POhWER has thanked their Chair of Trustees for his outstanding contribution and announced the appointment of a new Chair from 30^th September 2025.

Antony Kildare advised the Board in July of his intention to step down as Chair of POhWER after almost five years. Antony joined the Board and has been Chair of POhWER since January 2021. 

During his tenure Antony skillfully oversaw a significant period of growth for POhWER and helped the charity navigate the challenges of the pandemic and now moves on to take up the role of Chair at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country.

Commenting on his tenure as Chair, Antony said,

“It has been a huge privilege to work with POhWER over the past almost five years to deliver services and advocacy to those in most need.”

Trustee Robert Templeton will formally take up the role as Chair on 30^th September 2025. Robert joined the POhWER Board in July 2024. He has a distinguished 30-year career in the health and social care sector and has held senior roles across local government, the NHS, and national charities.

Robert has worked extensively in safeguarding, learning disability, housing, and mental health, and is committed to ensuring that people have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. He is currently Managing Director of Care is Central, providing person-centred social care services across Central Bedfordshire on behalf of the local authority.

On being appointed as Chair, Robert said,

“It is a privilege to be appointed as Chair of POhWER. I hope I can make a difference to the organisation that in turn makes such a difference to so many people’s lives."

POhWER’s Chief Executive, Belinda Phipps, said,

“I am delighted to welcome Robert as the new Chair of POhWER - he will bring an enormous amount to the work of leading our charity in the years to come. He brings extensive experience and has real commitment to ensuring that people have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.

“We are extremely grateful to Antony for his five years of distinguished service on our Board and as Chair. He has skillfully overseen a significant period for POhWER and leaves us in a great position, and we thank him for his hard work and commitment as a chair. It has been a pleasure to work with him.”