Trustees & Staff
Citizens Advice Harlow is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are all volunteers for the charity.
The trustees have ultimate responsibility for the charity’s vision, values, ethos and strategy as well as the overall performance. They ensure Citizens Advice Harlow complies with all legal requirements and has the highest possible standards of governance. There are 4 formal trustee meetings each year.
The Chief Executive is responsible for leading the management team which includes a Head of Advice Services who is responsible for the quality of advice and operational activities for the charity.
John Barber
Hon. President
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John Barber, who served with distinction as Chair for eight years, overseeing a period of continued growth and development, has retired from his role on the Board in November 2023. In recognition of his service to Citizens Advice Harlow, Trustees elected John as the inaugural Hon President, a non-fiduciary role.
Beginning his career in the Lloyd’s of London community in 1970, John Barber held various directorships, ultimately reaching the pinnacle by being elected to the ruling Council of Lloyd’s in 1998. Following his retirement from the city in 2004, John dedicated the last 15 years to diverse voluntary roles, including teaching IT and contributing to the Citizens Advice network.
Graham Clark
CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
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Graham Clark was elected as the Chair of Trustees at the November 2023 Annual General Meeting.
With a distinguished career in banking and financial services, Graham has accumulated extensive expertise over the last 25 years. His professional journey has predominantly been with a Global Investment Bank, where he specialised in the human resources function, focusing on remuneration, pensions, and employment tax.
Graham brings a wealth of experience in working with Trusts, demonstrating a commitment to establishing robust governance, effective risk management, and leading teams with international responsibilities. His membership in both the Chartered Insurance Institute and Pensions Management Institute underscores his dedication to professional excellence.
Having joined the board on 6 October 2020, Graham's leadership and wealth of experience contribute significantly to Citizens Advice Harlow mission and objectives.
Graham joined the board on 6th October 2020.
Richard Lane
VICE CHAIR
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Richard Lane had a long career in the financial markets before eventually settling into project management as part of a global business system implementation team working on site in Europe, Asia and the United States. Now retired, Richard holds an MBA from the Open University.
Richard joined the board on 26 November 2013.
Tracy Norton
TREASURER
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Tracy Norton has worked in senior finance roles for national and regional organisations for over 30 years. Tracy's career has been mainly in media and entertainment and aviation companies.
Tracy has led teams across multiple disciplines including Finance, Legal, IT and commercial bringing with her extensive experience.
Tracy joined the board on 22 October 2024.
Elaine Prewer
TRUSTEE
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Elaine is a specialist in Personal Injury law and joined DWF Major Injury & Casualty as an Associate in April 2025 after 17 + years working in a regional practice dealing with a wide variety of Claimant personal injury matters.
Elaine was highly commended in the 2024 Legal 500 rankings with 'an associate that is going to the very top' with 'excellent judgement and is able to demonstrate exceptional strategic thinking.'
Elaine is professional, self-motivated and solution driven. She is analytical, with a great attention for detail and is meticulously organised.
As a trustee of Citizens Advice Harlow, Elaine brings not only her professional expertise but also her deep commitment to fairness, justice, and community service.
Elaine joined the board on 22nd October 2024.
Kay Vowles
TRUSTEE
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Kay’s career has been in the public sector, primarily in social housing. As well as working for the housing regulator, she has been an interim Chief Executive for housing associations on numerous occasions, and worked as a consultant specialising in trouble shooting, and in governance and risk management.
Kay has extensive experience as a Non-Executive Director, and brings a strategic and long term perspective as well as a strong commitment to equality and diversity.
Kay has a law degree, an MBA, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Kay joined the board on 15th April 2026.
Diana Murray
TRUSTEE
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Diana Murray is is a retired Head of Communications and Information in a London local authority. Diana has been volunteering as a Welfare Rights Adviser since 2013 with Citizens Advice in North London and brings strategic and practical frontline experience to the service in Harlow.
Diana joined the board on 24 May 2017
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Claire has had a long and successful career in Financial Services, driving growth through high performing teams, building brands and customer value across global and UK businesses with deep expertise in customer focused and commercial strategy development. She has a proven track record of delivery across Marketing, Communications and Distribution Executive roles with a creative and proactive approach. Claire was a founder member of a leading UK Financial Services Joint Venture and has launched global brands into the UK market to become leading players.
Claire made a career change last year - qualifying as an Executive Coach, setting up her own marketing and coaching consultancy as well as joining the Citizens Advice Harlow Board of Trustees. She also raises funds for an Essex based charity and is passionate about making a difference.
Claire joined the board on 29th October 2025
Ernest Onyema
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Ernest Onyema is a consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at North East London NHS Treatment Centre, King George hospital. He is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists London, American Academy of Ophthalmology, British Medical Association and Medical Defence Union and a fellow at the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh. Ernest is also a Medical Liaison Officer at the Royal Medical Benevolence Fund and a UK representative at GEANCO Foundation.
Ernest joined the board on 19 July 2011.
Claire Oldstein
TRUSTEE
TRUSTEE