At its meeting on 11 November 2022, the Board of Trustees was pleased to formally appoint Elaine Cheong to the position of Treasurer. This followed an extensive recruitment campaign both inside and outside the sector. We were particularly impressed with Elaine’s appreciation of and commitment to our mission, and are certain that she will provide valuable knowledge and insight into our financial processes and outcomes.
Elaine writes:
My name is Elaine Cheong. I am originally from Singapore and have been living in the UK for the past 24 years. I came to the UK to complete my ACCA, which stands for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. In 2016, I decided to go for another professional qualification, this time in Human Resources Management, which was awarded by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Having come from SME and Start-up environments in my career as a Financial Controller, I am very hands-on and have brought Accounting and HR functions in-house – and that include process improvements and system implementations.
I was a Trustee at The Biodynamic Association; all biodynamic farmers and growers practice organic methods of production, and share very similar certification standards. Both also share similar aims and ideals, but biodynamics has metaphysical and spiritual roots that organics does not. On a monthly basis, I casted an eye on the Income & Expenditure Statement as well as the Budget.
I would like to join The Braillists Foundation as a Treasurer because I believe in her Mission: More Braille! In the middle of the Pandemic in January 2021, I bought myself a set of 8 books and CDs from RNIB to learn Dot-to-Dot Braille. I wanted to learn Braille in the event of losing my sight, I can be independent. One of the many interesting things I have discovered about myself while learning Braille is, although I am right-handed, I have to read the braille with my left forefinger … which is great to put my right brain into gear!
I look forward to working with all members of the Board and stakeholders in time to come.
Elaine will take over responsibility for the financial functions of the Braillists from January, and we very much look forward to working with her.