
Board of Trustees
Providing leadership, oversight, and support
Veterans With Dogs is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees who provide strategic leadership, oversight, and accountability for the charity.
Our trustees bring a wide range of experience across the Armed Forces, charity sector, business, and specialist professional fields. Together, they ensure that we remain focused on our mission while operating responsibly, ethically, and sustainably.
Their role
The Board of Trustees is responsible for:
- Setting the overall strategic direction of the charity
- Ensuring strong governance and accountability
- Overseeing financial management and sustainability
- Supporting and challenging the executive team
- Safeguarding the welfare of our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, and dogs

Anthea Langshaw

Becky Aggett

Dennis Flynn

Joshua Benn

Julie Morrish

Sarah Carter

Andrew Gosling

Sue Boyes

Verity Harman

Sally Williams

Sally Anderson

Nina Villa

Anthea Langshaw
Mental Health Practitioner
Anthea Langshaw has been part of the charity since 2015, alongside her work within the NHS where she has extensive experience in leading mental health teams.
Working with the charity on a part-time basis, Anthea plays a vital role in supporting veterans, overseeing their journey through the organisation and ensuring they receive the care and guidance they need. She is also closely involved in the application process, helping to assess and support those seeking to access the charity’s services.
Her professional expertise, combined with a compassionate and understanding approach, is central to the wellbeing support the charity provides.

Becky Aggett
Head of Dog Training and Behaviour
Becky Aggett BSc has been part of the charity since 2015, bringing with her a wealth of experience from running her own dog training and dog behaviour business.
She joined the team as a Dog Trainer and, through her dedication and expertise, progressed to become Head of Dog Training and Behaviour. Becky plays a key role in developing and delivering training programmes, ensuring both dogs and their handlers are supported to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Her knowledge, practical approach, and passion for behaviour and training are central to the charity’s work and impact.

Dennis Flynn
Dennis began his career as a British Army Officer, serving as Commanding Officer of an infantry battalion, for which he was appointed an OBE. He also held the position of Deputy Director of the UK’s Defence Crisis Management Centre.
In the private sector, Dennis has advised global firms and government agencies on resilience. Recently, he served as CEO of a major wildlife conservation non-profit organization and is currently a Senior Research Fellow at UCL.
“Having seen first hand the impact of extended operational tours on military personnel, I am keen to support and promote the vital work at Veterans With Dogs to support veterans experiencing mental health challenges.”

Joshua Benn
After nearly a decade of service in the Royal Tank Regiment, Joshua is currently a Strategic Operations Manager and brings valuable experience in operations, strategy, and risk management to our Board of Trustees.
Joshua has a passion for dogs, having rescued Socks the Dog during a sub-zero exercise in Estonia. He also volunteers with StreetVet and enjoys walking Hippo, his Welsh Pembrokeshire Corgi. Rumour has it that Joshua is running the Brighton and Hove 10k dressed in an inflatable dog costume… more on that soon!
Having witnessed the power of the human–canine bond, Joshua shares our commitment to expanding our life-changing work in support of veterans.

Julie Morrish
Operational Lead
Julie Morrish has been part of the charity since 2015, originally joining as a volunteer photographer. With a background in administration, balancing both creative and organisational roles.
Over time, Julie progressed from Admin Support to Admin Manager and now leads as Operational Lead. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to the charity and a hands-on understanding of how it has grown.
Overseeing the day-to-day running of the charity and continuing to bring a creative eye to the charity’s work, helping to capture and share its impact in a meaningful way.

Sarah Carter
Puppy Programme & Schools Lead
Sarah Carter plays a key role within the charity, sourcing and selecting puppies and overseeing their early development. She ensures each dog has the best possible start, while also managing and supporting the network of puppy socialisers.
Alongside this, Sarah leads the charity’s schools programme for military children, delivering support and engagement to young people connected to the armed forces community.

Andrew Gosling
Andy spent nearly 20 years in the Royal Air Force gaining a wide range of experience in a number of roles and achieved his Chartered Global Management Accountant whilst in service. Since then, he has held a number of finance roles in the private sector, currently working for Dowty as their Commercial Finance Business Partner.
During his Service, he gained experience in charitable account management when managing RAF Akrotiri Accounts Flight and volunteering as the RAF Football Association’s Finance Business Partner.
Since leaving the Service, he has been keen to find opportunities that support Veterans resulting in him accepting the position of Treasurer at Veterans With Dogs. He is looking forward to helping the charity grow and deliver its life changing work.

