Our Trustees

Iain Cloke

Chair of Trustees

As the Chair of Trustees I think we have an excellent team of people involved and work well together at The Furnival.  I have a role in developing our strategic direction and planning and helping us all to work well together. I am very proud of our achievements as well as the connections with, and contributions made by local people. I have been part of the team at The Furnival since it began in 1996 and it is great to witness the creativity, knowledge and skills that people bring to their roles. I became involved initially because of a passion for welcoming and including people in changing lives so that we might learn and grow together.

It hadn’t occurred to me that I too would be embraced, encouraged and have experiences that have enriched and enhanced both personal and professional growth. Over the years as a trustee group we have met many challenges face on and I believe we continue to have the potential to transform lives - ours included.

I am experienced in community development, faith based social action and social inclusion, with over 30 years experience of participation in building community as a volunteer, as Charity Trustee and as a professional development worker and leader.  I am currently part of the management team at Age UK Rotherham as the strategic lead for engagement and the development of the EngAge Rotherham programme addressing the needs of an ageing society.

When not working I enjoy a variety of hobbies from walking and swimming to quilting, reading, theology and preaching. I can often be found watching football & cricket

Ralph Keene

Safeguarding

I have been a trustee at The Furnival since 2005, and have operated as line manager for senior staff at The Furnival. I am also the Trustee responsible for safeguarding.

My background is in Social Care working with Children and Families. I spent 20 years working in Residential Care with Children and Young people and 20 years working for a voluntary organisation developing and managing projects aimed at supporting children and their families, and as such have a good understanding of the way the voluntary sector operates, and a background in safeguarding.

I love the open air and outdoor activities including gardening, walking, enjoying the countryside and travel - fun fact - some people like to swim with dolphins - on a trip to Antarctica a few years ago, I swam in the Antarctic Ocean with Penguins!!

Mike Power

Governance, policies and procedures

Born in South London and brought up in the New Forest, I spent most of my working life in transport industry, moving to Yorkshire in the mid 1970s.

Ever since a teenager have been travelling and been lucky enough to visit many parts of the world – an interest fortunately equally enjoyed by my wife!