Our Trustee Bios

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Victoria Perry
Chair of Trustees

Victoria brings extensive experience across local government, education and financial services, with a strong track record in governance, scrutiny and stakeholder engagement. She served as a County Councillor for Northamptonshire (2017–2021), including Vice Chair of Scrutiny, providing robust challenge on policy, performance and budgets and working with MPs and senior partners to improve education and opportunity across the county.

Earlier in her career, Victoria held senior roles at Zurich Financial Services, leading complex client relationships, commercial activity and strategic growth in a highly regulated environment.

She has also worked in post-16 education, teaching employability and English and lecturing in foundation studies.

Victoria holds a Master’s in Philosophy and is valued for analytical thinking, clear communication and confident, compassionate leadership.

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Steve Bedford
Safeguarding Lead

With his background in policing and extensive experience safeguarding vulnerable adults and children, as well as delivering safeguarding training Steve was approached to join the board of trustees with responsibility for safeguarding in 2024.  

Steve holds a Master's degree in Youth and Community Development from the University of Northampton.  He currently works in a project role for a national charity developing their uniformed youth provision, and also for a local charity supporting community-based youth work. 

He is local to Kettering and has volunteered for numerous local charities over many years.

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Jess Scrimshaw
Marketing Trustee

Jess has been a KCU Trustee since July 2024, contributing to strategy, governance, and development. Her role continues a family tradition, both her late father Mick Scrimshaw and mother Shona Scrimshaw previously served as Trustees.

With a degree in Classical Civilisations, Jess values accessible education, ethics, and community, aligning closely with KCU’s mission to empower people through training and build resilience in Kettering and Northants.

She works in the local library service, planning community events to support learning and wellbeing, including organising stages for “KettFest” and delivering the annual “Summer Reading Challenge”.

Jess launched a KCU newsletter to update our partners, volunteers, and users on events and impact. She remains dedicated to upholding her family’s legacy of public service and making a lasting difference in the Kettering community.

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Simon Cox
Networking Trustee

Simon joined the Board in 2021 and plays an active role in Northamptonshire’s business community. He leads NNBN – The Northamptonshire Business Network and is Head of Policy at the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce.

Simon hosts the Open 4 Business Radio Show on NLive Radio 106.9 FM and holds several regional roles including the Local Visitor Economy Partnership, WNSET, the Business Exchange (Kettering) and The Never Alone Project.

His career involved senior positions with the sports and leisure sector including Queens Park Rangers FC, London Wasps, The Sports Café and David Lloyd Leisure, before founding his own business in 2009.

He brings 20 years’ experience in networking, business media and commercial growth, and has received multiple regional and national recognition for his efforts.

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Victoria Ann Boulton
Trustee & Funding/Contracts
Consultant

Victoria has over 30 years’ experience working in the community and voluntary sector with particular skills in community development and income generation she has fulfilled leadership roles within regeneration, community safety, homelessness and youth and community work organisations.   

Her current role of Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care at the University of Northampton sees her developing and delivering modules on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and supporting students as a personal tutor.

Victoria brings to the board previous trustee experience from emergency service cadets and mental health employment services as well as knowledge and understanding of KCU from her active role on the Inclusive Volunteering steering group.

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Julian Payne
Treasurer

Julian is a Chartered Accountant who brings financial and governance expertise to the KCU Board. Professionally he is a partner in Clifford Roberts, a local Accountancy practice where he advises individuals and organisations on financial and tax matters.

A lifelong resident of Kettering, Julian has strong local roots, with his family business formerly well known in the area as a supplier of sweets to local shops.

As a trustee, he is pleased to use his professional experience to support KCU’s work and help ensure its resources are managed responsibly.