Board of Trustees
Our Trustees
​The Board makes decisions about our strategic direction and is ultimately responsible for the management and conduct of the charity.
Amrit was appointed as Vice Chair to the Board in 2022. Having grown up in Sandwell, Amrit is passionate to support local charities thrive within the community. Amrit has over 15 years’ experience in Further Education providing services to Young People and Adults with learning difficulties. In 2017, Amrit was nominated as Staff Governor at Burton & South Derbyshire College and is currently active as a Director of Curriculum. He works with local Health & Social Care agencies to increase the awareness of both physical and mental disabilities to positively influence attitudes towards disability inclusivity. More recently, he is involved in delivering the National Disability Strategy, enabling young people with special education needs or disability to sustained employment. In addition, Amrit also manages a family-owned commercial & residential property business in Sandwell. He leads on providing emergency social housing to members of the community in need, collaborating with agencies such as the local authority, housing charities & probation service.
Amrit Virk
Chair
Ariecho was appointed as Vice Chairperson in 2024 and brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to contribute towards providing personalised care for adults, locally, with learning disabilities and/or autism. Therefore enhancing the building based day-outreach service including the PMLD services. She has acquired skills that intersect with Boardroom strategy, consisting of over 17yrs in the built environment and 6yrs in M&A space - to add value via ie, C-Suit: governance, strategic thinking and review, leadership, financial acumen, partnerships, communication, project management, creative problem solving, adaptability, commitment to excellence, industry expertise, ethical judgement and integrity. Currently, she is Vice Chairperson, Strategic Trustee and Treasurer for three other charities that contribute immensely to strengthening local communities. She is, also, a Chairperson and Founder of Autistic Community Canvas. A charity that offers local communities Autistic Art Programme that enhances children's and adult's personal growth and community engagement through expression and communication. An advocate for global-community and empathy.
Ariecho Gros
Vice Chair
Cesar has held Director-level roles within multiple organisations in the professional body sector, such as ICAEW, CIPD, CIMA, and internationally with the AICPA. He started his career as a Publisher but more recently has led commercial product development/product management/learning consulting teams focused on continuing professional development products and services. Cesar is also currently an Advisory Board Member for two companies - one in the AI retail app space, and one in the leadership/management training space. He is very much looking forward to working with the Board and the Options for Life teams, supporting them and adding value wherever possible.
Cesar Alvarez
Anthony was appointed as a Trustee in 2024. Throughout his career, he has held Director and Board-level positions across a diverse range of organisations and industries. With the majority of his career in Marketing and Commercial functions, Anthony has held leadership and governance positions in businesses of all sizes, from small family-owned enterprises and SMEs to large global multinationals. He now runs his won Executive Coaching and Consulting business. Anthony says, "I am excited to join the Options for Life board and eager to support the ongoing efforts to fulfil OFL's inspiring mission and vision for individuals with learning disabilities."
Anthony Downes