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 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 Chief Executive Officer and his leadership team to deliver innovative financial services, ensuring a member-first approach in all operations.
Philip joined the Board in 2023 after the merger with Swan Community Bank. As the Chair of Acorn, 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. Philip is chair of the finance committee.
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.
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. Gael is chair of the audit and risk committee.
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.
Clive worked for many years as a business and IT consultant in financial services for many years, joining the credit union board as a volunteer in 2013 and leading the merged Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union from 2016. Following the successful merger with Swan Community Bank, Clive took on the full-time role of Chief Executive Officer of Acorn Community Bank in 2024. In this role he works extensively with local authorities, employers and other partners in the region to deliver our mission of providing good credit union services to our communities, as well as ensuring smooth operations and delivering member-focused services that align with Acorn’s vision.
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.