New RABI Chair Mark Herrod with John Stanely, RABI Chair 2022-2025

L-R: New RABI Chair Mark Herrod with John Stanley, RABI Chair (2022-2025)

RABI – the Farmers Charity has appointed Mark Herrod as its new Chair, leading the charity into its next strategic period.

Two new Trustees, Terry Jones and Tom Rawson, also join the Council, bringing valuable experience to strengthen RABI’s governance and long-term direction.

Mark Herrod brings extensive leadership and rural-sector experience from his role as Chief Executive Director of the Lamport Hall Preservation Trust Ltd, alongside over a decade of experience in strategic rural management. He has served as a trustee of RABI since 2021 and as Deputy Chair since 2023, contributing thoughtful guidance and active support to the charity’s governance and strategy development.

As Chair, Mark brings steady leadership and considered governance, supporting RABI’s professional staff to deliver the charity’s new five-year strategy and strengthen wellbeing across farming communities.

“I’m delighted to take on the role of Chair at RABI. My thanks and congratulations to my predecessor John for his outstanding leadership. I’m proud to be supporting an exceptional and dedicated team, and to work alongside an excellent Council of Trustees at a time of challenge for the farming community. As we begin this new strategic period, RABI will continue to build confidence and wellbeing across farming communities, creating lasting impact through practical, trusted support.”

– Mark Herrod, RABI Chair

John Stanley retired as Chair after three years in post and almost ten years as a RABI trustee. A respected Longhorn beef breeder from Leicestershire, John's steady leadership and practical experience have been central to RABI's growth and transformation. During his tenure, the charity expanded its reach, launched new wellbeing initiatives, and strengthened its capacity to support more farming families each year. 

“It has been my absolute privilege to serve this wonderful charity. I depart safe in the knowledge that RABI is in very strong hands for the future.”

– John Stanley, RABI Chair (2022–2025)

RABI’s new five-year strategy – Empowering the Worth and Wellbeing of Farming People – was launched at the charity’s AGM in October. It sets a clear direction to reduce the farming wellbeing gap, focusing on improving access to health and wellbeing support, strengthening community resilience and extending RABI’s reach through collaboration and volunteering. Together, these priorities aim to ensure every farming person has the same opportunity for wellbeing as every other part of society.

Welcoming New Trustees to RABI’s Council

Terry Jones and Tom Rawson, newly appointed trustees, join the RABI Council. Both are pictured in smart business attire against a green background, with the RABI logo and the text ‘New Trustees join RABI’s Council’ displayed in the centre panel.

Terry Jones, Director General of the NFU, brings extensive leadership experience from across the food and farming sector. His previous roles include Director of Communications at the Food & Drink Federation and Director General at the Provision Trade Federation. Originally from a farming family in Monmouthshire, Terry now lives on a farm in Cheshire with his wife, Emma.

Tom Rawson is a tenant dairy farmer milking 250 cows on 200 hectares in West Yorkshire, where he lives with his wife Catherine and their three teenage children. He has held senior industry positions including National Vice Chair of NFU Dairy, Board Member of AHDB Dairy and Chair of both the Nuffield Farming Trust and the 1000 Cow Club.

Strengthening governance for the future

Their appointments strengthen RABI’s commitment to combining strategic expertise with lived experience from across the farming sector. Working together, the new Chair and Council will ensure that RABI continues to deliver compassionate, professional and trusted support that meets the evolving needs of the farming community.