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I am seconded part time from the National Autistic Society and currently look after the finances for Research Autism, organising of forums, stationery, and reporting to various bodies including the charities commission.
I had no knowledge of autism when I commenced my employment but in the past few years have worked in several different roles which include the finance and business team, contract department, policy and procedures, research and regional team of the NAS which has given me a good varied knowledge of autism.
I very much enjoy my work and the variety each day brings, whether collecting in marathon monies, arranging events or talking to parents, professionals and people with an autistic spectrum disorder about many different topics.
Originally from Scotland, I have had a successful career for over 15 years as a Client Director in the investment industry where she worked for Deutsche Bank and Schroders.
I combine extensive business development and client service skills with three years’ experience of trusts and corporate fundraising for Save the Children and Macmillan Cancer Support.
I feel really fortunate to work with the great professionals at Research Autism, and this is a fine opportunity to raise money for projects that will benefit people on the spectrum.
I am the Information Manager at Research Autism. I am responsible for our website and inquiry service. This means I research and write most of the information on the website and also deal with any inquiries from the general public.
I have spent the last twenty years in different disability charities – including RNIB, the Mental Health Foundation, and the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities – where I developed and ran a number of very successful information services. My aim in life is to make a difference to people – by enabling them to make choices based on information that is accurate, useful and accessible.
In my spare time I try to keep my wife happy and my three children amused, while sneaking off to listen to Led Zeppelin or watch Manchester United.
Before starting work at Research Autism my knowledge of autism was somewhat restricted. However I am quickly learning about the difficulties that people on the spectrum face on a daily basis. This is my first role as an administrator, and I am really enjoying the job, due to the committed colleagues I work with but also the lovely members of public who are in need of our services. I find this job interesting and rewarding as I am constantly learning new information which I can then relay to the people who need it. I am also enthusiastic about getting more involved with the charity and hoping to take part in the many fundraising events carried out by the organisation.
I have nearly twenty years of experience working within the public and charity sectors, my previous post being Chief Executive of The London Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy. I began my career as a researcher and speechwriter for Paddy Ashdown, during his tenure as Leader of the Liberal Democrats. It was after this post that I made the move into local government and the charity sector.
I am delighted to have joined the team at Research Autism and am looking forward to developing and expanding upon the excellent work that Research Autism has already begun. It is clear that there is a huge demand for high quality, credible, easily accessible, and informative research on autism interventions, not only from those with ASC and their families, to enable them to make informed choices, but also from health and education professionals. My immediate priorities are to redevelop the strategy and bring focus on raising funds for an array of projects.
I joined Research Autism from the National Autistic Society, I organised and delivered the help! and help!2 programmes across the UK. Before this, I worked as an Autism Consultant at the McMaster Children’s Hospital in Ontario, where I provided consultancy, planning, training and development, as well as distributing evidence based materials to the public.
I am keen to ensure that agencies such as Research Autism take an international approach, identifying and using the complete evidence base on autism published throughout the world.
I am the Director of Research for the National Autistic Society and was seconded to help set up Research Autism, being appointed Honorary Secretary and Research Director in 2004.
I was previously Director of Services for the National Autistic Society, responsible for all educational, vocational and residential services for children and adults.
In this role I saw at first hand the positive difference that good information and knowledge could make to the lives of people affected by autism. I am consequently committed to the development of best practice based on the application of good accessible research.
I am also keen that people with autism, their families and professionals share their helpful approaches with us so that such help may reach more people.
The cost of autism in both human and economic terms is not currently matched by a commensurate investment of research funding. Part of my role is to explore all possible avenues to bring to bear additional financial and other resources.
In my spare time I follow the fluctuating fortunes of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and Aston Villa FC
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Last Updated : 23/07/2010 Back to Top