Turn2us welcomes five new trustees

We are delighted to announce that five new trustees are joining the Turn2us Board. 

Umar Ansari, Joyce Frederick, Tim Leunig, John Loughton and Sam Royston will be volunteering their time and expertise to support Turn2us's purpose: offering support to those of us facing financial shocks and together challenging the systems and perceptions that cause financial insecurity. 

Arvinda Gohil, Chair of Trustees at Turn2us, said:

“A board's success depends on its diversity: of personal and professional experience, perspective and skills. That's why I'm delighted to welcome five additional trustees to the board, all of whom bring something unique to the role, helping Turn2us fulfil its purpose.  

“Together, they share an energy for and a commitment to our collective vision, where everyone in the UK has financial security so they can thrive. I look forward to working alongside Umar, Joyce, Tim, John and Sam to further strengthen the board and create real change for the people we're here for.” 

We talked to our new trustees about the role and why it appealed to them. 

Tim Leunig, new trustee, told us: 

"I have used the Turn2us website many times - not as someone who might be able to claim benefits, but as a policy maker wanting to understand the system. But in doing so I realised how useful this site would have been to my mum when I was growing up - understanding whether it was worth taking a new job, or increasing her hours. Helping people make good choices is really important - and so I jumped at the chance to be involved".  

Sam Royston, new trustee, said: 

“I was so delighted to have the opportunity to apply for a trustee role with Turn2us. I have always been incredibly impressed by the work the charity does to address issues of financial hardship, and I am particularly excited about the charity's focus on working in partnership with local communities. I am very much looking forward to playing a part in the charity's amazing work!” 

Joyce Frederick, new trustee, said: 

“I was inspired to serve as a trustee at Turn2us because of my own lived experience of growing up in financial insecurity and understanding the challenges faced by individuals, families, and communities in hardship and the inequalities that this embeds. Alongside this personal perspective, I aim to bring my strategic clarity, regulatory expertise, and natural curiosity to strengthen Turn2us's governance and support its future direction”. 

 John Loughton, new trustee, said: 

 "Poverty and financial insecurity don't have to be inevitable - they are human made, therefore human solved. This belief got me out of a life of poverty myself, but now drives me to change systems that help others escape their impacts too. That is why I am getting involved with Turn2us, as a catalyst to tangibly change thousands and millions of lives moving forward." 

Umar Ansari, new trustee, said: 

“I've worked with Turn2us and the Edinburgh Trust for years in my role at a partner organisation, so when the opportunity arose to become a trustee, it felt like a natural fit. There's a real synergy between my leadership and life experience, and the charity's values, philosophy and approach. 

 “Alongside my personal and professional experience, which has centred on community work and the voluntary sector, I hope to bring ambitious optimism to the role. To me, that means taking bold action when it's needed, persevering through setbacks, and maintaining a determined, hopeful attitude to achieve our ambitious plans.” 

As we continue our work to ensure everyone has the money they need to live well, we're thrilled to have such talented and committed individuals join us. Their leadership will be invaluable as we continue to deliver our ambitious strategy. 

Learn more about our trustees and the unique experience they will bring to the board.