Meet the staff: Angela Croucher, Finance Director

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I'm from Kent originally. I went to UEA to study English, and have worked for charities all my life since then. Firstly for a development charity, ODI (Overseas Development Institute) who encouraged me to qualify as a Company Secretary. I've then had financial roles in various charities, including the Friends of the Earth, Age UK, Rockinghorse and Grace Eyre. My husband and I moved to Hove 17 years ago. We have three children, an 18 year daughter just finishing her A levels and 20 year old twins at university. Plus an 11 year old rescue dog called Chase. Part Jack Russell, part Pug. We live about 20 minutes from the sea. I like to swim in it, but not in winter. I’ve been in twice so far this year.

How are you finding it so far?

There is a lot to do, but I'm really enjoying it. I've had a great welcome from everyone. We have made some inroads in terms of getting financial information to SLT (Senior Leadership Team) and the Trustees, so there is now more clarity about where we are. The next thing is to start sharing the financial information with the rest of the organisation. It's important that the Finance Department comes to have a much closer relationship with the other teams and becomes a business partner for the future.

Tell us a bit about your role with us.

Firstly, to make sure there is financial clarity. Secondly, to upskill the rest of the organisation in terms of finance skills. Thirdly to create a digital transformation - there are currently lots of systems that don't speak to each other, This needs careful thinking and planning.

I want to make sure up-to-date financial information is both accessible and can be made available on a regular basis underpinned by good relationships with budget holders.

What’s your favourite way of spending a Sunday afternoon?

In the summer, cycling down to the beach in Hove, swimming in the sea, then getting out to read a book. I'm reading a great one at the moment - Trespasses by Louise Kennedy. Set in 1970s Belfast. I'd recommend it. In winter? Taking a train to Lewes and watching a film at Depot cinema with a decaf cappuccino and a slice of chocolate cake .

What’s a really special place for you in Sussex?

Hove beach, just down from our house. The bit in front of Lex's Café, where it starts getting quieter. I can bring the dog, you can watch the sunset and there are loos!

What attracted you to taking a role with Sussex Wildlife Trust?

I always wanted to work back in the environment or conservation sector and have more of an impact, then I saw this job and was very prompt to apply.