Celebrating our trustees: Meet Ian - Chair of Trustees

As we mark Trustee Week 2025 (4 – 8 November), we’re shining a light on the incredible volunteers who help guide and govern Haven House. Our Trustees bring expertise, passion and heart to everything we do and at the helm is our Chair, Ian.

About Ian

Ian grew up in Southeast London and has lived in St Albans for more than 30 years with his wife, who works for Citizens Advice. They have two daughters - one completing a PhD in Chemistry at Imperial College London and another living in New Zealand, working as a strength and conditioning coach for the New Zealand Women’s Rugby team.

When he’s not supporting Haven House, Ian enjoys sport (mainly on courts rather than pitches these days!) and is a loyal West Ham season ticket holder. Professionally, his background is in travel - with leadership roles at Thomas Cook and Wyndham and he also serves on the boards of several other organisations, including a university, a hospital and a housing association.

Why Haven House?

Ian joined the Haven House Board in March 2020 - on the very day Covid restrictions began. Having previously supported hospice fundraising and with strong local connections, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to bring together his professional experience and personal passion.

 “I’d lived in Leytonstone and always had links to this area. When the opportunity came to get involved with Haven House, it felt like a perfect fit - something I was both connected to and passionate about.”

Leading with purpose

Ian describes his approach to the role of Chair as “low ego,” focused on empowering our CEO and every team across the hospice.

“Governance can sound like a dry term, but to me it’s about doing things right - making sure we have the funds, that we treat people fairly and with equity, and that we live our values every day.”

What he enjoys most is seeing how Haven House continues to grow in diversity, impact and community reach. “My job,” he says, “is to pass on a brilliant hospice to the next Chair.”

What Haven House means to Ian

Ian feels a deep and personal connection to Haven House.

“One of my daughters was quite ill when she was young, and I remember how confusing the health system was to navigate while trying to care for her sister too. The word ‘haven’ really does describe what we provide - a safe harbour from the storm.”

He says some of the most meaningful moments come at the start of Board meetings, when the team shares a patient, family, or staff story. “Those stories stay with me,” he reflects, “and they guide how I think about the future direction of Haven House.”

Looking ahead

Ian sees plenty of opportunities ahead for the hospice - from expanding therapies and deepening NHS partnerships to growing our fundraising across local communities, Canary Wharf and the City.

“Haven House is an asset of the community and helping that sense of shared ownership grow even stronger would be fantastic.”