We are an independent charity (no.1150840) and registered company (no. 8155114), required to provide returns to the Charity Commissioners and Companies House. The Trustees have ultimate responsibility for the charity and the Chief Executive is responsible for the operational management of the organisation.
There is a Trustees Board that meets regularly and sub-committees such as Finance feed into this Board. The Trustees Board is required to maintain and nurture the financial health of the charity. Its role includes: regular scrutiny of finance policy, monitoring of reserves, approval of budgets, management and annual accounts subject to audit.We also ensures that the aims of the charity are central in all financial decision-making.
Detailed work is carried out through the Finance Committee, chaired by the Treasurer, which is answerable to the main Board.
John S
Chair of Trustees
I was born in Cork, Ireland, but my home is now in Hammersmith. For over eight years, I have mentored an autistic young person (now 16). This has helped me to better understand the support required by children with learning disabilities and autism (and their families), and I love being part of an organisation that does something about this. I joined HF Mencap as a trustee in 2020. I’m a solicitor who has 25 years of practice with a broad range of experience, including regulatory, management, commercial and employment law.
Annabel N
Trustee
I want to ensure those living with learning disability and autism make themselves heard loud and clear to gain the support they need · I have been Project Manager to the Disability Council for GSK, a global healthcare company · My many years of industry experience mean I can contribute effectively to the direction of HF Mencap · I have already been working voluntarily with the Trustees and Operational Team on how best to identify and manage risks
Muriel H
Trustee
I have been working as a Consultant Clinical Geneticist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust since June 2012. Before this, I worked in the Clinical Genetics department at Lille University Hospital in France. I have a specialist interest in congenital limb anomalies, dysmorphology and dermatology. My daughter, who is presenting with cerebral palsy, has been benefiting from the support of HF Mencap since 2018. She has enrolled in various activities such as drama, dance and yoga, but also days out during half-term and summer breaks. I have been particularly impressed by the willingness to empower young people, so that they can feel heard and included. My daughter has gained confidence and invaluable friendship thanks to HF Mencap. It is now time for me to give back and I am delighted to have joined HF Mencap as a Trustee. I would love to apply my skills, expertise and passion towards HF Mencap and help to steer it towards even greater success.
Victoria K
Treasurer
I have a close family with learning disabilities which inspired me to become a Trustee for HF Mencap. To my role as Treasurer, I bring 15 years of banking and risk management experience. I am skilled in senior stakeholder engagement, governance, and compliance. I have gained a breadth of business experience managing and coordinating diverse groups of people best practice and stakeholder engagement advice to senior management. Passionate about supporting others unlock their potential by equipping them with relevant tools. A keen supporter of social inclusion and diversity, particularly in the workplace.
Samantha J
Trustee
I have lived with a learning disability all of my life · I am very passionate about how people with learning disabilities and/or autism are treated; I believe they should have the chance to have a job like everyone else · I am a Trustee as I want to speak up for people that have learning disability and/or autism, making sure they have a voice on HF Mencap’s Trustee Board.
Robert T
Trustee
I was born in Hammersmith Hospital, have lived and worked in various parts of London all my life, and was previously employed as a Business Development Executive for the Accounting and legal professions. Having returned to the Borough some 10 years ago, I'm fortunate to benefit from everything we have here. As a parent to two grown-up, married sons who have gifted me with six grandchildren, I'm blessed and look forward to giving back to the community. I have lived experience with family members and friends who have learning disabilities, dementia and Downes syndrome, and I look forward to working with my fellow trustees and Management at HF Mencap in its aspirations to grow from strength to strength and provide clients with the very best of services they deserve.
Faisal Y
Trustee
A long-standing member of HF Mencap and Chair of Safety Net People First - a self-advocacy group run for and by adults with learning disabilities to improve access to services, support representatives at meetings, access training, and deliver disability awareness workshops. I was happy to join HF Mencap Trustee board to make a difference to other people living with learning disabilities and autism.
Richard S
Trustee
I have a background in commercial law · I have been a chair at Camden Mencap · I live locally · I can give advice on commercial and legal issues.
Marina L
Trustee
Marina is an accomplished marketer and passionate disability advocate with over 15 years of diverse experience across corporate, startup, and nonprofit sectors. Since her spinal cord injury in 2020, she has become an advocate for disability rights and adaptive sports. Inspired by personal experiences, including having a family member with learning disabilities and employing people with learning disabilities in her fashion brand team, Marina is committed to supporting individuals with learning disabilities from early years to employment.
Patrice B
Trustee
I previously worked in the education sector for eight years- teaching and supporting people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families. Having neurodiverse family members has shown me that the services and support available can be limited and, in some cases, non-existent, so I am here to help ensure that HF Mencap continues to provide the support and services people living with disabilities and their families need.
Laura D
Trustee
I am dedicated and committed to the organisation and my role as a trustee · I bring diversity to the current board in terms of age and nationality (South African by birth) · I have over 12 years of corporate experience, many at a senior level in a global financial services firm · I have empathy and understanding to have HF Mencap’s cause, as I have a close family member with learning challenges.
