Our Board
Our Board
Rhubarb Farm is guided by a Board made up of both Trustees (CIO) and Directors (CIC), reflecting our combined structure as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and a Community Interest Company. Together, they provide oversight, direction, and support to ensure the organisation is well run, sustainable, and true to its purpose.
What the Board does
The Board works alongside the leadership team to set the overall direction and vision for Rhubarb Farm, ensure funding is used responsibly and sustainably, oversee governance, safeguarding, and legal compliance, support long-term planning and development, and act in the best interests of the organisation and the communities we serve. Directors and Trustees share these responsibilities, working as one Board to guide the organisation.
How this works
Rhubarb Farm operates through two linked organisations: the CIO, which ensures our charitable purpose is protected and advanced, and the CIC, which delivers services and trading activity. Our Trustees and Directors work together as a single Board, making joined-up decisions and maintaining a consistent approach across the organisation. While they work collaboratively as one Board in practice, both the CIO and CIC are separately constituted and continue to operate in line with their own Articles of Association and legal requirements.
Our approach
Our Board is committed to acting with integrity, transparency, and care, supporting a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment, keeping the focus on people, not just processes, and working collaboratively with staff, partners, and stakeholders. We aim to combine strong governance with a practical understanding of day-to-day life on the Farm.
Meet the Board
Gareth Dillon
Gareth is Managing Director of Killingley, an award-winning contractor delivering complex landscaping, engineering, and infrastructure projects across the Midlands and beyond.
With over 40 years of experience, he has built his career from site engineering through to senior leadership roles. Since becoming Managing Director in 2018, he has led the business through growth and challenge, with a strong focus on delivery, resilience, and people.
Gareth brings commercial insight, strategic thinking, and a practical approach to the Board, supporting Rhubarb Farm to remain sustainable, well-led, and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes.
Rebecca Dermody-Simmons
Rebecca is Chief Executive at EEM, a not-for-profit organisation, and brings over 25 years’ experience in public sector procurement alongside senior leadership in the third sector.
She offers strong expertise in governance, sustainable growth, and value-led leadership. Throughout her career, she has championed social value and collaboration, reflecting the same principles that underpin Rhubarb Farm’s work.
As both a Director and Trustee, Rebecca provides strategic oversight to support long-term development. She is committed to building on the farm’s strong foundations and ensuring it continues to be a place where people and communities can grow, connect, and thrive.
Helen Heath
Helen works in Public Health and has a long-standing connection with Rhubarb Farm, having previously been part of the team. This experience gives her a strong understanding of the Farm’s ethos and the impact it has on people and communities.
Her background includes developing learning for people with low-level literacy skills, alongside her current work improving access to services and supporting public health outcomes.
Helen brings valuable insight into inclusive support and reaching those who face the greatest barriers. As a Trustee, she is passionate about supporting the people at the heart of Rhubarb Farm and helping ensure the organisation continues to grow and thrive.
David Scarle
David is a semi-retired Finance Director who brings extensive experience in financial planning, governance, and organisational resilience.
He offers a calm and practical approach, helping ensure Rhubarb Farm stays financially sustainable and well-managed. Alongside this, he keeps a strong interest in the day-to-day work of the Farm, with a hands-on and supportive outlook.
David is committed to Rhubarb Farm’s belief in growing people as well as produce, supporting individuals to build confidence, connection, and a sense of community. As a Trustee, he helps the organisation stay grounded, resilient, and focused on its long-term mission.
James Matthews
James is a Company Director at Matthews & Tannert, with experience in business leadership, operations, and delivering high-quality work within a commercial environment.
He brings a practical and solutions-focused perspective to the Board, with an emphasis on strong decision-making, effective delivery, and sustainable growth. His professional background supports Rhubarb Farm in keeping a balanced approach between operational priorities and long-term development.
James contributes to guiding the organisation as it builds on its strengths, helping ensure it stays stable, responsive, and able to meet the needs of the communities it serves.
Angela Keyworth
Angela Keyworth is a built environment and energy compliance specialist with over 25 years’ experience in construction, energy efficiency, retrofit, building performance, and professional training.
As founder of AngelaK and #TheAKMovement, she works with organisations across the UK and internationally to strengthen technical competence, leadership capability, and industry best practice.
Angela brings experience in governance, strategic planning, skills development, and stakeholder engagement. She supports Rhubarb Farm by contributing to its sustainable development, organisational growth, and partnership working, helping to strengthen the Farm’s long-term resilience and community impact.
John Beazer
John has been part of Rhubarb Farm’s journey since its earliest days, contributing to its development from inception. He was part of the team that first began restoring the site, helping lay the foundations for what the Farm has become.
He brings a wide range of experience spanning occupational psychology, IT systems development, senior policy work within the civil service, and leadership as a CEO of a social enterprise. This breadth of knowledge supports the organisation in areas including strategy, governance, and adapting to change.
Now retired, John continues to contribute as a Trustee while maintaining an active interest in music. He performs as a percussionist with a number of bands, including Redback and the Seven Hills jazz quartet. He is also part of The Moths, a folk and rock band he first played with nearly 60 years ago, which has recently released its third album, Moths 50, dedicated to the memory of his late wife, Jennie Street, Rhubarb Farm’s founder and former Chief Executive.
