Our board

As the Chair of Acorn, Philip joined the Board in 2023 after the merger with Swan Community Bank. With his background as a retired international consultant in official statistics, he uses his extensive analytical expertise and global perspective to guide and support Acorn in its mission, ensuring that the organisation thrives in its initiatives and serves the community effectively.

Chris is a barrister specialising in intellectual property and general commercial law. His expertise supports Acorn’s strategic and operational decisions, ensuring sound legal foundations for growth and innovation.

Nick is a highly valued Director whose extensive marketing background significantly supports our overall marketing strategy. With years of experience in the field, he brings a wealth of knowledge that is crucial for navigating the ever-evolving field of marketing. His expertise is instrumental in developing initiatives that not only resonate with our target audience but also align perfectly with our member’s needs.

Sue has over 20 years of experience in the Credit Union movement. Formerly a long-serving director of Clivey CU, she joined our board after the 2023 merger, contributing her deep knowledge and passion for community-driven financial solutions.

Neil is a partner at a consultancy, specialising in advising banking and legal clients on managing financial risk. His expertise helps guide strategic decisions, ensuring financial resilience and risk management within the credit union sector.

Gael is a seasoned global leader in Analytics and Data Science, with over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector. Specialising in credit cards, personal loans, and e-commerce, Gael brings invaluable insights into data-driven decision-making and customer-focused strategies.

Richard has an extensive experience in computer networking and cybersecurity, leading a team of technical specialist at a major firm. He has chaired two housing association boards in Hertfordshire and serves as a trustee for several charities in north Buckinghamshire, bringing strong governance skills and a passion for community service to Acorn’s board.

Robert has been a member f the credit union since 2000 and now serves as a volunteer director. With 22 years at TE Connectivity and material handling, he brings dedication and experience. Outside work, Robert enjoys travel, cruises, camping, and cycling.

Andy, formerly Treasurer of Connection Credit Union, has now joined Acorn as a director. With experience in bank reconciliations, he is passionate about the vital role credit unions play in providing fair, accessible savings and loans, giving members a trusted alternative to mainstream banking while supporting the financial wellbeing of the community.

Diane brings over 20 years of experience from a varied career in the Civil Service, including supporting individuals and contributing to national guidance for young people. More recently, she served on the governance board of a national charity for several years. With prior knowledge of credit unions, she is committed to supporting members and strengthening Acorn’s role within the community.