Trustees

Frances Allcock
Trustee

Frances brings a wide range of skills to her role as trustee. She has supported many national organisations manage change and improve their staff management processes and procedures.

Peter Barefoot
Trustee

Former Round Tabler Peter understands the role that community fundraising plays in supporting a charity like ours.

He uses his property industry knowledge to support National Star with capital development projects.

Nick Grinham 
Chair of Trustees

Nick has extensive charity experience and is currently chair of two charities – KeyRing Living Support Networks and Sight Support West of England. During his career Nick led large and diverse teams across the world. Nick has worked in the retail, publishing and oil and gas sectors, holding senior leadership positions in Human Resources, business strategy and transformation and Information Technology.

Chris Hallam
Trustee (Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee)

Chris Hallam is a trustee at National Star. Chris’ 42-year banking career saw him work in Oxford, London and Toronto before putting roots down in Worcestershire 22 years ago. He is experienced in all aspects of banking, business development and general management having led both large and small functional teams across multiple locations.

As well as being a trustee of National Star, Chris is also a Governor of Heart of Worcestershire College and Grimley & Holt CoE Primary School.

Robert Haymon-Collins
Trustee

Robert Haymon-Collins is a retired marketing and communications director with particular experience in digital technology. He believes that education transforms lives and that technology can transform education. Committed to coaching leadership approaches that inspire and motivate individuals and teams to be the best they can be, Robert sees this philosophy in action daily at National Star.

Chas Howes
Trustee (Member of the Finance and Investment Committee)

Chas Howes has worked for a number of multi-national companies and held the role of Chief Finance Officer at Superdry Plc. His commercial and financial acumen has been invaluable to our charity throughout the eight years that he has been a trustee of the National Star Foundation.

Living in Gloucestershire Chas is a proactive ambassador of our work. As well as volunteering with our charity Chas also mentors young businesses and entrepreneurs.

Jane Matheson
Trustee

Jane Matheson is a Governor and a member of the Risk and Assurance Committee, she has considerable experience of the public sector having worked for local government and at a special school. She worked for the Audit Commission for many years reviewing client performance and improvement. Jane’s son was a day student at National Star for four years, leaving in 2019. She knows what it’s like to be a carer and navigating complex systems to try and get the best for your young person.

Nikki Richardson
Trustee

Nikki Richardson has extensive knowledge of multi-disciplinary working, safeguarding and quality improvement having held Executive roles in the NHS including responsibility for the delivery of services to people with learning disabilities and mental health problems. She has had a long standing interest in National Star and was keen to be part of the team to further develop much needed services to individuals to help them maximise their opportunities and lead rich and rewarding lives.

Matt Shayle
Trustee

Matt Shayle is a private wealth solicitor with over 15 years’ experience. Gloucestershire born, Matt cares deeply about inclusion in society and is proud of National Star’s work giving its students the opportunity to fulfil their potential. He is passionate about the trustees’ role ensuring that staff and students have the long-term environment to achieve their goals.

Margaret Sheather
Trustee

Margaret Sheather was a Governor at National Star for more than 10 years, having previously been a member of the Education and Student Welfare Committee. As a former Director of Social Services / Group Director Community & Adult Care at Gloucestershire County Council she has extensive experience to support National Star in achieving its mission and goals. Margaret is also a school governor and when not volunteering is an active member of the Chapter of Gloucester Cathedral.