Our board

Driving financial empowerment together

At Acorn, the board unites behind a shared mission to foster financial inclusion and support for our members. Collaborating closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, they ensure that strategic decisions translate into impactful services, shaping a secure financial future for our community.

The role of the board

The board provides oversight and strategic direction to Acorn, focusing on aligning decisions with the values of transparency, accessibility, and member empowerment. They work together with the CEO and his leadership team to deliver innovative financial services, ensuring a member-first approach in all operations.

Clive Henly

CEO

Clive has managed Acorn Community Bank since 2016, drawing on decades of experience in financial services. A dedicated leader, he helps ensure smooth operations and deliver member-focused services that align with the board’s strategic policies and recommendations.

Meet the board

  • Philip Turnbull

    Chair

    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 Pollard

    Director 

    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 Gallop

    Director

    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 Gurney

    Director

    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 Cosburn

    Director

    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 Decoudu

    Director

    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.

Join the board

Are you passionate about community-driven financial services? We welcome dedicated individuals to bring their expertise and perspective to our board. To express interest, email office@acorncb.co.uk with a brief overview of your skills and experience.