Management team

Rebecca Smicle

Chief Executive Officer

I joined Independent Lives in 2004 after starting my career supporting disabled children and adults in community settings. Following this I worked in Hounslow, West London, first supporting the conversion of a sheltered employment institute into a centre offering a better range of life options for local people. I then went on to support people into paid employment through the New Deal for Disabled People.

My current role as Chief Executive gives me the ability to work with disabled people to develop and improve services and to create strategies to increase all citizens’ access to choice, control and to live independent lives.

During my time at Independent Lives I have achieved a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management and an MBA.

I am a member of South East Network for Disabled People’s Organisations (SENDPO), and Supporting Community-Based Solutions.

Cherry Simmonds

Chief Operating Officer

I joined Independent Lives in September 2022 after beginning my social work career in the south-east - supporting young people in foster care. I qualified as a social worker in 2000, gained post-graduate social care leadership qualifications and an MBA in 2009.

Latterly, I worked within the adult social care sector and supported the growth and development of Driving Miss Daisy in a national operations role – with the aim of supporting people to retain independence and live their lives to the full.

Formerly a Non-Executive Director with Healthwatch, West Sussex, I remain committed to championing inclusivity, equality and best practice for everyone associated with Independent Lives.

Yvonne Farenden

Head of Direct Payments and Personalisation

I moved to West Sussex from London in 2007 where I previously worked for Barclays Bank and the Metropolitan Police Service and joined Independent Lives in 2008. This was a new challenge for me having never worked in this sector before. I started as Enquiries Officer and honed my skills from the ground up.

I really enjoy my work and the differences it makes to people's lives. Every day brings something new, and I am so glad to be part of an organisation which works towards that.

Emily Stevens

Head of HR and Central Services

I joined Independent Lives in April 2022 as HR & recruitment officer, after finding my feet working in a new company and my first time working in the charity sector, I moved into the role of HR team lead in April 2023.

Coming from a background in retail management and payroll I developed a real passion for ensuring that people are treated fairly and are supported and motivated to achieve their full potential in the workplace which is what led me to a career in HR.

I enjoy working for Independent Lives because as well as having the best colleagues, no two days are the same which means I am always learning something new. It’s a company that I feel proud to be a part of.

Jack Elsdon

Head of Business Development and Improvement

As Head of Business Development and Improvement, my focus is on driving meaningful change that helps us optimise the way we work and to grow sustainably. Since joining the organisation in 2019, I’ve been committed to supporting its evolution and long-term success. I’m currently completing my MBA, which helps bring fresh ideas and strategic thinking to support our future goals.

I’m passionate about creating positive outcomes for the organisation and the people we support by turning service improvements into real impact. Working in social care means being part of real change every day, and I’m proud to play a role in helping Independent Lives make a lasting difference.

Outside of work, I’m a proud sci-fi and horror nerd.

Holly Franklin

Direct Payment Team Lead

I recently joined Independent Lives in August of 2022. I have previously worked as a team leader within the insurance sector and more recently within private healthcare.

Getting the chance to transfer my people manager skills over to the charity sector is something I am very excited for as not only does it give me the chance to work with my fantastic team but it also allows me to make a real difference to the people who need it most.

Since joining Independent Lives, it is very clear that the whole team from admin to care are extremely dedicated to the task in hand. Which is evident when looking at the high level of results and customer feedback produced.

It feels great to work for the good guys! I’m excited to see what journey this wonderful organisation will take me on.

Glen Newman

PHB Team Lead

I joined independent lives in 2014 as an adviser supporting Personal Health Budget (PHB) customers. Prior to that, I was my daughter’s primary carer for 19 years.

During this time I was also involved in several voluntary roles, including running a parent and toddler group and serving as a governor for the Chaley Heritage Foundation.

As PHB team lead, I collaborate with NHS commissioners and customers who are eligible for NHS funding for their care and support.

The most rewarding aspect of my role is seeing the life-changing impact of Direct Payments on the customers we support.

Sophie Brooker

Finance Team Lead

I joined Independent Lives in 2018 on a temporary basis as a financial accounting officer and was thrilled to become a permanent member of the team the following year. I was promoted to finance team lead in January 2024.

My journey in finance started at Norwich Union. There, I supported military personnel to set up insurance policies and managed policy amendments.

What I value the most about working at Independent Lives is the opportunity to work with such a lovely group of people and working together to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Steph Rolf

Training and Development Team Lead

I began my journey with Independent Lives in 2016 as a volunteer, and quickly recognised that it was an organisation closely aligned with my passions for supporting disabled people.

Since then, I have progressed through roles in administration, recruitment, and training, and was recently promoted to Training and Development Team Lead in April 2026.

My professional background is rooted in care, having initially worked with children with Special Educational Needs, before spending several years as a Personal Assistant. These experiences have grown my passion and commitment for empowering others.

In my current role, I am able to support individuals in their personal and professional development, helping them to reach their full potential. I am very proud to be a part of Independent Lives and to see the positive impact that our work can do.