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

Mark Wheatley

Chief Executive, Royal Association for Deaf People

With 17 years of experience in executive management in the non-profit sector, Mark Wheatley is a passionate advocate for the rights of the deaf community. He joined RAD in January 2024 as the CEO, and oversees the delivery of high-quality services and support for deaf people across the UK, ensuring their full participation and inclusion in society.

Mark’s areas of expertise include strategic planning, project management, partnership development, and diversity enhancement. In his previous role as the Executive Director of the European Union of the Deaf (EUD), he spearheaded strategic initiatives that elevated the organisation’s profile and impact, securing funding and support from key European institutions. Mark has also established partnerships with global corporations like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, enhancing the visibility and accessibility of sign languages and deaf culture.

Mark has led diversity-focused policies and practices that foster an organisational culture of acceptance and non-discrimination. His proficiency in multiple sign languages and commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and accessibility are integral to his mission and vision as a non-profit leader.

The Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP

Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Sir Stephen Timms was appointed jointly Minister of State in the Department for Work and Pensions and Minister of State (Minister for Equalities) in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 22 July 2026.

He was previously Minister of State (Minister for Social Security and Disability) in the Department for Work and Pensions and Minister for Equalities in the Department for Education between 8 July 2024 to 21 July 2026.

He was elected as the MP for East Ham in July 2024.