PORTFIELD SCHOOL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Behaviour Support Assistant
Job Titles:
- Autism Unlimited As a Trustee
Andrew joined Autism Unlimited as a Trustee in December 2020. Andrew is keen to support the charity in all areas, with a particular focus on HR. Andrew wants to see the charity continue to be a force for good in supporting individuals and families across the region.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Head Teacher at Portfield School, Portfield School
Job Titles:
- Work Experience Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Head of HR
- HR and Training Director
Donna joined autism unlimited in 2017 as Head of HR. Since joining she has brought her extensive knowledge and experience of global change and HR strategies to make significant improvements to both the culture and the operating environment within the charity. Using her skills for aligning organisational objectives across diverse business environments, Donna is driven to deliver the very best of opportunities for both our team and the people we support. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, Batchelor of Science and a qualified Neuro Linguistic Trainer, Donna is now the Executive Director responsible for people, performance and learning.
Siún brings a wealth of experience in the not-for-profit and public sectors having led Sargent Cancer Care for Children and then, a national mental health charity in Ireland. Her diverse experience includes leading the modernisation of the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Siún has also worked with teams across the UK for Royal National Institute of Blind People to deliver its change strategy. Siún's approach is never about the "usual" for charities, having built a leisure sailing business from start-up to international success and which is today, one of the largest sailing companies in the UK. With a Masters of Science and an MBA, Siún is an avid learner with a passion for the therapeutic value of music and the arts. Struck early in her career by the positive impact of the multidisciplinary approach in reaching children and young people with complex needs, she has led services that have been recognised as exceptional. She has achieved growth through building dynamic teams underpinned by agile business principles. Her downtime is spent on, or in, the sea. Having skippered her yacht half way round the world, she is an avid supporter of cleaner seas and safer wildlife. Having sailed the wrong direction for miles to rescue a turtle trapped in fishing line off the Galapagos islands - it had a profound impact. She has been known to undo our bins to make sure the plastic bottles can be recycled…..
Emma comes with both professional and personal experience of autism. She has a keen interest in enabling people to reach their full potential and develop skills in their local community, particularly in the area of employment and training. She is excited about the development of the Futures programme.
Job Titles:
- Senior School Administrator
Gabriella has seen the impact Autism Unlimited can have on individuals and families and understands the value of our role in the community. Gabriella wants to give everything she can to make a valuable contribution towards our important work.
Job Titles:
- Speech and Language Therapist
Harry is keen to invest the experience gained in his career to contribute to the development of Autism Unlimited to enhance the provision of care and services to people in the region and to continue his passion during his career of supporting individuals to maximise their potential.
Ambassador - Football Manager and TV pundit Harry joined the charity as our first Ambassador in 2015. Committed to helping us to raise our profile, Harry launched the Interactive Room at Portfield School.
Hugh's aspirations for Autism Unlimited are to support the staff to ensure that the people we support continue to be well looked-after, and develop their potential as far as they can.
James is enthusiastic, empathetic and proactive in his approach, and his vision for Autism Unlimited is to support the charity externally and help Autism Unlimited to grow in both stature and size.
Jan brings conviction and a commitment to compassionate practice to her role as a trustee. She aims to use her education leadership experience to support the charity in being ambitious for the flourishing of autistic individuals and their families. Jan is keen to see Autism Unlimited become a leading national voice in training employers and shaping inclusive, supportive communities where people living with autism will thrive.
Job Titles:
- Speech and Language Therapist
Job Titles:
- Behaviour Support Practitioner
Julie is determined, proactive and passionate about the potential for Autism Unlimited, and brings real-world experience and understanding of autism to her role. Julie's vision is to represent the parent voice and help the charity fulfil its potential.
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist, PCST
Chair of Trustees - Malcolm brings a variety of personal qualities and experience to Autism Unlimited. He hopes that his ability and dedication to project management, budget control and long term planning will help the organisation grow and support more individuals living with autism.
Job Titles:
- Behaviour Support Assistant
Living with Autism is hardly easy and takes a lifetime of strength and courage. Having joined AU as a Trustee in 2020, Meherzin is determined to support the excellent work being done to further the mental and physical health of both, people living with autism as well as their family and friends. In addition, she is keen to ensure that while staff working within the unlimited scope of AU give their best while caring for their clients, their own wellbeing is also looked after so that they have enriched working lives. As a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Meherzin wears many hats: she is the Lead for Wellbeing and Psychological Professions for the Dorset Integrated Care System, Trustwide Lead for Psychology and Psychological Therapies for Dorset HealthCare and Clinical Lead for the Dorset Pain Management Service. She truly believes that being a psychologist is the best job in the world!
I am very much looking forward to contributing to the valuable work of Autism Unlimited and taking on the role of trustee. I began my career as a special educational needs teacher in Inner London and continued my passion in leading SEND within both Local Authorities and Charities. I have been part of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism as Eduction Development Lead with the National Autistic Society and a member of the The National Special Educational Needs and Disability Forum attended by the DfE. I have always been passionate about people and purpose and committed to social justice to enable all students to feel valued, safe and secure. I live in Hertfordshire, and although semi-retired, continue to work with schools and Local Authorities, particularly focusing on developing autistic provision. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family.
Job Titles:
- Director of Adult Support
Job Titles:
- Behaviour Support Assistant, PCST
Job Titles:
- Managing Director of 3 SIDED CUBE
Richard Strachan is the Managing Director of 3 SIDED CUBE, with a particular passion for building technology for good - specifically digital solutions that are either life-saving, life-changing or problem-solving. Over the years, he's worked with clients such as the BBC, Gap, Activision, the Red Cross to deliver a range of projects and campaigns.
Ambassador - Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano opera singer Sophia is one of our Ambassadors. Diagnosed with autism at the age of 45, Sophia is passionate about raising understanding and awareness of autism.
Ambassador - Impressionist and comedian, Tony Rudd, became one of our Ambassadors in 2020. Tony was diagnosed with Asperger's aged 55 and is passionate about embracing autism and the creativeness it can bring. Tony manages a radio station for children with disabilities alongside his career in the public eye.