Our People

Meet our talented team, dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of Deaf and Disabled people. 

User-LED at every level

We are proud to be truly user-led: 

  • Board of Trustees: 100% Disabled people with lived experience 
  • Senior Management Team: 100% Disabled people with lived experience 
  • Leadership Team: 54% Disabled people with lived experience 
  • Whole staff team: 53% Disabled people 

This is who we are: a team shaped by lived experience, empathy, and determination. Our people are not only passionate professionals but also role models of independence, inclusion, and empowerment. 

Our Principles

Our constitution embeds the Social Model of disability and the principle of “Nothing about us, without us.” We also promote the 12 pillars of Independent Living, supporting Disabled people to have real choice and control over their lives. 

Leadership in action

At Action on Disability, leadership by Disabled people with lived experience is not symbolic; it is the engine of our mission. Disabled people lead, govern, and deliver our work. Decisions are informed by direct understanding of the barriers our community faces. Services are shaped by real-world insight, not assumptions. Lived experience doesn’t just guide our work. It drives meaningful change. 

Co-Production at the core

We co-produce and co-design all our services with local Disabled people. This is embedded in our daily practice and policies. We believe people are disabled by societal barriers, so our work focuses on tackling those barriers at every level. 

Looking ahead

In our 2026–2031 strategy, two of our four objectives reflect this commitment: 

  • Grow Disabled leaders of social change by challenging systemic barriers, promoting the rights of Disabled people, and influencing local and national policy and practice. 
  • Lead by example by showing the strengths and impact of Disabled leadership through our work as an effective, Disabled people-led organisation. 
Placeholder image with a gray icon showing two mountains and a sun on a light background with wavy lines.

Board of Trustees

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt.

  • A person wearing glasses and a beige blazer speaks into a microphone during an indoor event or discussion.

    Sharon Holder

    Chair

    Sharon became an AoD Trustee in 2019 after becoming Disabled in 2017 with multiple sclerosis. She lives in Hammersmith & Fulham, is married with two children, and holds a BA Hons in Politics & Government (Birkbeck University). Sharon has been a H&F Labour councillor since 2014 and Mayor since May 2025. With nearly 30 years as a senior trade union official campaigning for workers’ rights, she brings experience in leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. 

  • Gray-scale placeholder avatar showing a faceless person with short hair, wearing a collared shirt and blazer, on a plain background.

    Kate Betteridge

    Trustee

    Kate has lived with chronic pain and limited mobility since age 13, shaping her commitment to supporting others. She works in health information and advocacy, contributes to local co-production initiatives, and received the Freedom of the Borough of H&F in 2024. Kate brings insight, determination, and a focus on accessibility to AoD’s governance. 

  • A man with glasses and dark hair wearing a black t-shirt stands against a plain white background, looking at the camera and smiling slightly.

    Thomas Butler

    Trustee

    Born in Fulham, Tom became a Trustee in 2024. He is autistic and diabetic, actively raising awareness and improving access for Disabled people. Tom participates in housing initiatives and local projects for older adults, bringing lived experience and practical insight to our Board. 

  • Gray-scale placeholder avatar showing a faceless person with short hair, wearing a collared shirt and blazer, on a plain background.

    Mike Gannon

    Trustee

  • A woman in a white blouse with floral details speaks into a microphone in an indoor setting.

    Donna Fenner

    Trustee

  • Gray-scale placeholder avatar showing a faceless person with short hair, wearing a collared shirt and blazer, on a plain background.

    Jack Hill

    Trustee

  • Gray-scale placeholder avatar showing a faceless person with short hair, wearing a collared shirt and blazer, on a plain background.

    Mustafa Karim

    Trustee

    Mustafa lives in Kensington & Chelsea and has worked as an IT teacher, interpreter, and volunteer supporting Disabled refugees. Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Syncope, he combines personal experience and professional expertise to advocate for inclusion. Mustafa enjoys yoga and photography in his free time. 

  • Gray-scale placeholder avatar showing a faceless person with short hair, wearing a collared shirt and blazer, on a plain background.

