Our Team & Trustees | Brains Matter

Our Team

Jo Clark-Wilson

Interim Manager

Jo is an Occupational Therapist by profession and has worked with individuals with brain injury and families for over 30 years, in hospitals, rehabilitation units and in the community. She was involved in the establishment of brain injury case management in the Uk and has undertaken research in brain injury, written books and publishing articles.

Jo was the Chair of the Trustees for Brains Matter but has taken over the role of Interim Manager at the present time to further progress the development of the Charity, with the support of staff, volunteers and Trustees.

Jo recognises the trauma for those who have sustained brain injury, and their families, and how ‘invisible’ deficits are often not recognised or understood. Navigating the complex systems of health, rehabilitation, social services, employment and benefits, can be confusing and distressing. Brains Matter is developing the services and support networks for people with brain injury and their families.

In her free time, Jo enjoys walking with Bubbles at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, taking pictures of the wildlife, and she travels to see family and friends abroad, when she gets the opportunity. She is also known to enjoy interesting challenges, when she can.

Julie Hemsley

Co-Centre Supervisor

I have been working with vulnerable adults for 15+ years. I started with care in the community, then I worked for Surrey County Council as a reablement assistant, supporting clients to live independently in their own homes and assisting with rehabilitation. I then went on to be an activities coordinator in a large care home.

I am passionate about my work and I hope to be able to support each client with the activities that they want to do, learn new skills and most importantly for them to have fun!

At home I am a mother to three children. This keeps me very busy but when I do get time I love to read, I enjoy the countryside and I like to run.

Katie Hughes

Co-Centre Supervisor

I have been working in the outdoor activity industry for 5 years. I started as a ski instructor in Canada and I then worked for an outdoor activity centre in Eridge, working with lots of different people teaching them to ski, climb, kayak and much more.

I am extremely excited to work with and get to know all of the clients. To share in the fun, learning and gaining new skills during our many activities. I always try to take compassion, kindness and care in all aspects of my work no matter what activity we are enjoying.

I am a very adventurous person. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, yoga, and skiing.

Sue Todd

Wellbeing officer

Before joining Brains Matter I worked in several areas including leisure, primary school education, local government and the private sector. This role offers me a great opportunity to use my skills to support clients and their families after the impacts of life changing events. Of all the roles I have had, the ones I have enjoyed most have been where I have been able to work with people and help them acquire new, sometime lifelong skills. I’m enjoying getting to know the clients, carers, volunteers and families, its very clear the value they place on the support they get from the team here and its great to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to the variety of this new role as whilst I’ll be based in the centre, I’ll also be out and about as part of the Wellbeing Service.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and supporting our 2 boys in their many adventures. I like to walk, cycle (so long as its flat!!!), generally keeping active and eating great food.

Tyne Chambers

Wellbeing Officer

I worked in elderly care for 10+ years then worked in a hospital as a Healthcare assistant, I then worked for a charity supporting clients with wellbeing and encouraging activities to reduce social isolation and loneliness. I am very excited about my new role, and feel passionate about supporting clients with their wellbeing and being a part of making a difference to their lives.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and traveling in our Campervan, i enjoy going on walks and taking pictures of beautiful views,

Our Volunteers

Lesley

I volunteer at Brains Matter with a particular focus on the garden. For me it is a pleasure to spend time in the centre and to encourage everyone to enjoy and participate in and enjoy the outside space. I have learned so much from the clients and I understand so much more about the implications of brain injuries on everyday life.

Jo

I provide general support to clients when they visit; playing games, helping with other activities and having social chats. I was keen to support the charity as my mother suffered a severe head injury so I feel I have some understanding of the challenges our clients can face. Volunteering with Brains Matter gives me a sense of purpose, since I retired and makes me feel part of a special community. The centre is a happy, sociable place where clients can feel safe and engage in a varied activities programme and make new friends. I try to be cheerful and welcoming when I am volunteering, and I like to think that we all leave having had an enriching and positive experience.

Scott

I am the Volunteer Production Manager creating mugs, badges, t-shirts, etc. I also work 1-2-1 with a client, helping him with his strength, balance and mobility. The centre is a bit like my second home, my confidence has grown hugely since becoming a part of the brains matter team and I now find it much easier socialising with people outside of the centre. My wife has been a long-standing client of the Brains Matter Charity which is why I wanted to get involved.

Ian W

I worked in finance for many years and enjoyed spending time with my family, running and triathlon. I had a bad cycling accident in 2007 resulting in several injuries spending time at the Brains Matter charity from 2010 onwards was instrumental in my recouperation and I have progressed to working part time and volunteering here for the last five years. My experience of many of the issues faced by our service users has given me a level of empathy and understanding to help them develop and feel valued as part of a group. We provide a safe space where those affected can relax with similar people in a light-hearted way. This is where they can feel comfortable doing a range of activities, sharing their stories and discussing what affects them.

Our Trustees

Sue
Pearce

Co-Chair of the
Board of Trustees

John Kennedy

Co-Chair of the

Board of Trustees

Judy Horwood

President

Eddie
Fardell

Company
Secretary

Ian Goldsworthy

Trustee

Paul
Lester

Trustee

Work of Our Trustees

Accountability

The Trustee Board ensures that recognised best principles are always adhered to and follows Charity Commission guidance. The Board is clear about the charity’s purposes, mission and values which are set out in the charity’s governing document. The trustees keep in mind the importance of sustainability and the need to balance current and future needs.

The Board is open and accountable. The Annual Report includes an explanation of what the charity has done for the public benefit during the year and the extent to which the charity has achieved its charitable purposes.

All trustees of the charity have signed a Trustee Code of Conduct and accepted the sanctions that may apply should they breach the Code of Conducts

Board Contribution

The Board aims to ensure it has a balance of skills, experience and length of service and knowledge of the charity. In addition to financial, operational and strategic management it manages and supports staff and volunteers where applicable.

Changes to The Board

All appointments to the Board take place in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Articles of Association. Any proposal for a new Board member is discussed and approved by the entire Board. All appropriate checks are undertaken to ensure that prospective trustees are eligible and suitable to act in that capacity.

Financial Reporting & Governance

The Board has a responsibility to present a balanced audited Annual Report of Accounts which is prepared in accordance with good practice requirements and fulfils the legal requirements for filing in a timely fashion. The Board has policies to control and managed its reserves, investments and borrowing and takes professional advice where needed. The Board integrates financial planning and wider operational planning and management, ensuring that funds are available when the charity needs them and are used in the most effective way to the benefit of the charity. Sources of income are kept under review and strategies are in place to raise funds and diversify sources of income as far as possible. Fundraising strategies are also regularly reviewed. The Board is aware of the financial risks involved in existing and new ventures and takes steps to manage those risks.

Operational Procedures

The Board ensures that the charity delivers its stated purpose by ensuring the organisational purpose remains valid and agreeing operational plans and budgets. The Board and staff have clear and appropriate delegated authority to carry out their designated roles in delivering the charity’s purposes.

Learning and Procedures

The Board has considered how to identify, measure and learn from the charity’s achievements, impacts and outcomes, including the positive and negative effects that it has on beneficiaries, others with an interest in the charity and the wider community.