Meet our board

Our work is directed by the people who know best - our members and customers. We are run by the people who use our services and led by a board of trustees directly accountable to all other members.
We are governed by a board of trustees with majority representation of disabled people, people with health conditions, and carers.
chandos-green

Chandos Green

Chair

I am a disability and young person's campaigner following a nineteen yearlong battle with a brain tumour. Since a young age I have been heavily involved in representation the voice of young people in local communities where disability discrimination is an issue. Having worked alongside the Department of Work of Pensions as a user led ambassador, for a short period between 2012-2015, I then began studying at university and graduated in 2017 with a degree in social work.

I am now the director of a small community interest company that supports young people into employment through social action campaigns. While also acting as a consultant for small charities, I offer help with fundraising strategies and support with developing new youth work services.

Despite my physical and mental health disabilities I am keen to work with Independent Lives to support the voice of those in the community to get equal access to high quality support that values them as individuals.

LTA Colleague - David Hardman - Disability Tennis Development Manager (South)

David Hardman

Vice Chair

I have worked in sport sector for several years both in coaching & strategic management. Currently, I work at Tennis Foundation as disability tennis development manager where my main objective is to engage more disabled people to play, volunteer and coach tennis across Great Britain.

I bring my skills of event management, strategic planning and relationship building to Independent Lives.

As you would expect I am passionate about sport and have a degree in Sport & Exercise Science. I am a keen badminton player, gym goer and make time to travel the world.

adil

Adil Siganporia

Treasurer

Born in India and I have been living in the UK for nearly 20 years. Whilst studying for my bachelor’s degree, I worked as a care assistant at St Richards in Chichester and at Huntington House care home in Hindhead.

I am a qualified accountant with over 10 years of experience working in Finance and Accountancy in manufacturing and services industries. I have worked for both, SMEs and large corporations. My area of expertise is in project and change management and business development.

I hope to utilise my experience and knowledge to date to support Independent Lives and help assist move the charity forward.

jo-tuck

Jo Tuck

Trustee

I am a working single mum with lived experience of disability and a keen interest in health and social care. I am passionate about choice, independence and equality for all.

I was born with a hip and pelvis deformity which meant that my childhood and adolescence was dominated by clinicians and social workers trying to get me fixed enough to ‘fit’ into the world.

As a young adult I became interested in and connected with the disabled people’s movement and as I learnt and came to understand the social model of disability, I felt empowered to live independently as a disabled person and to challenge service providers and decision makers who limited my independence or choice.

I have worked in health and social care services in the community & voluntary sector for about 25 years. As a volunteer, as a service co-ordinator and as a team manager.

My current employment is with Healthwatch West Sussex, the user and public champion for health and care services in the county. I also volunteer with Girlguiding UK and enjoy being involved with community events and projects.

simon-wilson

Simon Wilson

Trustee

Though I have Cerebral Palsy with no speech, I run my own disability consultancy called SimonsAble, providing a range of services. My particular interests are working towards achieving equality for people with disabilities, so that people both with and without disabilities have the same opportunities.

I undertake my role at Independent Lives with a critical mind and draw on my life experience to provide Independent Lives with a fresh perspective.