Board of Directors
How we make decisions - Board of Directors
Northants CALC is governed by a board of directors who are appointed by the AGM as the sovereign body of the Association. The current Chair of the Association is Lynn Lavender (llavender@northantscalc.gov.uk).
David FULLER
Oundle Town Council
I first moved to Northamptonshire in the 1980s, when I bought my first home in Wollaston. Later, in 1996, I joined Oundle School as a teacher, and since then my family has made Oundle our home. We have grown to love the town and the wider county for its strong sense of community and quality of life.
In 2010, after leaving my teaching role, I looked for new ways to contribute locally and joined Oundle Town Council as a councillor. This experience has deepened my understanding of local governance and strengthened my appreciation for the essential role Northants CALC plays in supporting councils across the county. I became a Police Liaison Representative for the town in 2023.
As the demands on parish and town councils continue to grow, the guidance and resources provided by Northants CALC are more vital than ever. Serving as a Director of Northants CALC has given me valuable insight into the challenges local councils face, as well as the innovative solutions and opportunities available to them. I has appointed by the Board in 2024, to represent NCALC on the National Assembly.
Andrew HOLT
Upton Parish Council
Andrew has been a dedicated member of the Upton community for over a decade, serving as both Parish Councillor and Chair. With a professional background spanning more than 35 years as a Highway Engineer, Andrew brings a wealth of experience in project delivery, risk management, and collaborative working. As Technical Director in his field, he has managed large teams and budgets, always seeking innovative solutions to improve safety and efficiency.
Andrew’s commitment to good governance extends beyond his parish council work; he is also Chair of the Academy Governance Committee at St Lukes CE Primary School and serves as the school’s Safeguarding Lead. His experience developing policies and ensuring compliance, both in education and local government, underpins his strategic approach to community leadership.
A Chartered Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers and a Fellow of the Institute of Highway Engineers, Andrew is passionate about supporting local councils to thrive. He values the vital role Northants CALC plays in empowering communities and is keen to contribute his skills and insight as a Director.
Kate HOULIHAN
Far Cotton and Delapre Community Council
Originally from Bristol I moved to Northampton in 1996, having lived in Plymouth, Blackburn and Amsterdam. (I’m not saying which I preferred!) My career began in marketing, but after a career break, in 2003, I took a role with my local parish council. Since then, I have worked for a number of parish and town councils in Northamptonshire and out of the county. Between 2011 and 2013 I was the training officer for Northants CALC, and I am always keen to support clerks and councillors with their professional development.
I have been a member of the Northants CALC Internal Audit team since 2022, a role which I find very rewarding and has given me a greater depth of understanding of the diversity in councils across Northamptonshire.
I joined the Board of Directors at Northants CALC in
2023. I am also a member of the Academy Council at Queen Eleanor Primary School
in Northamptonshire.
Lynn LAVENDER
Ashton Parish Council / Hartwell Parish Council
Since joining the Local Council sector in 2012 I have been variously, Executive Officer, Clerk and RFO to a number of councils both large and small. I am CiLCA and PIALC qualified and a Fellow of the Society of Local Council Clerks, with a Masters in Community Education.
Professionally I have considerable experience, within the Third Sector and the Local Council Sector, of operational and strategic management at a local, regional and national level. A particular interest in quality assurance processes lead me to join the internal audit team at Northants CALC in 2014. I have been a member of the board of directors at Northants CALC since 2014 and I was elected as Chair of the Board in November 2023.
Geoff PAUL
Moulton Parish Council
Following service in the Royal Navy I became an accountant, and worked for a number of companies, both large and small, until my retirement in 2012.
I moved into Moulton in 1996 and have lived there ever since. My interest in Community matters led to co-option to the Parish Council on three occasions – 2004, 2014, and 2018. Among my other roles, I am now Vice Chair of Council, and Chair of the Finance Committee.
My other activities have included being a member of the Northants Special Constabulary from 1973 to 2003, a Magistrate for 12 years until age-enforced retirement in 2017. an Association Football Referee from 1968-1998, followed by becoming an FA qualified Assessor, and I now regularly watch and advise aspiring referees. This has lead to the award of the FA Long Service Medal for 50 years service.
Since 2018 I have been a Non-Executive Director for Cognatum Estates, a company which runs a number of Retirement Communities throughout England.
Just to be sure I am not idle in my retirement, I have been a Volunteer Lock Keeper with Canal and River Trust since 2013 – helping boaters, meeting people, and getting some much-needed exercise. I have also thrown myself into this, and have recently become one of the first recipients for the Platinum Badge for giving 5000 hours service to the organisation.
Mike SCOTT
Great Addington Parish Council
I have been a councillor for Great Addington Parish Council since 2014 and believe that this is an important part of civic life as well as contributing to our community, especially given the push toward greater devolution and all the opportunities that this has to offer. I have lived in Northamptonshire since the age of 9 and have lived in a few places in this lovely county. I previously worked as a CEO for a global business operating in a highly regulated environment and felt I had the right kind of experience and skill sets to offer NCALC when they were looking for a new board member. Since joining NCALC I have played an active part in helping to formulate their strategy going forward as well as carrying out various roles for NCALC including Chair and National Representative. I believe that in today's society organisations in public service need to take in to account best practice from all types of organisations including those in the private sector and I think this is something I can offer NCALC going forward.
Lynne TAYLOR
Daventry Town Council
I have served as a Director with NCALC since 2011, helping to shape it into one of the leading CALCs in our sector. As a Daventry Town Councillor since 2003, I see first-hand the quality and value of the support we provide to local councils.
Now
‘retired’, I remain active as a charity trustee, school governor, Northampton
Saints season ticket holder, and passionate advocate for our sector and its
communities. I thrive on challenge and I’m always keen to help drive positive
change.
Steve TUCKER
Raunds Town Council
Steve has worked across all tiers of local government since 2008, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities at every level. As Town Clerk for Raunds, he manages a growing council with devolved responsibilities and is passionate about strengthening the role of parish and town councils across Northamptonshire.
Steve is known for his strategic insight, practical experience, and commitment to good governance. He regularly guides council members on statutory obligations and best practice, ensuring decisions are made with integrity and transparency. Despite being relatively early in his clerkship, Steve is a trusted source of advice for colleagues across the county, reflecting the recognition he has earned within the sector.
He is nearing completion of the CiLCA qualification and actively supports the professional development of his team. Steve is a member of the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) and the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM). He is motivated by a desire to give back to the sector and to help Northants CALC continue to support and empower its member councils.
Hall of Fame
Here we recognise past Board Members and their contributions to Northants CALC.