Trustees
Martin Punaks, Chair
Most of my work is in an area of child rights known as care reform. It’s all about working with governments, organisations and activists to ensure every child grows up in a family. I have been very fortunate to do this in countries all over the world, including in India and Nepal where I lived for seven years with my family. I get to work with some incredible people and I learn a lot from them - I believe that by working collaboratively with others we make the biggest differences. Outside of my job I love to travel, I go swimming in cold lakes in the winter and I am a medieval history nerd – although not everyone is as enthusiastic about my last two hobbies as I am! During my career I have realised more and more how vital it is for us to listen to and learn from the experiences of children, so being trustee for Children Unite is a chance for me to help make that happen.
Martine Miel
To add
Vince Ion
I was a nurse and community health visitor and for 19 years I have been an independent consultant working across healthcare and other sectors providing training facilitation, coaching, mentoring, clinical supervision and mediation. I am a founder member and Director of Lincolnshire Refugee Doctors project, which has already supported over 50 doctors to gain official registration in the UK and jobs in the National Health Service in Lincolnshire.
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I am a lifelong supporter of Everton Football Club. I am also a shareholder (1 share). My passion is the arts, especially music and theatre. I like my theatre to be challenging and my music tastes are wide and varied. I love working as a volunteer at music festivals, anything from my local village festival to Glastonbury Festival in a wide range of roles from welfare to head steward of volunteers. I also promote small music events, with all profits going to various local charities. I have two children, my daughter who lives in London with her wife and my two beautiful granddaughters. A son who lives with his Brazilian wife in Worcester and are expecting their first child in 2025.
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My involvement with Children Unite came about by my connection with Helen over a number of years and my admiration for the work this excellent charity provides. I am honoured to now be a Trustee and hope to offer my experience to develop further the work and influence of Children Unite.
Adrian Storey, Treasurer
I am a qualified management accountant and became interested in International Development through volunteering experiences in several countries. Later, I was given the opportunity to work full-time in the sector, which has been fulfilling on many levels. My purpose is to ensure that funds are used properly, but also to provide support and guidance to organisations that want to develop skills in financial management. When this is done well, it improves their attractiveness to other donors.
I have been fortunate to travel widely and have met wonderful people in many countries. I have learned that a shared purpose is a great connector between people from different cultures and backgrounds. I am proud to be a trustee of Children Unite as I recognise from my connection with front-line organisations the challenges faced by exploited children across the world. On a personal level, I enjoy music of all kinds and play in a brass band that performs throughout the year, although playing Christmas carols for hours on a cold December morning does challenge my commitment!!