David - Trustee

Until recently myself and my wife, Jacqui, had spent eight years as foster carers for Gloucestershire County Council.  Since leaving that role I have been looking for an opportunity to utilise the skills and experience gained through those years and am delighted to become a member of the Board of CFC.

I describe myself as semi-retired.  This involves a combination of voluntary work plus occasional contracts back in my professional career as a Chartered Accountant where I held a variety of roles including as Finance Director of an airline, working in the Defence sector and interim contracts as Chief Finance Officer for two different schools groups for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

I believe that the challenges that young people face are greater than ever, from the immediate dangers of social media, the legacy of a pandemic and the global issues around climate change and political instability.  For our looked after children, coming from an unstable family background only adds to those challenges.

Through my experience as a foster carer I understand the need for the services that a charity such CFC are able to provide for our young people; services and a philosophy that extends beyond the traditional/mainstream. A service that equips looked after children for their future lives as adults as well as protecting them in the short term.

As experienced and caring adults I believe that we have a responsibility to help, and advocate for, young people with the aim of them gaining their own voice and place in the world. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues at CFC, learning from them, and delivering on our responsibilities.