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Trustees

Welcome to Employ-Ability

Employ-Ability is led by its Trustee Board. which fulfils its statutory obligations as set out by the Charities Commission. The Board have executive oversight and responsibility for the overall finances of the organisation, its strategic management, business planning, sustainability, priority work streams and delivery ensuring the appropriate management of risk.

Phil Edwards

Chair

I joined the Board as a Trustee having completed a second period as manager, this time as temporary service manager from February to July 2021. After working in supported employment in London and for a consultancy in Bishop’s Stortford, I began working with Ideas Plus in 2000. The working name was changed to Employ-Ability and the service to specialising in working with people experiencing serious mental illness. We moved from predominantly grant funding to largely contract funding and grew from being a Harlow charity to an Essex charity. Now back in retirement I enjoy walking and wood woodwork.

Debbie Salmon

Company Secretary

Debbie joined the board of trustees after having worked as an employment specialist at Employ-Ability. Debbie has a diverse experience of working in the charity and commercial sector which has given her a good insight into the demands of employers and employees. Debbie is a qualified counsellor and enjoys sewing in her spare time.

Leigh Dinemuro

Trustee

Having trained as a dancer in London and Paris I worked in the sector for a number of years until my career was cut short by injury. Returning to Harlow I worked in retail and logistics with a number of local companies until my physical condition deteriorated, and with it my mental health, which is how I came to Employ-Ability. I am now volunteering to support people with their digital age struggles.

Tim Page

Trustee

I joined Employ-Ability in 2018 and am also a member of the HR sub-committee. A background in HR, Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility, Manufacturing and Operations management across education, healthcare, manufacturing, third sector and local authority sectors, although having retired from work in 2023, I remain passionate about contributing to organisations supporting disability and social inclusion.

Ken Day

Trustee

Ken Day is a compassionate Therapeutic Counsellor with expertise in cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic therapies, supporting individuals through challenges like bereavement and psychological distress. In his work as a mental health practitioner, Ken met Sue Witty, a senior Employ-Ability staff member, which inspired him to get involved as a Trustee. As a member of ACCPH, Ken brings valuable insight to promoting mental well-being and resilience.

Karen Bayliss

Trustee

I am a Senior Social worker in Essex, currently seconded to the Community Mental Health team, having started my Social Work career in 2013. As a highly motivated, qualified social work professional, I have worked across Health and Social Care teams. In the course of my work I met Sue Witty from Employ-Ability, and became interested in the charity’s work. This inspired me to join the Board as a Trustee at the end of 2021, and I am also a member of the Board’s HR Sub Group.

Trustee opportunities

We are always interested in welcoming potential Trustees, particularly those with; business skills and experience in marketing and communications or public service backgrounds.

You will be joining a committed group of individuals, including service users who are dedicated to mental health, wellbeing and employment that meet 6-12 times a year.

For an initial conversation please contact our Chair, Phil Edwards, through Employ-Ability on 01279 450299 or p.edwards@e-a.org.uk

MAKE TRUSTEE ENQUIRY