Sue Boyes
Sue brings over twenty years of military experience, having served in both the WRAC and later the AGC SPS. After her military career, she moved into the charity sector, gaining extensive experience in leadership, governance, HR, and the day-to-day management of small charities, where she currently serves as a CEO. She demonstrates a strong understanding of how organisations can balance good governance with practical, people-centered delivery.
In addition to her charity leadership experience, Sue is a qualified psychotherapist, providing her with valuable insights into relationships, wellbeing, and the importance of compassionate support.
“I’m really excited to join VETERANS WITH DOGS as a trustee, contributing my experience to an organization that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans.”
Outside of work, Sue enjoys the company of her two rescue dogs, Penny and Tuppence, who are cherished members of her family.

Verity Harman
Verity served in the British Army for 25 years, leaving in 2024, and now works as a HR Manager in the construction industry. A lifelong dog lover, Verity shares her life with two energetic Springer Spaniels, Perdy and Daisy, who keep her busy and inspired her to create @wagsandwigglespets, an online store for all things dog-related.
Having been medically discharged from the Army and experienced her own challenges, Verity understands first-hand the powerful role dogs can play in supporting wellbeing. She joined Veterans With Dogs as a Trustee because she firmly believes that having a dog by your side can make a real difference through difficult and challenging times.

Sally Williams
Chair of Trustees
Sally served in the British Army for 24 years before leaving in 2018. Cap badged as AGC (SPS), Sally was attached to numerous units and places around the world, including the Parachute Regiment in Colchester and Afghanistan, the Joint Helicopter Force in Iraq, MOD London, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, the Royal Green Jackets, the British High Commission in Canada, and the Joint Force Intelligence Unit in the Falklands.
On leaving the Army, Sally joined the charity sector, initially working with SSAFA, before two cancer charities and is now Head of Philanthropy at The Royal College of Physicians in London. In 2024, Sally joined Veterans With Dogs as a Trustee and became chair of Trustees in August 2025. Sally has a 6-year-old Cockerpoo, Poppy, and enjoys open water swimming, trekking in the Lake District with her husband, Darren, who also served in the British Army.
“Mental health of veterans is something very important to me and, as a veteran myself a dog lover, being a trustee at Veterans With Dogs is a huge privilege to me. Being Chair of Trustees brings much responsibility and challenges of course, but it always brings me great pride knowing the impact we are having through our work”.

Sally Anderson
I’m an experienced Governance Professional with a background in corporate finance and educational governance, with a particular focus on special educational needs and disability (SEND). I hold a BA in Business and a Level 4 qualification in Academy Governance, alongside a Certificate in Social Sciences from the Open University (I like to study!).
Born into a military family at RAF Wittering, I’ve long been passionate about supporting the Armed Forces community. I worked for nine years as the Company Secretary and call handler for the Royal British Legion Attendants Company Trust (RBLACT), helping to strengthen governance and support veterans as they transitioned back to civilian life.
Outside of work, you’ll find me either running, skiing, baking or in the garden, usually with my Goldendoodle, Max, close by.
I’m inspired and humbled by the work of Veterans with Dogs and proud to contribute my experience to help ensure our veterans and their families receive the support they deserve.

Nina Villa
Nina brings a wealth of experience across the NHS, local government, and the charity sector. Her previous roles include Deputy Chief Executive at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, CEO of Citizens Advice Hertfordshire, and Deputy Director of Operations at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. She now serves on the Executive Board at The Royal British Legion, leading on membership, armed forces, and community engagement.
Coming from a Naval family, Nina served with the University Royal Naval Unit and the Royal Navy Reserve (HMS WILDFIRE). She remains actively involved with the Sea Cadets at a national level and was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2025 for her contribution to young people.
Originally from London, Nina lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and two German Shepherds, one a former Guide Dog trainee. Outside of work, she enjoys walking, gardening, and learning piano.







