Trustees & Staff
Citizens Advice Harlow is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are all volunteers for the charity.
The trustees have ultimate responsibility for the charity’s vision, values, ethos and strategy as well as the overall performance. They ensure Citizens Advice Harlow complies with all legal requirements and has the highest possible standards of governance. There are 4 formal trustee meetings each year.
The Chief Executive is responsible for leading the management team which includes a Head of Advice Services who is responsible for the quality of advice and operational activities for the charity.
John Barber
Hon. President
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John Barber, who served with distinction as Chair for eight years, overseeing a period of continued growth and development, has retired from his role on the Board in November 2023. In recognition of his service to Citizens Advice Harlow, Trustees elected John as the inaugural Hon President, a non-fiduciary role.
Beginning his career in the Lloyd’s of London community in 1970, John Barber held various directorships, ultimately reaching the pinnacle by being elected to the ruling Council of Lloyd’s in 1998. Following his retirement from the city in 2004, John dedicated the last 15 years to diverse voluntary roles, including teaching IT and contributing to the Citizens Advice network.
Graham Clark
CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
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Graham Clark was elected as the Chair of Trustees at the November 2023 Annual General Meeting.
With a distinguished career in banking and financial services, Graham has accumulated extensive expertise over the last 25 years. His professional journey has predominantly been with a Global Investment Bank, where he specialised in the human resources function, focusing on remuneration, pensions, and employment tax.
Graham brings a wealth of experience in working with Trusts, demonstrating a commitment to establishing robust governance, effective risk management, and leading teams with international responsibilities. His membership in both the Chartered Insurance Institute and Pensions Management Institute underscores his dedication to professional excellence.
Having joined the board on 6 October 2020, Graham's leadership and wealth of experience contribute significantly to Citizens Advice Harlow mission and objectives.
Graham joined the board on 6th October 2020.
Richard Lane
VICE CHAIR
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Richard Lane had a long career in the financial markets before eventually settling into project management as part of a global business system implementation team working on site in Europe, Asia and the United States. Now retired, Richard holds an MBA from the Open University.
Richard joined the board on 26 November 2013.
Andrew Whybrow
TREASURER
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Andrew Whybrow is a retired Retail Banking Risk Management Professional. He is an active member of Essex Wildlife Trust and the RSPB.
Andrew joined the board on 29 April 2014.
Arthur Diejomaoh
TRUSTEE
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Arthur Diejomaoh is a critical thinking, accomplished senior leader, with a MSc Occupational and Organisational Psychology + MA Human Resource Management, commanding over two decades of people-focused methodology experience gained in a variety of industries (mainly railway/ market research and charity work). In addition, Arthur is a member of several professional psychological associations (BPS/ABP and GAABS) and serves on 2 committees for the BPS. Since 2016, Arthur has volunteered as a Gateway Advisor for Citizens Advice Rural Cambs. Arthur brings to the board a set of talents, expertise, insights, and in-field experience of issues that will be valuable to Harlow Citizens Advice.
Arthur joined the board on 6th October 2020.
Robin Lee
TRUSTEE
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Robin Lee is retired from his position as an Executive Director of Innovation Technologies at PPD and is now Chair at Volunteer Uttlesford. Robin works with several charities including NSPCC, RNIB, Support 4 Sight and Essex Libraries.
Robin joined the board on 1 June 2015.
Diana Murry
TRUSTEE
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Diana Murray is is a retired Head of Communications and Information in a London local authority. Diana has been volunteering as a Welfare Rights Adviser since 2013 with Citizens Advice in North London and brings strategic and practical frontline experience to the service in Harlow.
Diana joined the board on 24 May 2017
Chidi Nweke
TRUSTEE
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Chidiebere (Chidi) Nweke currently works for Westminster City Council and as a growth minded people leader, he is a well-known and highly respected member of staff. He has been at the centre of several high-profile cases and his work has helped transform the City Council’s enforcement policies. Chidi is heavily involved in the activities of the BAME Network in Westminster and Chairs its Learning and Development subgroup. Chidi is also a District Councillor representing Loughton Alderton Ward in Epping Forest District Council and an active member of the Independent Councillors group at the Local Government Association (LGA).
Chidi joined the board on 10th May 2022
Ernest Onyema
TRUSTEE
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Ernest Onyema is a consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at North East London NHS Treatment Centre, King George hospital. He is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists London, American Academy of Ophthalmology, British Medical Association and Medical Defence Union and a fellow at the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh. Ernest is also a Medical Liaison Officer at the Royal Medical Benevolence Fund and a UK representative at GEANCO Foundation.
Ernest joined the board on 19 July 2011.
Karen Smith
TRUSTEE
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Karen Smith has had a long career in energy, banking and financial services. The majority was spent in Project Management, IT implementations and training for a central bank. Latterly Karen worked for a financial institution in financial crime compliance and has spent a number of years as a self-employed consultant.
Karen joined the board on 24 May 2017