Mencap announces three senior appointments to leadership team

Mencap has announced three senior appointments to take charge of the learning disability charity's support services, human resources, diversity issues and governance.

Those joining include two senior staffers from the British Red Cross.

Joining in October as executive director of people is Laura Rees. At the British Red Cross she was senior director of people.

She leads Mencap’s HR, volunteer and its equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives.

“Her strategic HR expertise will be key as Mencap continues to build a diverse and inclusive workforce,” said the charity.

“She will work closely with the executive team and board of trustees to ensure that Mencap’s values are reflected throughout the organisation.”

Another to join from the British Red Cross is its former chief of staff Mary Mawhinny.

She takes up her new role in November at Mencap as executive director of governance and the charity’s company secretary.

Mawhinny will also work with the charity’s Voices Council, a group of 12 people with a learning disability whose views are fed into senior decision making at Mencap.

“We are delighted that Mary is joining the Mencap team,” said Mencap chief executive Jon Sparkes, who joined earlier this year.

“With a strong background in governance and legal, Mary will help ensure that our processes are transparent and accountable. We look forward to working with her to make the UK the best place in the world to live for people with a learning disability.”

Another senior executive joining Mencap is Chris Chalkley, who has been appointed permanent executive director of personal support services in England. He had held the role on an interim basis since February.

"I am excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to continue leading and developing the work that the Mencap personal support team is doing towards ensuring that the people we support are able to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives,” said Chalkley, who is a former Mencap volunteer.

Sparkes added: “These appointments will be crucial to progressing Mencap’s work to ensure people with a learning disability get the very best, empowering support, enabling them to engage fully in communities, employment, sport and other activities.”