Who We Are

Our Trustees come from various professional backgrounds, each with rich experience and a passion for what we do. Our trustees ensure our success by overseeing our strategy, & regularly meeting to discuss how our building can be used to further benefit the local community and society.

Our Trustees

Stephen Barney

Chair of Trustees

Stephen Barney was appointed a Trustee of The Corporation of The Church House in 2021 and was subsequently appointed as Chair of Trustees in 2022.

Stephen has held various senior leadership positions, including CEO of Centrica, and Main Board Director of Sketchley PLC. He has a deep understanding of market trends & regulatory frameworks; as well as extensive experience in conducting Company turnrounds, Acquisitions and disposals.

Stephen’s passion for driving positive change extends beyond his professional endeavours. He actively engages in philanthropic initiatives and community development projects, aiming to make a meaningful impact in society.

Stephen’s hobbies include walking long distance trails (highlights of which include seeing 3 of the 5 highest mountains in the world at the same time!), as well as playing Bridge and Cycling.

Hywel Rees-Jones

Treasurer

After graduating from Cambridge and London Universities Hywel worked as an agricultural economist on development projects and programmes. After studying for an MBA,he then moved to private sector development. In total he spent over 20 years living in Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

He was a Partner in Actis, the emerging market private equity fund manager, and later he was a Managing Director at CDC (now BII), the UK’s official development finance institution. He has extensive non-executive director experience in the UK and overseas. He was a Church Commissioner and chaired its Audit Committee.

He is married to Diana who is ordained and an associate minister at All Saints Church in Ilkely. He is on the Leeds Diocesan Synod and a member of the All-Saints PCC. He enjoys hiking, cycling, golf, and spending time with family.

Keith Cawdron

Trustee

Keith has been a Trustee of the Corporation since 2019. He began his career as a civil servant and was seconded to Archbishop Robert Runcie’s staff at Lambeth Palace for 2 years. He then moved to Liverpool to be Diocesan Secretary of Liverpool Anglican Diocese.

After 13 years there he had a brief spell in the NHS before spending 13 years as Chief Executive of a hospice charity in Liverpool. He retired from that post in 2015. He became a member of the General Synod from 1995 to 2000 and then again from 2015 to 2021. Keith has been a Reader since 1992 as well as a school governor and trustee of a social care charity. He is married and has 3 adult children and one grandchild. He is a keen amateur singer.

James Bryer

Trustee

James joined The Corporation of The Church House as a Trustee in 2022. James is a Chartered Surveyor and jointly runs HP Four Investment Ltd which provides transactional, consultancy and advisory services in real estate capital markets. HP Four was established in 2005, and prior to 2005 James worked as part of CBRE (Hillier Parker) for a period of 15 years.

James was Master of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors for the year 2022/2023 and has held multiple service/community roles.

Josile Munro

Trustee

Josile became a trustee of The Corporation of The Church House in July 2022. She has more than 30 years of experience as a local government officer, protecting consumers and businesses through her regulatory knowledge; holding various qualifications, including a degree in Food Science and diplomas in Trading Standards and Management Studies.

In addition to her professional achievements, Josile has represented lay Church members for several years, and was a member of the Synod for 6 years; including a position as a Deanery Synod Chair.Her varied experience and foresight mean she holds positions as a Trustee at various charitable organisations; including the London Diocesan Fund and Whitelands College.

The Ven Dr Justine Allain Chapman

Trustee

Dr.Justine Allain Chapman became one of our trustees in 2020, and currently serves as the Archdeacon of Boston.

As an academic, Dr. Chapman has made significant contributions to her field. She has authored several books, including “Resilient Disciple”, and her work is highly valued by the religious community. Over the course of her career; she has been a curate and vicar in South London; as well as vice principal and director of mission and practical theology of what is now St Augustine’s College based in Kent.

Her experience in non-profit organizations has enabled her to make a positive impact within the sector. When she’s not reading detective fiction, Justine relaxes over good food and wine with family and friends; she also enjoys running, swimming & tai chi.

Helen Ainsworth

Trustee

Helen became a Trustee in 2023. She holds a well-established career in financial markets and banking; having held positions as an Analyst, Banking Regulator and Market Risk Manager.

Helen is an active member of the CofE community; and continues to engage in community initiatives that contribute towards the betterment of society as a whole; as well as being a part of the General Synod (since 2021). She enjoys spending time with her two daughters & keeping active by taking part in activities such as running and swimming.

Andrew Penny

Trustee

Appointed as a Trustee in 2014, Andrew has been providing much value to The Corporation of The Church House. Andrew served as a solicitor with the Forsters Firm for 40 years; acting for family trusts and individuals; with a focus on advising charities.

Andrew has since retained numerous charity trusteeships, most actively seeking to alleviate homelessness; as well as being a Licensed Lay Minister for the last 15 years.

His extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to our organizations mission, make him an invaluable asset to us. Andrew also enjoys The opera, good wine, and all things French!