Trustees

Paul joined BDCPS as a trustee and Hon. Chair at the AGM in 2022. Paul acts as the key link between staff and trustees. His role is to lead the board of trustees to ensure the charity is set up for success and able to deliver the best possible service as well as the charity’s long term strategic plan. Paul has previously worked in the national office with Special Olympics GB and is also a trustee with Northampton Mencap.

Eileen is a mum of three, now grown, children and a Nannie to two amazing grandchildren. She has been involved with BDCPS about 20 years. Her son Ryan first joined the Saturday club when he was 8 years old (he is now 30!) this was when it was ran at  St Mary’s church hall. Eileen has seen the charity change so much since those early days and enjoys supporting the charity and it’s staff to continue to develop and grow. “Friends have been made and lost over those years, but the work of the charity and the families we support continues unabated. A reassuring friend when at times you feel there are none, that truly know what it means to have a child with additional needs. So I’m just a mum doing what I can to support a charity that has and continues to support my family”.

Bob has been a trustee of BDCPS since 2013 and Hon. Secretary since 2019. He manages the agendas and minutes for trustees’ meetings, and helps the staff keep our admin in good shape. He’s semi-retired after a long career in corporate communications, and outside BDCPS is a governor at Kimberley College and a member of Bedford Borough’s Governance Partnership Group.

Lee has been a trustee for over 10 years and Hon. Treasurer for almost all that time. He oversees the finances of the charity and tracks spend vs budget over the financial year. In his work life, Lee runs a Data and Insight consulting practice. Lee was introduced to the charity when he moved to Sandy in 2002 as his daughter has cerebral palsy and has enjoyed and benefited from the services provided by the charity.

Suzannah has been a trustee for BDCPS since 2012. Currently employed full time in the community public health sector with 39 years experience as a registered nurse and Health Visitor. This knowledge and experience is shared with BDCPS as the lead trustee for safeguarding and equality.

Rajan has been a trustee at BDCPS since 2021, after completing his masters. As someone with CP and an ex-service user, he is passionate about disability rights, inclusivity, and access to local services.  He is keen to represent the views of our young people to the board, in order to enable BDCPS to continue to provide this vital support.

Claire is a paediatric occupational therapist, case manager and expert witness, bringing over 30 years experience in her clinical field to the role. She has collaborated with BDCPS for many years in providing a service for a shared client group. She has lived in Bedford since 1996 and became a trustee in 2020.

Elizabeth (Liz) is our newest trustee having been co-opted at the end of April 2023 and is excited to get involved. She lives in Bromham, with her husband Mark, where they are almost ‘empty nesters’. They’ve lived here for many years, although have had stints working in China and Poland between 2011-2017. “My whole career, since the 1990’s, has been focused on Human Resource (HR) management and I am currently Vice President, HR for DHL Express UK. I hope my skills can add value and support to BDCPS”.

Peter is a retired solicitor and originally acted for BDCPS when we wanted to change over to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.  Peter was very impressed with the work which BDCPS did and the efficiency of the organisation, so, when he was invited to become a trustee, he was happy to agree and has continued into his retirement.

Lynn has been involved with BDCPS since 2008 when her daughter, Iona started attending activities. Lynn joined the trustee board in 2019 and has been a volunteer supporting the development of the wellbeing services. Lynn is a registered nurse by background and most recently worked in a School Nursing team. She also has a background in parent carer participation and was part of the initial development of the parent carer forum in Bedford Borough. BDCPS have provided support to Lynn and her family over the years and she is now very grateful to be able to support them in return.