News
Biography of Sandra Berry
Date Published: 5 June 2010
A few months ago we announced the appointment of Woodbrooke's next Director, Sandra Berry. During September and October, Sandra will increase her informal contact with Woodbrooke, to prepare for the formal handover with Jennifer Barraclough which is planned for the fortnight from 15 November to 26 November. We'll be giving you more updates as the time draws nearer. Below is a biography of her life to date and her career before starting at Woodbrooke later this year.
Sandra was born and raised in Suffolk. The eldest of three children she enjoyed a happy childhood interspersed with many family caravan holidays. Leaving school at 18 she joined BT as a Clerical Assistant at their main Research and Development site in Suffolk. In those days typing pools were still in existence and computers were very large machines that had to be kept in a special room. Sandra's main responsibility was to ensure the stationery cupboard was kept well stocked. As technology progressed Sandra's interest and aptitude with computers developed. After successfully transferring into a computer support technician role Sandra decided that the best way of progressing her career was to undertake a degree course. With sponsorship from BT Sandra successfully completed a degree in Information Technology. Returning 4 years later her career journey included writing computer software, designing systems, and then on to leading teams of designers both in the UK and the USA. A change of direction in the last five years meant a move to looking at the design of systems and processes to support people rather than technology, specifically in understanding skills and the mechanisms by which skills can be enhanced and improved.
Sandra was introduced to Quakers by her partner and started attending Colchester Meeting about thirteen years ago. She was as much drawn to the Religious Society of Friends by the practice of collective responsibility, as by the silent worship. Sandra took an active part in the business meetings of both the Local and Area Meeting, attended Yearly Meetings and Summer Gatherings and has served on the Children and Young People's Committee and as an Area Meeting trustee.
