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Patrons & Trustees

Find out how our charity is governed and meet our current Board of Trustees

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Square Food Foundation is proud to work alongside our Patrons, which includes the charity's founder Barny Haughton. We are governed by a Board of Trustees, who each serve for a maximum of three years. Appointed for their relevant skills, knowledge and experience, Trustees provide leadership and guidance by voting on strategic decisions that impact the charity.

We are regularly on the lookout for experienced professionals with an interest in food education or social impact to join as future Trustees. If you're interested, please get in touch.

Our Patrons

Our Patrons use their far-reaching influence to help advocate for Square Food Foundation.

Barny Haughton, Founder Patron

Barny founded Square Food Foundation in 2011 after 20 years of being a chef restauranteur in Bristol and having set up his first cookery school in 1998. He is a pioneering advocate for food education in schools and has seen this mission as the key driver for food systems change.

In 2013, Barny and the Square Food Foundation team developed the ‘Whole School Approach’ concept as a strategy for more effectively embedding food cultural change within schools, involving parents and teachers as well as children. This approach is now widely practised across schools in the UK and recognised as a significant contributor to food education awareness in society. In 2021, he was awarded an MBE for services to food education in the community and in particular for Square Food Foundation’s emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2026, Barny stepped away from day-to-day activities with Square Food Foundation and became Founder Patron. He teaches Food Studies at The University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy.

Josh Eggleton, Patron

Josh Eggleton MBE is a chef and restaurateur from South Bristol who became a Patron for Square Food Foundation in 2026. A respected figure in the UK culinary scene, Josh established his name running the popular gastropub The Pony & Trap with sister Holly, for which he gained a Michelin star in 2011. They now run The Pony Group which includes The Pony Chew Valley, Salt & Malt, The Kensington Arms and Root restaurants.

Josh strives to create a positive impact on the local community and environment through his businesses and numerous charity projects. He is the Founder and Creator of Team Canteen, a community interest company that aims to champion new food businesses and under-represented communities, raising £100,000 in 2025 for the Bristol Local Food Fund by hosting the Anti-Banquet.

Our Board of Trustees

Find out more about our current Board members.

Sian Flynn (Chair)

Sian has built a varied portfolio career, including public sector roles in the NHS and education. She has served as a school governor, including as board chair, and as a trustee for youth arts and arts-in-health charities. A keen gardener and home cook, she is passionate about helping young people develop healthy eating habits and reduce food waste. Her love of cooking extends to her family, with her sons and young granddaughters actively involved. Now working in criminal justice, she advocates for better food in prisons and cooking skills for rehabilitation. She joined Square Food Foundation’s board because it aligns with her values.

Joshua Mudie (Treasurer)

Joshua is a Chartered Accountant and charity-specialist auditor at Godfrey Wilson in Bristol. He holds both a Master’s degree and a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Bristol.

A keen home cook, Joshua was drawn to join Square Food Foundation by its mission to reduce food inequality through education and to demonstrate how accessible and enjoyable cooking can be. Alongside his work as a Trustee, Joshua serves as a Non-Executive Director of The CHEESE Project CIC, an organisation dedicated to reducing fuel poverty in Bristol through thermal surveys and low-cost draught-proofing solutions.

Claire Ladkin

Claire is driven by a personal mission to make it easier to eat real food made by real people. With a professional background in branding, marketing and entrepreneurship, Claire is passionate about supporting Square Food Foundation to create an even bigger impact in the future, improving lives on a grand scale through the power of food. She is also a Director of Square Food Catering & Events, and holds high ambitions of building this business in order to make an even greater contribution towards funding the charity’s work.

Dionne Seagrove

Dionne has over 30 years of experience working in education, with a strong commitment to supporting young people and specialising in neurodiverse needs. She’s seen the transformative power of food education – not only in developing people’s understanding of nutrition, balanced diets and seasonal produce, but also in building confidence, independence and a sense of belonging. The work of the Square Food Foundation reflects her deeply held values around access, inclusion and the belief that food can be a catalyst for change. As a Trustee, she’s proud to work with and support like-minded colleagues to create opportunities through food and help address food poverty.

Becky Cole

I am a dedicated primary teacher with 26 years of experience inspiring and supporting young learners in South Bristol. I’ve collaborated on several exciting food projects with Square Food Foundation over the years and have seen firsthand how food education brings everyone together, breaking down barriers and building confidence. For me, food education is the missing link in many communities, offering connection, joy, and essential life skills. Through this work, I was thrilled to be asked to become a trustee for Square Food Foundation. I count myself lucky to support the like minded people at Square who share my passion for making food education a priority.

Ian Thomas

Ian has lived in Bristol for over 30 years, and has a passion for social justice, education and learning. As a Trustee, Ian brings his experience of working in and with leadership groups to help Square Food Foundation to challenge increasing food insecurity, and share the skills and knowledge people need to choose and prepare nutritious food.

He has enjoyed a long career in social work and care, with a particular focus on raising standards of professional practice across Wales. A longstanding volunteer with Square Food Foundation, he became a trustee in 2024. Ian is also a governor at a primary school in North Bristol.

Dan Farmer

Dan is a senior digital, data and transformation leader with over 15 years’ experience working across charities and the public sector. He has held leadership roles at organisations including the Soil Association, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, and The Prince’s Trust, leading organisation wide change focused on impact, inclusion and value. Dan became a Trustee of Square Food Foundation through a deep passion for food and a belief in its power to shape healthier, more joyful lives.