Our Trustees

Martin Townsend, Secretary

Author:
Date:

Martin joined the Board of Trustees in 2013 and was Chair between 2016 and 2026.

Martin worked in retail banks, building societies and financial services throughout his career, in particular focusing on policy, compliance and risk management.  He also has experience of product development, marketing and project management.

Martin is also a Trustee of Hurst Farm Regeneration Limited; a Board Member of Portus Property Management; and a Member of the Group Audit & Risk Committee at Portus Supported Housing.

Noel Fowler, Treasurer

Author:
Date:

Following a career of more than 35 years in education, which began teaching mathematics in secondary schools and included two headships and leading secondary education for a Local Authority, Noel retired in September 2013.

Since then he has been working voluntarily in a number of organisations, most notably as Chair of Trustees for West of England School and College, a charity providing education and care for young people with visual impairment and complex needs, Chair of Governors of a local primary school and Sporting Club Inkberrow where he supported the process of becoming a charity.

Marilyn Franks

Author:
Date:

Marilyn born in a small village in the Peak Park and attend Lady Manners School prior to University.

She  pursued a long career in Local Government working on the front line in Children and Youth Services and with offenders; towards the end of her career in training and  managerial roles.

She brings vast experience of engaging with some of the most vulnerable groups and individuals and is skilled in assessing need.

Tim Furness, Chair

Author:
Date:

Tim joined the Board of Trustees in 2025, after moving back to the Derbyshire Dales earlier that year.

He grew up near Tideswell and then worked in the NHS in and around Sheffield until retiring in 2016. His last role was Director of Delivery for Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group.

Since retiring Tim has been a Trustee at Voluntary Action Sheffield (until leaving Sheffield in 2025), and is currently Trustee at Age UK Sheffield, Gambling with Lives and Eyam Mechanics Institute.

Phil Stanyer

Author:
Date:
Derbyshire Dales CVS

Phil Stanyer is a business advisor working with a wide range of companies and he specialises in finance and corporate governance.

He is the former Chair of East Midlands Chamber of Commerce and prior to this ran several businesses in the region.