversee grant-making, governance and stewardship of charitable assets to support young people. He is also Chair of Trustees for Harpenden & Wheathampstead District Scouts and was a Scout Leader for over 30 years, reflecting a deep commitment to youth development, leadership and community service.

Outside work and charity commitments, Jonathan enjoys rugby and remains actively involved in the game as a referee. He also loves the outdoors and can often be found walking his dog around the Hertfordshire countryside.

Mr Philip C Lawford

Ms Sophie E Wilkins

Mr Nicholas E W Wright, BEM

Administration

Isla Stanger

Isla has worked for the Trust since 2018 and has delivered significant developments in grants management, communications and relationship-building, particularly in Luton.

Educated in Scotland, her working life began in theatres, installing the first wave of computerised ticketing systems in venues round the UK and the USA, and training their unsuspecting staff. From there, her career took a somewhat unconventional route, based round the needs of her growing family, through various roles in which her capacity for setting up databases was the common thread. These include senior positions with a farming and conservation charity and a physics education charity, and managing hospitality and schools ticketing for thousands of fans of the Varsity rugby matches at Twickenham.

Outside work, Isla sings regularly with a fundraising choir, helps run a community allotment and volunteers at the Stables Theatre, MK. She enjoys hiking, yoga and reading, and maintains her early interest in the arts.