Contact us

Board of Trustees

Chair of the Board: Sue Roughley

Sue has been actively involved with Maidstone Mencap since 2000 when her son, who has severe learning difficulties, joined Playschool. Previously on the Playschool and Fund Raising committees, she is now on the Finance, and Holiday Club committees. Previously the HR Director for a group of AIM-listed companies, Sue brings both personal and professional experience to the Board; becoming Chair in 2017.

Treasurer: James Burrows

James volunteered at Juniors for 3 years before becoming Treasurer in 2014 and member of the Finance Committee. He has guided the charity to a healthy financial position (with special thanks to the previous Grants Manger, Teresa), affording it the opportunity to proactively invest in Maidstone Mencap’s home, Cobtree Hall, and services. James is a freelance web designer and UK Business Energy Broker.

Secretary: Lynn Snedden

Lyn has been helping Mencap by volunteering at the last few Summer Fayres and Christmas fairs. She works within the SEN department of a local college, and has many years experience of working with young people with additional needs. She is kept busy with her family of four children and two grandchildren.

Trustee: Mark Smith

Mark was introduced to Maidstone Mencap in 2004 by his daughters who had volunteered at Junior Gateway.  He became a member of the Fund Raising Committee and joined the Board in 2005. He is a member of the Finance Committee, and was the temporary Treasurer for eight months during 2014.

Trustee: Lesley Rowbotham

After nearly 40 years as a Junior School teacher, Lesley was introduced to Maidstone Mencap Playschool by a friend. She originally worked as a 1:1 with a child and later joined the Playschool, and Fund Raising committees. Lesley joined the Board in 2012 and has greatly enjoyed being connected to, in her own words, ‘this fantastic local charity’.

Trustee: Sally Tompkins

Sally joined the Board in early 2015 as a parent of a child with severe disabilities and complex needs who attended Cobtree Playschool and, now, Junior Gateway & Holiday Club. She chose to support Maidstone Mencap as she feels it is vital local support is available to families such as hers. Sally has previously served on the committee for a UK charity supporting families with the same condition as her son.

Trustee: Mary Rimmer

Mary joined the Board at the start of 2018.  As a solicitor at a local firm, Mary often advises families who have a child with learning disabilities.  She hopes to be able to help this wonderful charity with any practical and professional support she can give.

Trustee: Guy Roughley

Guy has been involved with Maidstone Mencap since 2000, along with his wife, Sue. He previously held the position of Chair and is pleased to re-join the board of directors. With 30-years experience in the UK drinks industry, Guy works in London as a Senior Business Manager for an Australian wine company. He hopes to combine his personal and professional experience to add value to the charity.

Trustee: Amanda Masters

Amanda was introduced to Mencap through a friend whose daughter attended. She started volunteering at the summer  fetes in 2017.  Amanda works at a local college in the Additional Learning Support department working with young people with learning difficulties.  She looks forward to supporting Mencap moving forward.

President: Helen Grant MP

Helen Grant steps up from her role as Vice President to President; replacing Andrew Wells. Helen is delighted with her appointment and faith the charity has placed in her. She will focus upon important needs, such as achieving the annual fundraising target.