Robert Templeton Chair of Trustees Expand Robert Templeton has over thirty years of experience in the health and social care sector, spanning local government, the NHS, and independent provider services. He has a distinctive career path which began with frontline social work and progressed to Executive Managing Director level positions. Currently, Robert is Managing Director of Care is Central, and Group MD for the Central Bedfordshire Group. In this role, he leads a community interest company owned by Central Bedfordshire Council, delivering a range of Care Quality Commission registered services across Central Bedfordshire. Prior to this, Robert was the Executive Director of Operations, Housing, and Quality for Richmond Fellowship, one of the largest voluntary sector providers for mental health and domestic violence services in England. He was responsible for the delivery of over 150 services nationwide, covering supported housing, community services, crisis houses, registered residential homes, community support, employment services, domestic violence services, and social enterprises. Before this Robert was the Director of Health and Social Care Operations at the military charity SSAFA. delivering health and social care services in various locations across the UK and overseas, including RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall, and overseas locations in Brunei, Cyprus, Canada, Gibraltar, Falkland Isles, and Germany.
Gemma Hope Trustee Expand Gemma is the Director of Policy at Leonard Cheshire, a national charity which supports disabled people to live, learn and earn as independently as they choose. Gemma is responsible for the charity’s policy, public affairs and campaigns functions. Gemma has a thirteen year track record working in charities which tackle the social exclusion experienced by many groups in society. As a part time carer to her disabled father, Gemma is a passionate advocate of disability rights and ensuring that people's lived experiences are at the heart of her work to influence local and national governments.
Paul Robinson Trustee Expand Paul is a Chartered Accountant and began his career in a number of senior financial roles in large multinationals, mainly in the technology sector. More recently he has specialised in healthcare having been Finance Director of an NHS Trust and also of a privately owned provider of mobility aids and services. He is currently an independent consultant providing interim financial leadership and consultancy to a range of clients. Paul has a strong ethos towards patient care and community and is keen to help guide POhWER and support our financial resources’ position to optimise the quality of delivery to our service users. Paul lives in Berkshire with his wife and has three adult children.
Rachael Gilthorpe Trustee Expand Rachael is Digital Services Lead at Action for Children and has a Sociology degree from the University of Essex. She has worked in the charity sector for nine years in the field of user-led design and co-production. She has developed My Stroke Guide (online support service for stroke survivors and carers) and Parent Talk (digital parenting support service, which has supported over 1 million parents and carers). She is passionate about using data and insight to develop user-centered digital services that positively impact the lives of the user and their families. Rachael is committed to empowering people, helping to raise their voice and campaigning for better services and support, and to combat social injustice. Rachael also volunteers for a number of charities and is a mother of two.
Ciprian Arhire Trustee Expand Ciprian is a global HR transformation leader with expertise in HR technology, people analytics, and digital workforce strategy. As the Global Head of People Programmes and Analytics at Entain Group he leads the design and delivery of Global HR Transformation Programmes, Digital HR Roadmap and the implementation of HR technology solutions, including Oracle HCM, ServiceNow HRSD and other technologies, driving organisational transformation and shaping the future of HR. Ciprian was voted HR’s Most Influential Practitioner of 2022 by HR Magazine for his contributions to HR innovation, AI, and data-driven decision-making. He is a thought leader and speaker, frequently presenting at industry events like UNLEASH World, CIPD Annual Conference, and HR Technology Conference. Beyond his corporate role, Ciprian gets actively involved in shaping and supporting multiple communities dedicated to HR, Future of Work and Transformation Leaders and visionaries helping prepare HR professionals for the future of work.
Michelle Tessaro Trustee Expand Michelle is an experienced researcher and governance professional with a strong commitment to equity, social mobility, and dismantling systemic barriers. Her work spans gender equity, policy, and governance, and she is currently focused on how AI and technological disruption will reshape labor markets and everyday life. With senior executive and non-executive experience, Michelle brings a deep understanding of how strategic decisions translate into real-world impact. She is passionate about ensuring advocacy services anticipate emerging challenges and empower vulnerable communities to safeguard their rights.
Maria Aguilar Trustee Expand Maria is an experienced HR Director and former Trustee with a strong background in governance and strategic leadership within the voluntary and community sector. Beginning her trusteeship in 2011 with the Sussex Community Development Association, she contributed expertise in HR and governance to initiatives supporting deprived communities. Over 18 years, Maria co-owned and managed a successful HR consultancy, advising charities on senior recruitment, people strategies, restructures, TUPE transfers, pay design, and performance management, while ensuring compliance with Charity Commission requirements and the Nolan Principles. Her experience spans HR, business operations, and governance, equipping her to provide informed, strategic oversight and support to Boards.
John Kanes Trustee Expand John is a senior assurance and governance professional with extensive experience supporting Boards and Audit & Risk Committees in complex organisations. He brings strong strategic insight, sound judgement, and the ability to provide constructive challenge while working collaboratively with fellow Board members and executives. With significant expertise in governance, risk management, compliance, and safeguarding, John seeks to attain the highest ethical standards, upholding confidentiality and the Nolan Principles of Public Life. He is committed to empowering people whose voices are not always heard and would bring independence, professional rigour, and a focus on impact to strengthening governance and shaping strategy.