IPA Group Benevolent Fund welcomes four new trustees
The IPA Group Benevolent Fund is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Smith, Bill McGregor, Chantel van den Heever, and Patricia Akudjedu to its Board of Trustees as the charity strengthens governance, financial oversight, grant-making, and fundraising. The appointments come during a period of transition and development as the Fund builds on its founding Board’s work and continues supporting eligible members of the IFA and IPA communities and their families, wherever they are based.
Thanking our departing trustees
The Fund would also like to recognise and thank three trustees who have been involved with the charity from the beginning.
Ian Clark has stepped down as Chair and Trustee after playing a significant role in establishing and developing the Fund. His commitment helped shape the charity from its earliest stages, and the Board is grateful for his time and support.
David Whitaker stepped down as a Trustee over the summer. He was involved with the Fund from the beginning and contributed to its development and support of the IFA and IPA communities.
Anjana Hirani will step down as a Trustee at the end of September. She has been involved since the Fund’s earliest days and provided valuable support in financial administration and operations.
The Board thanks Ian, David and Anjana for their time, commitment and support in establishing the foundations on which the charity can now build.
Continuing leadership from the IPA
Following Ian’s departure, Lloyd Driscoll was elected Interim Chair of the IPA Group Benevolent Fund. Now retired, Lloyd brings extensive senior experience with the IPA, including learning and development and strategic partnerships. He was closely involved in the IPA-IFA relationship during a key period in its development. His knowledge of both bodies will provide valuable leadership as the Fund enters its next stage.
Nola Luyten will continue as a Trustee, bringing more than 35 years of experience in accounting and supporting individuals and small businesses. Over her career, she has built strong financial expertise and a deep understanding of the challenges people and organisations face at different stages of their journey. Her longstanding connection with the IPA community also brings valuable continuity, perspective, and trusted insight to the Board as the Fund grows.
Tony Rabah will also continue as a Trustee. Tony is an experienced accountant, business adviser, and founder and CEO of The Male Hug, bringing together professional, community, and well-being experience that is highly relevant to the Fund’s work.
Together, Lloyd, Nola, and Tony will continue to play an important role in the Fund’s growth and its connection with the IPA community.
Welcoming our new trustees
The four new appointments bring experience in finance, accounting, governance, charity management, risk, audit, grant administration, and donor stewardship.
Kevin Smith brings over 30 years of finance experience in the charity and commercial sectors. A Fellow of the IFA and currently Head of Finance and Compliance at Woodbrooke QuakeStudy Centre, he has also served as treasurer for charitable organisations. His background adds expertise in charity finance, governance, compliance, financial controls and Board reporting.
Bill McGregor has over 30 years’ experience in accountancy, taxation, and business advisory services, and owns BMG Accountants & Tax Advisors. He is an IFA Regional Ambassador and Chair for Northern Ireland, and has also served as a charity treasurer and volunteer. His background and involvement with the IFA community strengthen the Board’s financial expertise and connection to the profession.
Chantel van den Heever has over 18 years of experience in finance, accounting, taxation, risk, corporate governance, and company secretarial work. Her governance experience includes serving as Finance Committee Chair, Audit Committee Member, Independent Non-Executive Director, and independent trustee. Chantel brings strong governance, risk, and financial oversight to the Fund.
Patricia Akudjedu brings more than 14 years of finance and accounting experience, with particular strength in the charity sector. Her expertise includes restricted and designated funds, Gift Aid, reconciliations, grant administration, budget monitoring, financial controls and audit preparation. She also has valuable experience in donor stewardship and charitable finance, supporting the Fund as it grows its grant-making, fundraising and donor engagement work.
We’re continuing to grow our Board
The Fund is seeking three additional trustees to bring more experience and strengthen representation in key areas. We are particularly interested in hearing from:
- One trustee based in or around London with a strong background in fundraising, donor engagement, corporate partnerships, major giving or income generation.
- Two trustees based in Australia, ideally with strong links to the IPA community, with experience in fundraising and governance, as well as related areas such as partnerships, finance, charity leadership or strategic development.
These recruitment priorities reflect areas where the Board wants to strengthen its skills, networks and local knowledge. They do not limit the Fund’s geographical reach or the people it supports.
Interested in joining the Board?
If you are based in London or Australia and believe your experience could contribute to the next stage of the IPA Group Benevolent Fund, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
Please email info@ifa-ipa-benevolentfund.com with a short statement outlining your interest in joining the Board, together with your CV.
About the IPA Group Benevolent Fund
The IPA Group Benevolent Fund provides financial assistance to eligible members of the IFA and IPA communities, as well as their families, who are experiencing financial hardship or other difficult circumstances. The Fund’s support is not restricted to people living in the UK or Australia. Eligible applicants may be based in other countries, reflecting the IFA and IPA’s international membership. The charity is strengthening its governance, grant-making, fundraising and communications to provide effective, sustainable support wherever need arises.
IPA Group Benevolent Fund (working name of The IFA/IPA Group Benevolent Fund), Unitec House, 2 Albert Place, London, United Kingdom, N3 1QB, United Kingdom
