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 free support and advice, small grants, training and networking events. The second focus for the charity is helping 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
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 (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 (Vice Chair)
Trustee
Following an earlier career in finance and investment management, Karen moved to the third sector over 10 years ago where she brings her experience to develop strategy, lead change and build sustainable growth. She enjoys the challenge of a small portfolio of roles, working with senior leaders and Boards. She has worked in the capacity of both consultant and CEO.
Most recently she has been involved in mental health and suicide prevention for a local organisation (Bucks Mind) and national charity (Maytree). She is currently focused on identifying high potential small charities, with scope for growth, identifying the resources and funding required to accelerate their growth.
Clare Periton
Trustee & CEO of Oxford Head Injury Services
With a background in the NHS working as a Registered Nurse, Health Visitor, District Nurse and Senior Manager, Clare was part of the team at Helen & Douglas House, children’s hospice, for 18 years as Director of Clinical Services, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Executive Officer(CEO). Clare is currently the CEO of Oxford Head Injury Services (formerly Headway Oxford).
Clare has over 30 years of experience working in a managerial capacity and 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. Clare enjoys developing organisations, coaching and mentoring and is a champion of person centred care.
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.
Marcela Heime
Trustee
Marcela is a health inequalities consultant, focusing on designing, implementing, and evaluating strategies to reduce disparities in health outcomes. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Global Public Health Leadership.
As Chief Executive of The Healthy Living Centre, Marcela made a significant impact addressing health disparities in disadvantaged areas of Buckinghamshire. The Centre played a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of Bucks’ most disadvantaged communities. Marcela’s leadership emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives that co-designed, co-produced, and involved community participation. These processes empowered communities and ensured their voices reached policymakers and other stakeholders, ultimately making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
With over 15 years of experience working with vulnerable communities, Marcela excels in building and managing high-performing and inclusive teams to deliver outstanding results. Her expertise extends to delivering social change within the volunteer sector and the wider community.