Steve Darling

Member of Parliament (MP), UK Parliament

Steve Darling is the Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, and has been an MP continually since 4 July 2024. He currently undertakes the role of Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Work and Pensions).

Alison Beachim

Group Chief Executive, New Outlook

Alison Beachim is Group Chief Executive of New Outlook Housing Association and Vision Homes Association, leading specialist housing, care and support services for disabled people, including people with sensory impairments, learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. With a background in banking and over 15 years’ experience as a CEO in the voluntary, housing and social care sectors, Alison brings strong financial and strategic leadership alongside a deep commitment to person-centred care.

Alison has led significant organisational transformation, including the integration of multiple organisations into a sustainable group structure focused on improving outcomes, strengthening governance and expanding specialist housing provision. She is particularly passionate about ensuring disabled people can access high-quality accommodation in the right place, with support that enables independence, dignity and choice.

Alongside her executive role, Alison is a Director of the National Care Forum and a Trustee of Camphill Village Trust, contributing to wider sector leadership around housing, care and support reform. Her leadership is also shaped by personal lived experience of disability within her family, which keeps her grounded in the real-life impact of strategic decisions and service design.

Jane Hughes

Chief Executive, Mental Health Matters (MHM)

I began my career in the commercial sector in product and business development roles. My passion for the voluntary sector was sparked through supporting local community groups, whilst a keen interest in health and social care led to my first role in the sector as a Service Manager for Brook. When the 17 independent Brook charities merged in 2011, I became a member of the Executive Team leading on the development of multi-site Operations and Business Development functions across the UK. Shortly after, I became Deputy Chief Executive with responsibility for Service Delivery.

I am a Chartered Manager and have held organisational lead roles for safeguarding and as Caldicott Guardian. Most recently I was the Operations Director for Compass where I led a range of integrated health and wellbeing services for young people and adults, including substance misuse, sexual health and mental health.

I found my niche in the voluntary sector working with like-minded people who are committed to the ethos and values of the organisation. My passion is understanding people's needs and challenges so that innovative integrated services can be developed with the flexibility to respond to those needs.

: https://www.mhm.org.uk/Pages/FAQs/Category/management-board