Introducing Our Trustees - Clare

As we conclude our series introducing Abianda’s Board of Trustees, we are excited to spotlight Clare Walkeden, our Chair of Trustees, who has guided Abianda with strength, clarity, and care over the past six years.

Clare joined Abianda initially to lend her skills in strategic communications and brand development - recognising Abianda as a purpose-driven organisation making a genuine, systemic impact in the lives of young women and girls. As the organisation evolved, so did Clare’s role. Her deep understanding of Abianda’s culture, values, and journey placed her in a pivotal position to support our long-term strategic direction, and she now leads the Board as Chair.

“I have been privileged to move into the role of Chair using my foundational knowledge of Abianda along with my skillset to support the long term strategic direction. I’m really excited to be working with a cohort of Trustees who are going to bring exceptional expertise to further support the Abianda team and the future of the organisation.”

Clare runs Auburn Consultancy, working as a strategic consultant, developmental coach, and facilitator, supporting organisations, teams, and individuals to improve communication, understand behaviours, and navigate complexity. She thrives in spaces where new thinking is needed, especially during periods of change or challenge - a quality that has been invaluable at Abianda.

Clare brings not only organisational leadership, but also a thoughtful and grounded coaching approach to her role. She ensures that voices across Abianda are heard, valued, and included in decision-making. She asks questions that take us to the furthest edges of an issue, helping uncover perspectives that might otherwise go unseen. Her presence encourages depth, reflection, and steadiness - especially in the moments that matter most.

Her leadership is enriched by her experience as an endurance athlete, having completed some of the largest ultra-distance cycling events in the UK and internationally. Clare understands resilience not as toughness, but as steady courage, measured pacing, and connection to purpose - qualities she brings directly into her work at Abianda, supporting teams to maintain clarity, curiosity, and collective drive.

“My hope for Abianda is that we continue to build on the foundations we have, as an organisation that is sustainable in its work and funding. The delivery of our unique training will be key to support our work with young women and girls, raise awareness of key challenges in systems and sector agencies and to continue to raise the standard, for others to follow.”

Clare has led Abianda through challenge, growth, transition, and renewal - always with calm, compassion, and conviction. Her leadership has helped shape Abianda into the organisation it is today: principled, collaborative, rooted in equity, and unafraid to imagine something better.

We are deeply grateful for Clare’s continued stewardship as we move into our next chapter - together, with purpose.