UMBRELLA - Key Persons
Ann joined Umbrella as a Play and Leisure Development Worker in 1996 and became Chief Executive in 2000. She is now Chief Executive with responsibility for the overall Management of Umbrella. Ann's duties are very varied and she is very passionate about improving services for disabled children and their families.
Cat is Chief People Officer at Motorpoint plc, prior to taking this role in 2017, she has held a number of other senior HR positions within the hospitality sector. Cat is passionate about delivery through people, creating great cultures and working environments that allow people to be the best version of themselves everyday. Cat acts as a Cornerstone employer in the D2N2 network and as a result has been involved in a number of work based learning schemes for SEND students across the region, supporting meaningful work placements and employment opportunities. Cat also offers a parent voice to our board of trustees, as she has a young daughter with Down's Syndrome.
Hannah started as the Operations Manager in December 2022. She has previously worked within the Family Support and Information Team at Umbrella. She will work to ensure that we continue to develop and deliver the services needed for all our users.
James has worked in special education for 8 years as a teacher and currently as Assistant Head Teacher at The Children's Hospital School in Leicester. James has experience in safeguarding, pastoral care, family support and has directly supported hundreds of children with Education, Health and Care Plans along with family and friend with additional needs.
James has a wider knowledge of charitable governance and is passionate about ensuring every young person has access to a great adventure and a chance to develop skills for life.
John joined Rolls-Royce in 1968 as an engineering graduate, but spent most of his working life in Financial/commercial management. Following early retirement in 2002, John spent several years as a part-time business consultant before joining Umbrella as Finance Manager in August 2006. He retired from Umbrella in April 2012, and joined the Board of Umbrella as Treasurer.
John was a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, and is a Chartered Management Accountant. FCMA . CGMA.
Laura joined Umbrella in January 2022, prior to this Laura lived in Australia for 11 years where she gained invaluable experience in human resources, recruitment and people and relationship management. Laura oversees the day to day aspects of Umbrella, varying from recruitment and payroll to Health & Safety, marketing and fundraising.
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- Secretary of the Trustees
Nigel was a Social Worker, Social Work Manager and Children's Services Manager, working in a number of different Local Authorities; his last role was at Assistant Director level. He has managed social care services for disabled children and commissioned children's services with extensive experience of project planning, service improvement and quality assurance.
As well as being secretary of the Trustees, Nigel volunteers for Umbrella providing management support, in particular, helping to respond to Tenders and writing bids for funding.
Dick has worked in education as a Teacher, Headteacher and Chief Executive of the largest academy Trust in England and Wales. He has been part of Governing Bodies and Boards of Directors which have brought about considerable changes where necessary to improve the provision of education within several settings. Dick is passionate about the support children receive from services and the support within the community.
Ruth worked as the first Activity Schemes Development Worker at Umbrella from 1991 to 1994. She is the Mum of a complex adult with autism and severe learning disabilities and has worked professionally with disabled children, young people and their families for over 30 years. Ruth set up Fairplay in North Derbyshire after leaving Umbrella and then the Inclusion Service for Derbyshire County Councils Children's Services until December 31st 2016.
She is now Registered Manager of her family owned and run Home Care Support Company for vulnerable adults.
Ruth says that being a Trustee of Umbrella is wonderful.
Sharon has been a Trustee for six years and continues to support Umbrella through regular volunteering with Children's Services and Play and Leisure.
Sharon brings experience from her role in healthcare within the community as well as years of experience as a Brownie Leader with Girlguiding.
Tracy has been a Trustee of Umbrella for 15 years. She is passionate about supporting young people and adults.
Tracy says that Umbrella is an amazing charity with passionate, committed staff and incredible children, young people and adults that they support. She is very proud to be a part of it and the difference they make every day.
Away from Umbrella Tracy is CEO of another Derbyshire charity, ‘Safe and Sound'. They support children, young people and families affected by child exploitation. She is also the safeguarding trustee for local charity, ‘Derby County Community Trust'.
Job Titles:
- CEO of Another Derbyshire