Meet the Trustees

Mike Clare Profile

Mike Clare

Founder and Chairman

Mike is a passionate serial entrepreneur, probably best known as the previous Chairman and CEO of Dreams Plc, which he founded in 1987 growing it to over 200 superstores before successfully selling out in March 2008.

Mike supports many philanthropic organisations including Outward Bound, The Princes Trust, Child Bereavement UK, Heart of Bucks, The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers and several others.

In 2009 Mike set up his own charity, The Clare Foundation, which helps improve the efficiency of other charities in Buckinghamshire, offering ‘interest free’ Social Impact Loans. TCF also encourages local businesses to engage in the community through CSR programmes. The third focus for his charity is helping individuals/people with their confidence, self-esteem and general happiness. Mike say’s “It’s about Charities, Businesses and People in Bucks all working together as a connected, collaborative and happy community”.

Gavin Henshaw profile

Gavin Henshaw

Trustee & Lawyer

Gavin Henshaw is an experienced lawyer who has specialised in family law matters since 2003. 

Gavin was born in High Wycombe and returned to Buckinghamshire in 2011.  Between 2011 and 2023 Gavin headed up a number Family Departments for Solicitors based in London and also Buckinghamshire. 

In November 2023, Gavin became a self-employed Consultant Family Solicitor and is currently working with Wilson Family Law Solicitors who are based in his local town of Princes Risborough.

Robin Walker profile

Robin Walker (Chair)

Trustee & Business Leader

Robin Walker is a seasoned and experienced business leader who is applying those skills in his charitable roles in a plural semi-retirement career. He was appointed Chairman of trustees of Connect : North Korea in June 2017 and joined the Trustee board of Action4Youth Inspiration scheme in September 2017. He also joined the TCF Trustee board in 2019.

He is an experienced business leader who worked in food sector in the UK and Internationally for 40+ years as a senior executive working at C-suite level in several large corporates (e.g. Heinz, Danone, Northern Foods Plc) and now has a portfolio of Charity and Non Executive Director roles to employ that wealth of experience for the benefit of others. 

Robin has lived in Chalfont St Peter in 2 spells which make up the bulk of his life and is married with one daughter and one grandson. His interests outside of working include good food, wine and travel along with motor sport.

Karen Irons profile

Karen Irons (Vice Chair)

Trustee & CEO of Maytree

Karen joined Maytree as CEO in January 2022. Following an earlier career in finance, she has experience in developing strategy, leading change and building sustainable growth in the not-for-profit sector. She is excited to scale the Maytree model, enabling a greater number of vulnerable individuals to benefit from their unique service.

Clare Periton profile

Clare Periton

Trustee & CEO of Helen & Douglas House

With a background in the NHS working as a Registered Nurse, Health Visitor, District Nurse and Senior Manager, Clare has been part of the team at Helen & Douglas House since July 2005, previously as Director of Clinical Services and Deputy Chief Executive, she was successfully appointed to the post of Chief Executive Officer of the charity in August 2015. 

Clare has over 28 years of experience working in a managerial capacity and has has extensive experience of managing the challenges faced by charities, such as the day to day running of services, funding short falls, serious incidents and organisational change.

Arif Hussain

Arif Hussain

Trustee & Entrepreneur & Bucks Councillor

As a business entrepreneur with interests in several local businesses, including a coffee shop that employs and trains special needs young people, Arif is deeply invested in the success and well-being of his community.

In 2006, he entered politics and has held the positions of Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member and Mayor of High Wycombe. As a Councillor, he has been able to assist many residents. 

Arif has also served as a magistrate, probation board member, school governor, and cricket coach. These experiences have further solidified his commitment to community work, leadership, and teamwork.

 

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