    Naomi Key-Field

    Trustee

    Naomi has lived and worked in H&F for over 20 years. A parent of neurodiverse children, she uses AoD’s services and brings this perspective to her work. She has a BSc in Anthropology (UCL) and MSc in Social Psychology (LSE) and works as a Research & Insight Consultant, helping ensure communications and services are accessible, inclusive, and informed by lived experience. 

  • Gray-scale placeholder avatar showing a faceless person with short hair, wearing a collared shirt and blazer, on a plain background.

    Jenny Parker

    Trustee

  • Gray-scale placeholder avatar showing a faceless person with short hair, wearing a collared shirt and blazer, on a plain background.

    Ashley Pearce

    Trustee

    Ashley, visually impaired, joined AoD in 2023 and became a Trustee in 2025. He has experience in international sports, trade union advocacy, and social care, and has fundraised £50,000 for a national children’s charity. Ashley brings practical expertise and lived experience to support Disabled-led initiatives. 

Our Staff Team

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt.

  • An older man with gray hair, a beard, and glasses is wearing a white button-up shirt and standing in front of a plain white background.

    John MacNeely

    Youth & Community Services Manager

    John began volunteering in the 1990s and has spent 20+ years in AoD’s Youth Service. He now manages the Youth Service, Welfare Benefits Service, Direct Payments Support Service, and Our Place community hub. John is the Designated Safeguarding Lead, supports new project development, and contributes to fundraising. A former LBHF resident, he is a passionate advocate for young Disabled people and enjoys following QPR. 

  • A person with long dark hair, glasses, and a beige sweater sits in front of a plain white background, looking at the camera with a neutral expression.

    Mary Ann Macdonald

    Our Place Project Officer

    Mary Ann joined in 2025 as the Project Delivery Officer for Our Place. With past experience of working on various community projects in London, she is passionate about co-producing inclusive accessible spaces. She also has lived experience of AoD’s services from over the years. 

  • A woman with red hair, glasses, and a dark North Face jacket smiles at the camera against a plain white background.

    Brittany Granda

    Youth Project Coordinator

    Brittany joined AoD on the 17th of August 2021 as the Youth Service Project Coordinator. Originally, she’s from Pennsylvania in the USA. After university, she worked as a Behavioural Therapist working with children and young people with disabilities. In her free time she likes to paint and play Dungeons and Dragons.

  • A middle-aged man with light hair is wearing a blue blazer and light-colored shirt, smiling in front of a plain white background.

    David Buxton MBA OBE

    Chief Executive

    David has led AoD since March 2017. Born Deaf, his first language is British Sign Language (BSL). He was the first Deaf BSL-user elected as a Borough Councillor and has stood for Parliament. With 25+ years of senior management experience, an MBA, and as co-founder of the Liberal Democrat Disability Association, he also serves on the European Union of the Deaf. David brings executive expertise, advocacy, and lived experience to guide AoD’s mission to empower Disabled people and remove societal barriers. 

  • A woman with long straight blonde hair, wearing a green sweater and a yellow lanyard, stands against a plain light background.

    Doreen Hilton

    Welfare Benefits Team Leader

    Doreen volunteered with our Welfare Benefits department in 2005 and became a staff member in 2007 to develop services for parents and carers of ill and Disabled children under 18. She continues to lead the team and enjoys the gym and spending time with family.

  • A young man with short brown hair and glasses wearing a black zip-up sweater stands against a plain white background, looking directly at the camera.

    Louis Earle

    Supported Employment Coordinator

    Louis is a Supported Employment Coordinator primarily focused on the Hammersmith and Fulham side of the Supported Internship programme. In addition to his role, Louis also contributes to creating promotional videos for the Supported Internship programme and the wider employment network. Some of his work is featured on the Hammersmith and Fulham website and the Action on Disability homepage.

  • Gray-scale placeholder avatar showing a faceless person with short hair, wearing a collared shirt and blazer, on a plain background.

    Bronwynne Buxton

    Finance Assistant

    Bron joined as a freelance Finance Assistant in June 2024. She previously worked as a part-time Teaching Assistant supporting Deaf children while caring for her son, who has CHARGE Syndrome, and has also been a finance officer in the private sector. Bron enjoys cycling, countryside walks, and community activism.

