About ROBIN
A volunteer-led network connecting businesses, charities, and public sector organisations across Oxfordshire.
How ROBIN began
ROBIN was established in 2009 to strengthen connections between businesses, public sector organisations, charities, and community groups across Oxfordshire.
The network was inspired by an idea from Ian Inshaw during his term of office as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire from 2008-2009.
He brought together a group of local businesses, including Jennings, where Paul Mabbutt was MD, as founder members.
He also worked closely with the voluntary sector, especially OCVA, which incubated the network for its first couple of years, after which it was spun out into an independent network, run by a group of volunteers.
The network was created in response to a simple need: creating space for people from different sectors to meet, understand each other's work, and explore ways to collaborate in practical, community-focused ways.
The network today
Today, ROBIN continues to bring together people from across Oxfordshire through regular events and ongoing conversations.
The network includes organisations of all sizes, as well as individuals who are interested in building relationships and contributing to local causes.
Participation is informal and relationship-led, with connections developing over time.
Volunteer-led and community supported
ROBIN is coordinated by volunteers who organise events, manage communications, and help the network run smoothly. There are no paid staff. The network operates through the time, energy, and goodwill of those involved. This volunteer-led structure reflects the collaborative spirit at the heart of ROBIN.
Grant Hayward
Grant developed his career in business specialising in sales, procurement, IT and operations and was involved in a management buyout, also acquiring other businesses and eventually selling to a competitor.
In 2008 after 30 years working in that sector, he relocated to Oxfordshire, and began to question his purpose. He became determined to use whatever experience and expertise he had gained to help promote and support business as a force for good.
He took a significant change in direction working in the voluntary sector for OCVA, where he developed an employee volunteering programme. Crucially, it was precisely when a number of local businesses came together supporting the idea of the then High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Ian Inshaw, and ROBIN was born. Grant helped establish and grow the network, incubated by OCVA for a couple of years. When he left a couple of years later, he, along with Paul Mabbutt, took on the responsibility to continue running the network.
Now retired, Grant went on to set up a small consultancy business, working with clients including the OxLEP (Now Enterprise Oxfordshire) and the two universities. He came across the B Corp movement when the founders visited Oxford in 2015, soon after training with them as a "B Leader” to support those seeking to certify, and has been a champion of B Corps since then, also helping to set up the Oxfordshire+ B Local, a growing group of like-minded businesses, including numerous B Corps, which he also Co-Chaired until he retired.
Grant is a voluntary director of OSEP and also volunteers in roles on local boards, Steering and Working Groups.
Magda Charlton
Magda runs Research Oxford, a micro research organisation working with charities and social enterprises to empower positive change.
Magda first attended ROBIN in 2018 and is now a part of the ROBIN team, supporting with communications and registrations.
She's committed to supporting ROBIN as this was the first networking space that felt like it truly focused on collaboration and creating a power balance between charities and businesses.
Paul Mabbutt
Paul was in business for over 30 years, and led a high scoring B-Corp during that time. He has also been Trustee for several local charities over that period.
As one of the founder members of ROBIN, Paul has always believed in businesses and charities working closely together, building stronger connections for mutual benefit.
Paul also runs a forum for Oxfordshire fundraisers - bringing together over 50 local charities to help support each other, form collaborations, and share ideas.
Nick King
Nick is Economic Development Manager for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils and works to drive sustainable and inclusive local growth.
As an active supporter of ROBIN for the past 9 years, Nick champions our mission of linking businesses with charities and public bodies.
Nick believes cross‑sector collaboration is crucial to achieving community‑focused outcomes for Oxfordshire organisations and residents.
Jaime Hewett
Jaime works in business development, helping charities with governance, funding, sustainability, and growth.
As part of ROBIN, she champions meaningful cross-sector collaboration.
She values people and the unique perspectives they bring, believing the best ideas emerge when we bring different perspectives together.
Jordan Farrar
Jordan runs akoca SEO, supporting organisations with web design, website support and digital marketing.
As part of the ROBIN team, he helps manage the network’s online side, including its website and communications.
He values ROBIN for its genuinely welcoming community and the connections formed at events hosted across Oxfordshire.
Organisations who have supported ROBIN
Over the years, local organisations have provided venues, expertise, and support to help ROBIN continue to operate and grow.
