Having close family and friends who’ve suffered from mental illness and dementia, Richard experienced first-hand the challenge of accessing support for both those affected by the illness and the families involved.
Manuel is a Research Affiliate at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, and a Research Analyst at ISTARI, a global cybersecurity platform that was established by the Singaporean investment company Temasek to help companies build cyber-resilience.
Dr Jonathan Carr-West has been Chief Executive of LGIU (Local Government Information Unit) since February 2013 where he leads on all aspects of the think tank’s policy, membership and influencing work.
Dr Caroline Green is an Early Career Research Fellow at the Institute and Research Fellow at Reuben College. Caroline's work focuses on AI and human rights, specifically in the fields of health and social care.
Jon is the Director of IMPACT, the UK centre for implementing evidence in adult social care, and which works across the four nations of the UK to get evidence of what works in practice to make a difference to front-line services and to people’s lives.
Lynette supports the development and delivery of an inclusive workforce strategy for the voluntary sector. She also works on NCVO’s internal people strategy, supporting transition from inclusion to belonging.
Gemma is an experienced marketing and communications specialist with a career spanning 15 years across the public and private sectors. Prior to her move into the not-for-profit sector, Gemma was the marketing lead for TFPL, Sue Hill and ILX Recruitment.
With experience recruiting senior talent across the public and not for profit sectors, Lucy prides herself on her ability to offer organisations and people a fresh approach, putting diversity at the heart of every campaign and process.
Lucy is the Policy, Public Affairs, and Campaigns manager for the Together Trust, which supports care for children and people with disabilities, autism and mental health differences.
Lynette has never lost sight of her roots as a care and support worker. She was previously the Chief Operations Officer at National Star before becoming Chief Executive in 2022. Lynette is also the Chair of Natspec.
Richard is a recognised national commentator on social care and health policy. His current role includes Senior Policy Advisor to the Health Foundation.
Fazilet started her career as a solicitor in Law Centres, held senior equality roles in local government and was Director of Policy and Advocacy at Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Chloe Schendel-Wilson, Co-Founder and Director at the Disability Policy Centre, joins the VODG opening plenary panel to discuss perspectives on the state of services and support for disabled people.
Luisa Stewart, Director of Policy for the Learning Disability and Autism a NHS England, joins the VODG opening plenary panel to discuss perspectives on the state of services and support for disabled people.
