Board of Trustees

Helen has spent over 30 years as an education and training professional. She started her career as a secondary school science teacher in the UK and abroad. She then joined the Royal Navy as an education and training specialist and enjoyed amazing experiences ashore and afloat for 19 years. She left the military in 2011 to manage apprenticeships in a local further education college. She then became one of Her, then His, Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) for Ofsted in further education and skills. Helen retired from her HMI role in 2025 after almost a decade, but still inspects part-time.

Helen brings a wealth of education and training experience, plus an in-depth understanding of Ofsted inspections, to her trustee role. She is a member of Lifework’s College Governance Committee and is keen to share her expertise with the senior management, staff, and other trustees of the board. She has a master’s degree in Lifelong Learning and believes that we are all entitled to the best education and training whatever potential barriers life may throw at us along the way.

Helen loves the outdoors and sports and is often found on Dartmoor with her collie dog, riding her horse, or running with friends.

Brian has had a somewhat cosmopolitan career ranging from the merchant navy to manufacturing microchips, from working for local authorities to senior management in charities, then starting and leading a church prior to holding the role of CEO at Lifeworks until May 2021.

He brings experience of supporting a wide range of people, including those socially excluded through disabilities, homelessness, addictions or mental health problems. He has extensive experience of leading services for people with learning disabilities and has a clear conviction that all our services should enable people to hold socially valued roles in their local communities.

He has worked in senior management for over 30 years, including holding CEO positions at two previous charities. Every organisation he has worked in has grown in scope and size to support a greater number of people. Through this, he brings experience of implementing vision and strategy, development of teams and individuals, and change management including culture and values.

Brian retired from the position of Lifeworks CEO in May 2021 and counts it a privilege to continue to serve the Board, the team and the people we support in his role as a trustee.

Paul brings over 20 years of experience in managing services both in the statutory and independent sectors to the board.

His previous appointments include Clinical Development Manager for a community trust which included supported living, residential and inpatient services, and Development Manager with a strong focus on service improvement.

This was followed by a senior position within a Higher Education establishment with the remit for education development in social work and nursing courses in respect of learning disabilities. Paul then held successive roles as Registered Manager of a nursing home for learning disabilities, Registered Manager of a hospital for people with learning disabilities, and General Manager for specialist learning disability services providing residential, health and supported living services.

Paul has acted as Responsible Person for hospital services and been on secondment to oversee development for health provision outside of the UK.

With a career in the Civil Service for over 30 years Sarah worked for the Department of Employment and Education supporting people into work. Managing Employment Service Jobcentres in Devon and Cornwall before moving to Government Office for the Southwest where she was responsible for developing and managing the European Social Fund Programme for the South West Region, ensuring those most disadvantaged gained funding through projects to access or remain in employment.

Following this Sarah moved into the further education sector using her knowledge of funding to help secure support for a wide range of projects including from small revenue projects, such as The Savoy Trust to large multi partner infrastructure projects to develop new facilities for the College.

Having retired this year Sarah wanted to be able to use her knowledge to continue to support young people into employment and education, the opportunity to help Lifeworks as a Trustee seemed a perfect match.

Sarah is married with two grown up children, living in the South Hams and her other passions include Endurance Horse riding and playing cricket for a local ladies team.

Over 30 years of experience in public policy and political analysis, strategy development, leadership and advice.

Experienced project and contract manager on high visibility/politically sensitive projects

Skilled fundraiser with community organising experience

Expertise in Participatory Budgeting

Delivers development of democratic principles and procedures including constitutional development
An experienced public speaker with strong communication skills

Specialities: Public policy ( including economic development, elections, environment and transport) governance and constitutional development, elections and voting systems, project and contract management, fundraising, political campaign/advocacy/advice)

Louisa joined the Board of Trustees in June 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience in public service across local government and the NHS. Throughout her career, she has championed inclusive, person-centred approaches, working in community safety, safeguarding and partnership roles to improve the lives of individuals and families.

With a strong track record of collaboration, Louisa has led multi-agency initiatives that puts people’s needs and voices at the centre of decision-making. She also brings personal commitment to inclusion through her voluntary safeguarding work with community sports clubs, helping to create safe, welcoming environments for children and young people.

In her current role as Regional Lead for the NHS in the South West, Louisa operates at a strategic level across complex systems – developing partnerships, leading innovation and driving change to improve the quality and reach of services. Her work focuses on ensuring services deliver meaningful impact and value for communities, especially those with additional needs.

Louisa holds a Masters in Senior Leadership from the University of Exeter, equipping her with expertise in strategic planning, governance and organisational development.

She is passionate about using her skills to support the charity’s mission – strengthening its voice, building inclusive partnerships and helping to shape a future where people with learning disabilities and their families thrive.