Our Trustees

The trustees volunteer their time to lead and support Voices for Life. They are passionate about inspiring children to be happy and confident through music and bring a range of skills and experience to help lead our charity.

Caroline Boddington DL OBE (Chair)

Caroline had a career in HR, leadership development and senior recruitment in the corporate sector and in the Church. She has sung in choirs as long as she can remember and recognises the connection between making music and wellbeing. She is a member of the Chapter of Wells Cathedral and a Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset, and was awarded an OBE in 2026.

Jo Bird

Jo is Headteacher and safegarding lead at Combe Down Primary School, Bath.

Mary Edwards

Mary is a highly qualified, professional, committed and passionate music educator with a fundamental belief that music education is for all children. Now retired, Mary has been involved in music education as teacher, advisor and consultant for over 40 years. She is also the author of a number of music education publications.

David Goucher (Safeguarding Lead)

Dave is Headteacher at Newbridge Primary School in Bath, having previously been in the role of Executive Headteacher at Oldfield Park Junior and Infant Schools, He is passionate about ensuring that all children have the very best musical opportunities. By his own admission he may not be the best singer, but he does love to try as the children can testify!

Tara Hartley

A Global Client Director at LinkedIn and Chartered Marketeer (MCIM) with over 20 years of transformational leadership experience, Tara has driven strategic change initiatives across Big Four and legal organisations. She also founded and built a children’s arts company from inception to award-winning success over five years. Drawing on her Bachelor of Arts in Music from The University of Bristol (specialising in aesthetics and composition) and diverse musical training including piano, voice, and tuba scholarship in Australia, she secured prestigious recognitions including “Best Early Years Music Programme” and received a personal “Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Arts” award from Action for Children’s Arts. Her passion for youth development continues through active support of community music projects.