Our Trustees
Danielle Rowe
Chair of Trustees
Danielle was attracted to Citizens Advice because of its strong national reputation and the valuable services it provides locally. With over 25 years of experience as a corporate lawyer, she has advised businesses and boards, building a wide range of skills in legal matters, governance, risk management, and regulations across various industries. She’s eager to bring this expertise to Citizens Advice.
David Betts
Trustee
David is a retired civil engineer with extensive experience managing technical services in the public sector, followed by a career in management consultancy. He has broad expertise in contracts, commissioning, property, and finance. David also has governance experience as a trustee for several charities and as a local councillor. Since retiring, he has volunteered as a caseworker for Citizens Advice and is passionate about the support the organisation offers its clients. He joined the Trustee Board of Citizens Advice Oxford in May 2022.
Sophie Brooks
Trustee
Sophie is a strong advocate for using business to create positive social and environmental change. A lifelong nature and wildlife enthusiast, she spent 15 years leading PR businesses in Europe and Asia Pacific before starting her own sustainability consultancy. After working as a Sustainability Strategist for Microsoft UK, Sophie earned an MSc in Climate Change & Development in 2012. She then broadened her focus to cover all areas of social, environmental, and economic sustainability, primarily advising corporate clients. Sophie is a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Co-Chair of the Oxford B Corp Hub, and joined Citizens Advice Oxford as a Trustee in 2021.
Jim Heywood
Trustee
Jim has been a Trustee of Citizens Advice Oxford since March 2020. He has a background in corporate, industrial, and international insurance, with 20 years of experience working abroad. Jim has lived in Oxford since 1995 and has served as a trustee for several organizations, including a school, a medical charity, and three different housing associations. One of these was a unit of the Salvation Army that provided housing for low-income families.
Madeline Laxton
Trustee
Madeline is the Executive Director of Lucy Group Ltd, a company founded in 1812 that now employs 1,500 people and has a turnover of over £250 million. She joined the Board of Trustees of Citizens Advice Oxford in November 2021. Madeline brings a lot of commercial experience, legal knowledge, and a strong desire to support the important work of advice centers. In the voluntary sector, she has previously volunteered as an adviser at Brixton Law Centre in London and is currently a trustee for a local village charity.
Jim Heywood
Trustee
Jonathan is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and has spent his career leading finance teams in setting up new businesses both in the UK and internationally. He admires the work of Citizens Advice and is pleased to support the Oxford branch as Treasurer.
Iain Lappin-Smith
Trustee
Iain has a broad background in risk management, banking, and finance, with experience both in the UK and abroad. He joined Citizens Advice to give back to the community and support the excellent help and advice the organization provides.