  • Anika Hussain

    Supported Employment Coordinator

    Anika joined as a Job Coach in 2022 and stepped into her current role in 2023. She supports Disabled young people develop skills and confidence to thrive in the workplace and supports interns into paid employment. She enjoys seeing Disabled people flourish and gain independence.

  • A woman with curly hair is wearing a brown sweater and smiling slightly while standing in front of a plain light-colored background.

    Tamara Stuiver

    Youth Service Team Leader

    Tamara has been part of our Youth Service since 2012. She holds a Master’s in Anthropology of Childhood, Youth & Education and oversees delivery of all youth programmes. As Safeguarding Lead, she ensures safe, inclusive spaces and empowers young people’s voices in shaping services.

  • A woman with fair skin and red hair in a low ponytail smiles at the camera. She is wearing a grey cable-knit sweater and a white shirt. The background is plain white.

    Aileen Hughes

    Welfare Benefits Advisor

    Aileen has over 10 years’ experience in advice work and specialises in welfare benefits. Before joining AoD, she worked with Hammersmith & Fulham Citizens Advice, helping people access the support they are entitled to.

  • A person with short dark hair, glasses, and light facial hair is wearing a light pink collared shirt and standing against a plain white background.

    Rik Chowdhury

    Administrative Assistant

    Rik is the welcoming face at reception and supports teams across the organisation. He joined in 2024 with a degree in Politics & International Relations and experience in refugee centres and museums. Rik enjoys board games, tinkering with retro electronics, and cheering for the Denver Nuggets.

  • A woman with straight, shoulder-length light brown hair and blue eyes smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black T-shirt with a white collar and silver hoop earrings.

    Charlie Spear

    Disabled People’s Housing Campaigns Officer

    Charlie is a Disabled People’s Housing Campaigner officer with a Master’s degree in Human Rights. She’s passionate about challenging the barriers Disabled people face in accessing safe, affordable, and accessible housing through campaigning. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, cooking, and swimming.

  • A man with short dark hair and a light complexion wearing a white collared shirt, standing in front of a plain light background.

    John Anderton

    Chief Operating Officer

  • Rabie Kuyateh

    Lead Supported Employment Coordinator

    Rabie is a dedicated professional with a strong background in supporting the development of children and young people. She holds a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care and Children’s Development, as well as a degree in Early Years Education. Rabie began her journey at AoD in 2021 as a Supported Employment Coordinator and has since progressed to become the Lead SEC for the Supported Internship programme.

  • Sam Thompson

    Senior Youth Worker

    Sam has worked with Action on Disability (AOD) for several years, starting as a part-time youth worker and facilitator. Now a full-time Youth Coordinator, he helps register new members and supports the planning and delivery of term-time and holiday programs. Beyond AOD, Sam is a passionate actor and writer who creates social media content and collaborates with other creatives.

  • A woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing hoop earrings and a cream sweater with navy trim, stands in front of a plain white background and smiles at the camera.

    Ellie Sutcliffe-Veitch

    Centre Coordinator (Maternity Cover)

    Ellie joined in October 2024 as maternity cover. She holds a First-Class degree in Professional Dance & Musical Theatre and works in marketing alongside performing. Ellie enjoys live music, reading, and spending time with loved ones.

  • A middle-aged man with short gray hair and a trimmed beard, wearing a white collared shirt and a lanyard, poses against a plain white background.

    Nikos Tzenas

    Disabled People’s Housing Campaigns Officer

    Charlie is a Disabled People’s Housing Campaigner officer with a Master’s degree in Human Rights. She’s passionate about challenging the barriers Disabled people face in accessing safe, affordable, and accessible housing through campaigning. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, cooking, and swimming.

  • Justin

    Welfare Benefits volunteer

    Justin started volunteering with the Welfare Benefits Project back when Action on Disability (nee HAFAD) was based at Greswell Street. He mainly operated with Tom Kenny on adult benefit cases, but also with Doreen Hilton on children’s cases, helping and supporting many benefit claimants. As the Welfare Benefits Project faces more changes and new challenges, he continues to support a service needed by so many in the borough.

