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Board of Trustees

Andrew Hill

"My name is Andrew Hill, I am a solicitor by profession and ran my own practice from 1977- 2010.

I have been with Options for Life since its inception in 1988, having served on the Board of Trustees from the beginning. Until recently I have been the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and a Director of the company. My involvement with Options for Life is primarily on the administrative side, dealing with finance, personnel and strategic planning. I also provide some support for the co-ordinators of the Supporting People service."

 

Alan Daffern

"My name is Alan Daffern, and though now retired, I have worked with people with a learning disability in a variety of roles since 1975.   I continue to undertake voluntary roles whenever possible.

I joined the Board of Trustees at its inception in 1988 and I have an interest in all of the services we offer.   I have recently taken over as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  I try to actively support Options for Life whenever I can.  I have a particular interest in outdoor pursuits, and therefore join or lead the walk programme when I am available."

 

Debbie White

"My name is Debbie White, and I retired early in 2003 from my job working for a Local Authority in a Policy and Equality team, specialising in disability and employment.  I originally trained as a teacher, and then spent 5 years working in the voluntary sector with people with learning disabilities.  In addition, I have on-going involvement in the areas of deafness and mental health.

I joined the Board of Trustees in 1994, and become a Director in 2000.  I have some responsibility for Human Resource and equality issues.   In addition to this, I have acted as a volunteer on several short holidays and activities with Options for Life's participants."

 

Paul Jackson

"My name is Paul Jackson. I am a Chartered Accountant with my own practice in Halesowen. I have 25 years' experience of preparing and also independently examining charity accounts.

I became a trustee of Options for Life in 2007 and regularly liaise with the Acccountant concerning the Finances.  Having had some success in recent years, I enjoy giving something back to the community and that is why I serve on the board of Options for Life.

I live in Pedmore with Gillian, my wife. "

 

Zaidie Orr

"My name is Zaidie Orr and I have been a board member on the Board of Trustees since August 2007.

I am a Registered Nurse (Learning Disabilities) and over the past 25 years I have worked for various Local Authorities and Health Authorities/Primary Care Trusts in providing integrated management services for people with a learning disability.

I have recently started a four-year theology course at Northern College, Manchester, as a full-time student.

 

Gurmel Bhatti

"My name is Gurmel Bhatti and I joined the Board of Trustees in Autumn 2009.  I have been a primary school teacher for the last 12 years. I have taught in state schools within the Sandwell area.  Prior to teaching I worked in a chemical manufacturing company as an administrator/secretary in the purchasing department which entailed buying resources, arranging contracts with suppliers of raw materials for pharmaceutical processes.

 I am a full time carer and have experience of supporting children and adults with learning disabilities and elderly people.  In addition I have experience of issues involving people from ethnic minority communities from the Asian sub-continent.

 I have an interest in social justice concerns and  work (voluntarily) with a local voluntary organisation, supporting clients with multiple needs who are in transitional situations.
 
I like spending time outdoors and have recently taken up gardening.  I enjoy walking (gentle rambling!), going to the theatre, and eating out occasionally."

 

Ed Baker

“My name is Ed Baker and I became a trustee at the end of 2011. I am an accountant and have worked, under contract, for a variety of companies in the area.

I was a governor at Old Park special school in Dudley for six years where my daughter, Jenny, was a student till the age of 19.

Jenny now attends High Flyers in Wombourne for four days a week so I have a vested interest in helping Options for Life to continue provide the best service possible to all our participants and their carers.”

 

Harriet Moat

"I have spent nearly 20 years as a Solicitor at a practice in the centre of Birmingham with the last 4 of those as a partner.  I left private practice in December 2009 and since then I have been building up a small portfolio of houses for private rental.

I have a history of Voluntary Sector experience including South Birmingham CHC,Birmigham West NCT and representing users on various  forums within the Birmingham Women’s Hospital.

I worked for CHI (now the Health Care Commission) as a Lay Reviewer and undertook Clinical Governance Inspections of large NHS organisations.

More recently I worked for Birmingham Childrens Hospital for 6 months providing Lay Support to the Board with a particular interest in Risk Management."