I began my career as a scientist and specialised in managing IT systems in medical research environments. I left that career behind in 1997 when I became an MP, later becoming a health minister and then Minister of State for Transport. After leaving Parliament in 2010 I was the chief executive of a company that manages retirement developments and then, from 2012 to 2020, I chaired Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust , a provider of mental health and community health services. Now I chair Wiltshire Health and Care, an organisation that is owned by three NHS Trusts and provides community health services in Wiltshire. I also have my own business that manages extra-care retirement properties.

My first involvement with the National Autistic Society was as an MP, in 1998. Together we set up the All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism. Since then, as an MP, a health minister and through my work in the NHS I have always tried to make sure the needs of autistic people and their families are recognised and have promoted the need to create a society that works for autistic people.

I have always been interested in seeing the world through different 'eyes' and trying to understand how and why people think and behave the way they do and it was this interest that led me to a career in brand management and innovation. I was fortunate to spend the first 20 years of my career working on some of the most loved brands in the world and for the past few years I have worked on a variety of SME business and consulting projects.

I became interested in autism when a family member was diagnosed and I saw first hand how much the world needs to change and how much support the NAS offers to people across the whole spectrum. I hope to be able to use the skills in strategy, branding, communications and innovation that I have learnt over almost 30 years to help the NAS deliver an exciting new future for everyone.  I sit on two other charity boards in the areas of wildlife conservation and youth activity.

I am originally from the north west of England but now live in south west London with my wife, our three daughters and our exuberant dog. Now that I am too old to play football my passion is running, especially parkrun.

I have dedicated much of my 30-year career in education to supporting autistic children, young people and their families, striving to create opportunities for them to thrive in education and beyond. My passion for autism advocacy began early in my teaching career and has remained central to my work. As headteacher of an autism special school, I was proud to achieve positive outcomes for the pupils. I also expanded the school’s capacity significantly, enabling more autistic students to access specialised support, and have delivered autism training to educators across various settings. 

Currently, I serve as the CEO of a multi-academy trust mainly consisting of special and alternative provision schools. My role enables me to shape inclusive education on a broader scale while continuing to advocate for the rights and needs of autistic children and young people.

I am originally from East Yorkshire but have lived in Derbyshire for more than 30 years.

George has a long career in marketing and communications working for a wide range of companies including Netflix and McDonald's. He now runs his own small research and branding consultancy. George has also been a local Councillor, Deputy Leader of a borough council and Non-Exec Director of an Ambulance Trust.
 
George's son's life is severely affected by his autism and his ability to interact with the world. This gives George and his family a very personal and passionate perspective on helping autistic people achieve as much as they can.
 
George, his wife and their son live in Lancashire. 

My husband and I live in Cheshire with our 2 beautiful boys. Our eldest, who is 8, has a number of diagnoses including autism with PDA and Type 1 diabetes.

I joined the Board in October 2022.

I am the Chief Customer Officer for Oracle's Application business in UK & Ireland, where I have worked for over 4 years. I have 20 years’ experience working for global companies such as Oracle and Experian, as well as significant experience within the Financial Services Sector. I have built expertise in strategic business development and marketing initiatives, led multi-functional teams in fast-changing environments, developed marketing and proposition plans and managed business activities to ensure profitability, strong customer image and long-term corporate growth.

As the Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Board at Oracle for the UK, I ensure our Customers, Partners and employees feel supported and that we have the relevant governance and education in place.

I am passionate about devoting my time to all matters relating to Autism but also taking Intersectionality into account to provide guidance to as many people on the spectrum as possible.

I originally trained as a social worker and then worked in the health and social care sector for over 40 years in a variety of senior roles.  I have been both a commissioner of voluntary and independent services and the provider of NHS and local authority services.

I have always tried to help create opportunities for those disadvantaged or isolated due to disability or perceived “difference”, including neurodiversity. I believe everyone should be entitled to a full life which maximises their independence. Safeguarding should be at the heart of this.

I was chair of the Oxfordshire Adult Safeguarding Board until 2019.

I joined Infocus, a vision impairment and complex needs charity in 2021 and have very much enjoyed the role of trustee and more recently that of chair of the board. Clearly I have been able to bring my knowledge of adult social care and safeguarding to these roles. 

NAS was looking to appoint a board member with safeguarding experience and given my background in health and social care and specifically safeguarding I believe I can add value to the board discussion and decision-making.

I began my career as an engineer, but quickly switched to internal audit early on. I have worked in a range of commercial and not for profit organisations, providing assurance and risk management support. I run my own business working with internal auditors, boards and audit committees. I have several years’ experience as a non-executive director.  

My experience of autism is mainly from friends and work colleagues, and their families. I really believe in NAS’s vision to create a society that works for autistic people, and look forward to bringing my experience to support the charity. 

I am originally from Hampshire but now live in Shropshire. I am a recent convert to tennis and play whenever I can.