  • A woman with long blonde hair wearing a black top and a pendant necklace smiles at the camera against a plain white background.

    Louisa Noel

    Employment Development & Access Support Project Lead

    Louisa has been part of our Employment Service since 2018, supporting Disabled people throughout their employment journey. She builds strong employer relationships, trains and employs In-Work Support Workers, and collaborates with other Disabled People’s Organisations to promote inclusive employment. Louisa is passionate about the Social Model of Disability and removing workplace barriers.

  • A woman with curly hair wearing a cream sweater and a gold necklace smiles in front of a plain light background.

    Rita Chinda

    Independent Living Advisor

    Rita joined in 2023 as a Job Coach and became an Independent Living Advisor in 2025. With experience in humanitarian and development roles in Nigeria and the UK, she is a passionate advocate for social inclusion and human rights education. She enjoys volunteering, reading, and being outdoors.

  • A middle-aged man with short, light hair and a trimmed beard wears a plaid shirt and stands against a plain white background.

    Neil Taylor

    Lead Supported Employment Coordinator

    Neil joined Action on Disability in 2023, starting as a Job Coach before progressing to the role of Supported Employment Coordinator on the RBKC Supported Internship program. Neil supports young adults between 16-24 years of age to develop their employability skills on their journey from the world of education to the world of work.

  • A person with straight, medium-length hair wearing glasses, a dark sweater, and a collared shirt stands against a plain white background.

    Franklen Choi

    Direct Payments Support Service Lead

    Franklen joined us in 2022 as an Independent Living Advisor, moving to Interim Lead in 2024 and Service Lead in 2025. Originally from Hong Kong, he has a background in social work, policy research, and sociology (PhD, University of Sheffield). Franklen combines academic insight and practical experience to support Disabled people in living independently. He loves cycling and cooking for his family.

  • A young man with short brown hair and a beard is smiling at the camera, wearing a blue denim shirt against a plain white background.

    James Townsend

    Follow-Up and Support Project Coordinator

    James joined in 2022 after a degree in Classics and started as a Job Coach before his current role in 2024. He supports internship graduates into paid employment, ensures Reasonable Adjustments are in place, and runs weekly employment workshops. Outside work, he enjoys music, painting, and darts.

Join us in ensuring Deaf and Disabled people can enjoy greater independence, control, and choice in their lives.

  • Handwritten poster with colorful text and illustrations features quotes about disability rights, inclusion, leadership, equality, and empowerment, emphasizing "Nothing About Us Without Us.

    Our Impact

    We create real change by removing barriers, strengthening rights, and supporting Disabled people to live with independence, choice and control.

    Learn more
  • A diagram titled "Independent Living and Coproduction Groups" shows interconnected bubbles representing various support groups, campaigns, and strategies related to disability action.

    Our Vision Statement

    A world where Disabled people have full equality, independence and inclusion, with barriers removed and rights respected in every part of life.

    Learn more
  • A group of disabled people hold signs demanding civil rights and an end to discrimination during a protest outside a building.

    Our History

    For over 45 years, AoD has been led by Disabled people, challenging inequality and building stronger, more inclusive communities.

    Learn more
  • A group of seven adults, including a man in a power wheelchair and a guide dog, pose together outside a building on a sunny day.

    Our People

    Our Trustees, staff, volunteers and members are proudly led by Disabled people, bringing lived experience and expertise to everything we do.

    Learn more
  • A woman speaks into a microphone onstage beside another woman at an event for disabled people. The cover text reads: "Five Year Business Plan 2026–2031" by Action on Disability.

    Our Five-Year Plan

    Our plan sets out how we will strengthen rights, expand services, influence change and embed co-production across all our work.

    Learn more
  • Line graph showing AoD income and expenditure from 2014 to 2024, with both values generally rising; expenditure exceeds income in most years.

    Annual Reports and Accounts

    Read our annual reports to see our achievements, financial transparency, and the difference we make alongside Disabled people each year.

    Learn more
  • Purple text reads "action on disability" over a yellow curved line, with "Life beyond barriers" in blue text below.

    Support Our Work

    Help strengthen our services, rights work and community programmes by supporting AoD through donations, fundraising, membership or partnerships.

    Learn more