Our People

Trustees

Elmbridge Mencap has a board of Trustees who have overall legal responsibility for the charity. Trustees form the executive committee who meet once a month to conduct the business of the charity – this will include ensuring that the charity remains within the law in conducting its business, that money is spent wisely and for the benefit of the charity and making decisions in accordance with the charity’s aims and objectives.

  • I recently retired from a local FMCG company where I worked in a variety of R&D roles for 29 years. Having been a volunteer for several years, I became a Trustee in 2009 and took over as Chair of Elmbridge Mencap in 2018. I get a lot of pleasure from working with Elmbridge Mencap and hope to be involved for many years to come.
    A head and shoulders shot of Paula Walsh
    Paula Walsh
    Chair
  • I recently retired after working for an examinations board for 20 years where, amongst other things, I worked with trustees on policy development and ensuring that we met legal and regulatory requirements. Previously I ran a post office on the south coast whilst raising a family, having originally had a career in marketing for a multinational company. I hope I can use some of that experience now to support Elmbridge Mencap in any way I can.
    A head and shoulders photo of Cynthia Pease
    Cynthia Pease
    Vice Chair
  • I am retired and have a brother with learning disabilities. I have been a Trustee since 1988. My family has been involved with Elmbridge Mencap since 1955.
    Jean Rigden
    Trustee
  • After a career spanning some 45 years with a multinational PLC retailing in 21 countries where I was a Group Main Board Director and CEO for the Caribbean and Americas I moved into the not-for-profit sector and was appointed Interim CEO of a charity that has been in existence for over 125 years. More recently I became a Trustee for the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. I am now delighted to be involved with Elmbridge Mencap and aspire to add value to the wonderful work that they do.
    Nigel Blake
    Trustee
  • I am a chartered project professional with over 27 years’ experience delivering complex projects and transformation initiatives, both across the public and private sector. I’m looking forward to being a Trustee at Elmbridge Mencap; using my skills to help bring more awareness to this wonderful charity and help deliver value-adding projects to help meet the needs of the community.
    A head and shoulders photo of Lara Taylorson
    Lara Taylorson
    Trustee
  • I have been a committee member for many years. My son Renny was born in 1974 with Downs Syndrome. I spent time as Governor of Walton Leigh school when Renny was of school age. Renny is now in a Surrey County Council residence in Burpham, Guildford and my wife Jacky and I are committee members of a charity (Burpham Association Supporting Independent Living – BASIL) supporting this establishment as well as Elmbridge Mencap.
    Barry Skinner
    Trustee
  • I recently graduated with a Finance degree from Norwich Business School and bring both academic knowledge and practical experience to my role as Treasurer. I worked for over three years in the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting governance and quality improvement initiatives. As a lifelong Elmbridge resident, I’m passionate about giving back to my local community. I’m proud to support Elmbridge Mencap’s mission and am committed to using my financial skills to help the charity continue delivering vital services to individuals with learning disabilities and their families.
    Harry Tomkins
    Treasurer
  • After 30 years in FMCG Sales roles for the likes of Coca Cola, Unilever and Britvic Soft Drinks, I now work for Cancer Research UK leading their search for new corporate partnerships. I am also a member of London Irish Rugby Club where I volunteer my time and raise funds to support the Mini and Youth Rugby teams. I’m delighted to be a trustee at Elmbridge Mencap, working for the benefit of people with learning disabilities and their parents/carers in the local area.
    Phil Sanders
    Trustee
  • Following a full military career in the Royal Navy I joined the healthcare sector 15 years ago and have worked across the NHS and private sector in strategic development, organisational turnaround and healthcare transformation. I look forward to sharing my skills and experience for the benefit of Elmbridge MENCAP.
    Peter Inkpen
    Trustee
  • I’ve worked in banking and finance for over 25 years and I’m now looking to expand into the not-for-profit sector. As well as having client facing and investment expertise, I’ve spent the past decade working in roles encompassing risk management, regulatory compliance, transformation, project management and board governance. Additionally, I was a board member of a bank subsidiary of one of the banks I worked for. Currently I’m training as a Listening Volunteer with the Samaritans and wished to become a trustee of a local charity supporting mental well-being. I’m therefore thrilled and excited to join Elmbridge Mencap. I’m very impressed by the services on offer and especially the staff delivering them, not to mention fantastic facilities. I hope we will build upon the very strong relationships and community already fostered, to offer even more enriching activities in the future.
    Fiona Orchard
    Trustee

Our team

Several staff are employed to manage the hall facilities, run the day service and organise club activities

  • I joined Elmbridge Mencap in January 2026 as Business Operations Manager. My role covers many aspects of the charity, including governance, HR, fundraising, marketing and supporting the day-to-day running of our services. I’m passionate about helping Elmbridge Mencap grow by building partnerships, raising awareness of the work we do and ensuring we have strong foundations to support people with learning disabilities and autism and their families for many years to come. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team and Board of Trustees, helping to make a positive difference in our local community.
    Mark Mortimer-Cleevely
    Business Operations Manager
  • A head and shoulders headshot of Veronica Beesley
    Veronica Beesley
    Office Manager
  • Mo Hills
    Nova Club Leader and Youth Club Deputy Leader
  • A head and shoulders photo of Heather Michot
    Heather Michot
    Nova Club Deputy Leader
  • A head and shoulders photo of Valerie Wisdom
    Valerie Wisdom
    Day Service Manager, Caring Together Project Lead and Family Fun Leader
  • A head and shoulders photo of Lisa Adams
    Lisa Adams
    Day Service Support Assistant and Youth Club Leader
  • Jo Dendy
    Day Service Support Assistant
  • Faye Addison
    Day Service Support Assistant

Want to join our Team

We have a board of trustees that meet regularly, and members of staff to help keep Elmbridge Mencap running. Want to join our team?

Watch our videos below about volunteering