Des has been a board member of Deptford Challenge Trust since its inception and was elected Chair in 2014. He has lived in New Cross since 1985 and taught at Deptford Green School for 25 years before becoming Headteacher of John Roan School in Greenwich in 2008. Des retired in 2015 and continues to be active in the voluntary sector in Deptford. He was Chair of Deptford Community Forum for 15 years, trustee of several Deptford based charities, Vice Chair of The Lewisham Local Strategic Partnership and served on several local Single Regeneration Boards and New Cross Gate New Deal for Communities.

Shaun Hetherington, Vice Chair

Shaun is Vice Chair of the Deptford Challenge Trust and has been on the Board since it was founded. He has been involved in local business for 30 years, being the Managing Director of his own company throughout this time.  He was formerly a Director on the Board of the South East London Chamber of Commerce and is also Vice Chair of Governors at a local primary school. He has three sons, one of whom graduated from Goldsmiths University.  

Robert Flook, Treasurer

Jim Mallory

A former Lewisham councillor for 28 years, he retired in 2022. During his first stint (1986-2002) he represented the Deptford High Street area and was Leader of the Council from 1995 to 1998. He was chair of Creekside Regeneration Board and has been a Deptford Challenge Trust Board member since 2007. A former journalist and lifelong trade unionist and community activist, he remains committed to Deptford where he learned – as he says – how much the lives of people can be bettered by community and voluntary groups who contribute so much to making Lewisham a genuinely multi-cultural borough

Bill Ellson

Obajimi Adefiranye

Obajimi has lived in Brockley, the Deptford Constituency of Lewisham, for 48 years. He was a Lewisham Councillor for 28 years, (1990 – 2006 and 2010 -2022), 7 of which he served continuously as Chair (Civic Mayor) of the Council. He was a Council appointee to the Board of Deptford Challenge Trust from its inception and he remained so throughout the time he was a Councillor. He was privileged and honoured to be co-opted to the Board on his retirement from the Council at the end of municipal year 2022. Obajimi’s career started as a chemistry teacher and he retired running a Parents' Advocacy Scheme, preventing and reducing school exclusions, at which he was very effective. He has been a governor in a few Lewisham schools and Lewisham College.

Stella Brown

Declan Flynn

Declan joined the board of Deptford Challenge Trust in 2019. A resident of Deptford, he is the Chief Executive of Bench Outreach, a Lewisham based charity supporting people impacted by homelessness and poverty. He is also Chair of J49, a Registered Provider of Social Housing helping faith and community groups develop housing projects. A practicing therapist and clinical supervisor, his academic interests include addiction and organisational psychology. 

Cllr Rosie Parry

Rosie has lived in Lewisham for ten years. She’s been a Councillor for the new Deptford ward since 2022 and is passionate about empowering local people to shape Deptford’s future.