Fiona joined us as General manager in January 2026, and has now stepped into the role of CEO. Fiona has many years of experience working with children and adults in mainstream, charity provision and other settings with special interests in trauma informed practise, positive behaviour management, safeguarding and SEND. With broad industry experience and having developed from the ground up Fiona is always happy to lend a hand and be a visible, active member of the charity supporting the team as a whole and welcoming all.

Carol keeps our finances in order, pays invoices, deals with utility and maintenance contracts in addition to staff payroll.  Carol works closely with our accountants to produce the annual financial accounts which are posted on the Charity Commission website. Carol also supports fundraising events throughout the year.

Mandy plans, organises and runs a wide variety of daytime classes and activities which can accommodate members regardless of their disabilities.  Mandy has a very caring and adaptable personality and will always enable members to achieve outcomes to the best of their abilities.  In addition Mandy runs the extremely popular Gateway Club, a weekly social club with a very wide variety of activities and events that regularly attracts over 100 people on a Thursday evening.  Mandy is also a very active member of the Events Team and helps plan and deliver a wide variety of fundraising events throughout the year.

Heather has many years experience in offering support and advice to anyone with a learning disability their families and carers, she runs our Family Support Project which is free to access by members of Braintree District Mencap.  Heather can offer advice on Health, Finance, Mental Health, Transport, Education, Employment, Housing, Care and Community Support and Legal Matters.  In addition to these topics Heather also oversees a monthly meeting for adults with Autism and Asperger’s, a small but very worthwhile project where members can feel safe and secure and discuss a variety of topics and issues. Heather is also a great support at fundraising events.

Sam is usually the first person to greet people accessing Charles Leeks House, she is normally the person answering the phone and  is always happy to try and help resolve queries and will ensure answers are provided as quickly as possible. Sam is responsible for dealing with all class fees and invoicing both internal members and external groups who hire our premises. Sam deals with DBS applications for new volunteers and staff together with any renewals required. Sam is also a valued member of the Events Team and is involved in helping to organise and run many of our fundraising activities.

Bernadette brings general assistance to all areas of Braintree Mencap, she can be found helping out in a variety of roles from helping run a class with members, making teas and coffees, assisting with the creation of display boards, supporting members at classes in addition to being a Gateway Assistant on a Thursday evening. Bernadette is an active member of the Events Committee and is a great asset at Fundraising events.