Meet the Office Team
Gemma Culverhouse - Executive Secretary
Who are you?
What is your name and position at BOS?
- I’m Gemma the Executive Secretary. With a background in executive support and a Master’s degree in Real Estate, I’ve built a career on staying one step ahead, ensuring operations run smoothly and teams and leaders are fully supported.
How did you get here?
Give us a brief career history and any appropriate skills and qualifications
- Before joining BOS, I worked across both corporate and property sectors, developing a strong foundation in organisation, stakeholder management, and strategic planning.
How can I help?
What does your role entail and how do you support members and the BOS?
- These skills now underpin my role at BOS, where I assist members, executives and the central team with diary and project management, communications, and day-to-day operations — all with the aim of supporting the Society’s wider mission. Just think of me as the “Go To” person for all enquires.
Do you bring a personal philosophy to your work?
- My approach is grounded in being proactive, calm under pressure, and solution-focused. I take pride in creating order from chaos and contributing to a team that makes a genuine difference.
What do you enjoy most about your role at BOS?
- What I enjoy most about my role is the variety — no two days are the same — and the sense of purpose that comes from supporting a professional community like BOS.
How do you hope to make an impact in your role or within the team?
- I hope to bring clarity, structure, and a little humour to the team, while helping things run as efficiently as possible behind the scenes.
Tell us about your hobbies, passions – something that is the ‘real’ you
- Outside of work, I use my experience as a semi-professional dancer to coach young dancers on the competition circuit. I’m also passionate about exploring new places, travel photography, good food, and the occasional long distance charity run.
Ann Humphrys - Membership Secretary
Who are you?
What is your name and position at BOS?
- Hello, I’m Ann Humphrys and I’m the Membership Secretary for the Society
How did you get here?
Give us a brief career history and any appropriate skills and qualifications
I started out as a Secretary and emigrated south to London (from Dundee) in 1982. My first job was as a Secretary/Sales Administrator, in the European Division of a very large apparel and workwear textiles producer. I was fortunate to visit our plant near Rome a few times and attend our Sales Congresses in some lovely Italian destinations! Unfortunately, our sales office moved to Manchester in 1994 and I was made redundant whilst on maternity leave with my son. A year later, I joined the sales team of an office interiors company as a Secretary/Administrator. Unfortunately, history repeated itself and, due to the area being re-developed, the office moved out of London and I was made redundant in 1999 whilst on maternity leave with my daughter!
I took a year out then answered an ad in the Evening Standard for an Administration role at the BOS. The closing date had just passed but luckily Ann Wright agreed to interview me and I was offered the role. I joined in May 2000 and have been here ever since!
How can I help?
What does your role entail and how do you support members and the BOS?
My main area of responsibility is maintaining the membership database and responding to new member enquiries generally received via our website. My role involves sending out our annual renewals/follow ups, ensuring correct access to the BOS VLE, Orthodontic Update and, if requested by you, access to ProDental CPD. It is, therefore, really helpful if you can advise me of any changes in your circumstances. I can also help if you need a receipt/confirmation for subscriptions/meetings.
Do you bring a personal philosophy to your work?
I believe in treating everyone the same and doing the best I possibly can to help.
What do you enjoy most about your role at BOS?
I enjoy the variety that my role offers and speaking with our members.
How do you hope to make an impact in your role or within the team?
I believe we have a good team now and, being the longest serving member of staff, I will continue to pass on any knowledge that I have to my colleagues to ensure we offer the best service to our members.
Tell us about your hobbies, passions – something that is the ‘real’ you
I used to do a lot of dried flower arranging, including a couple of weddings, selling at craft fairs, attending courses in Devon and, thanks to a surprise treat from my husband recently, I did a 2 hour workshop locally so hope to do some more in the future.
I do weekly classes in yoga and pilates trying to keep myself fit!
Jake Smart - Finance Manager
Who are you?
What is your name and position at BOS?
- Jake Smart – Finance Manager
How did you get here?
Give us a brief career history and any appropriate skills and qualifications
- After completing my A Levels in Accounting, Maths & Graphic Design, I started my role as an Accounts Assistant at a small practice in Farnham, Surrey. I remained there for 9 years, during which time I gained an AAT Level 3 qualification and enjoyed working with clients in a wide variety of industries. In November 2024 I began my role at the BOS.
How can I help?
What does your role entail and how do you support members and the BOS?
- I take care of the day-to-day finances of the BOS, ensuring all transactions are recorded and categorised accurately. I can help with any questions regarding payments, expenses, invoices, financial reports, or any other bookkeeping queries.
Do you bring a personal philosophy to your work?
- My philosophy towards work is to be dependable, personable, and give great attention to detail.
What do you enjoy most about your role at BOS?
- I enjoy delving into the details and problem solving when necessary – if the accounts reconcile at the end of each day, I’m happy! It’s also great to be part of the small and friendly team at the BOS.
How do you hope to make an impact in your role or within the team?
- Each financial transaction contributes to the overall picture of how the BOS is performing. I hope to support the team by providing timely financial information that can help our trustees make informed decisions for the benefit of the charity.
Tell us about your hobbies, passions – something that is the ‘real’ you
- I love to be outdoors doing something active – tennis, running and long walks (up mountains whenever possible) are all things I enjoy.