Meet the Trustees
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP, ENABLING COMMUNITY
Mick Penson
Chair of Trustees
Mick has been a Mustard Tree Trustee since the beginning, in 2003.
He has a passion to see Christian faith worked out in Church, Business and Social Action.
Mick also runs an office supplies company in Reading. He is continually inspired by the work of Mustard Tree’s incredible staff and volunteers, who transform lives by their work .
As a Lover of God, My Family and Fulham Football Club, the first two have taught him what love and faithfulness are all about … the 3rd has taught him to cope with disappointment and despair!
Dr John Hawkins
Trustee
John worked for 33 years for the British Council as a Science Officer, Project Manager, Finance Director and Director for Africa and South Asia. Thirteen years were lived in developing countries.
He received an OBE in 2002. John worked in human rights in Nigeria, managed a counselling project in Sierra Leone and was a Magistrate in Berkshire.
He has survived armed robbery, rioting and muggings. He is married to June, has two children and six grandchildren.
Kevin Potter
Trustee
Kevin is one of the founders of The Mustard Tree, he has worked globally with HIV and AIDS care in Mumbai India, and headed up an anti-trafficking organisation in Los Angeles, California.
Since his return to the UK he has joined the Board and is currently involved in mentoring church and charity leaders in integrated community development.
Alison Awuku
Trustee
Alison spent just over 15 years in the financial services sector, working in investment management and insurance companies as a Compliance Manager, overseeing regulatory activities in various European countries. She then trained as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist and a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.
She has had a keen interest in The Mustard Tree projects for a number of years and previously worked with the Rahab project and Reading Lifeline.
She lives in Reading with her husband and two children.
David Gibbons
Trustee
David spent his career in the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare sectors. He was CEO of Abbott Laboratories UK and, following retirement, he took on non executive roles as Chairman or Director of a series of public and private companies. He has a degree in science and he is a qualified accountant.
In the charity sector David has served as a trustee of several charities including Community Service Volunteers (CSV). For eight years he was a volunteer and Chairman of IPSEA which gives legally based advice to parents of children with Special Educational needs. He is married to Stephanie and they have two daughters and five grandchildren.
Isabel Clifford
Trustee
Izzie has a real heart for getting to know people, supporting them to grow, and leading them towards Jesus. In her day job she is a children’s speech and language therapist across Reading, Wokingham, and West Berks which keeps her on her toes. She loves working with and advocating for families in this role, as well as working with lots of different people everyday.
In her spare time she likes going out for coffee and brunch with friends, spending time outdoors, visiting historical places, as well as creative activities like knitting and painting.