Welcoming NDTi’s newest Board Members and encouraging future trustees

NDTi is all about making sure people at risk of exclusion, due to age or disability, can live the life they choose. We inspire and support policymakers, services, and communities to make change happen—change that leads to better lives. Our Next Generation Leadership Programme supports leaders in learning disability, autism, advocacy, and older people’s services, fostering a new wave of leaders committed to inclusion and social justice. We train people with lived experience to participate in research and evaluation, ensuring their voices shape the services they use. Additionally, our advocacy work empowers individuals to assert their rights and improve their quality of life.

Now, let’s meet our fantastic new Board Members:

• Clenton Farquharson MBE: A dedicated advocate for equality and inclusion with over 25 years of experience in disability rights advocacy, social justice, and intersectionality.
• Michael Cole: With a rich background in programme management, organisational governance, and equality training, currently the Principal Teaching Fellow in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Imperial College London.
• Ofentse Lekwane: Founder of Wakari, a tech-based accessibility review tool, with over 10 years of international experience in inclusion and social justice.
• Amy Bowring: With 15 years in the voluntary and charitable sector, Amy has worked extensively within homelessness services, addiction recovery, and supporting vulnerable adults and young people.
• Jim Thomas: Bringing over 40 years of experience in social care and health, having held various roles including DHSC Valuing People’s workforce advisor and head of workforce innovation at Skills for Care.
• William Case CF: An expert in Person Centred Planning and Disability Rights, Founder and Chief Executive of Your Support Matters CIC.

While we celebrate our new members, we also recognise the ongoing challenge of finding new Trustees. Many people might not realise what being a Trustee involves or that it’s an opportunity open to them. Common barriers include misconceptions about the time commitment, a lack of understanding of the role, and the belief that it’s not for “people like them.” But Trustees are essential—they play a crucial role in the governance and financial oversight of charities, and their expertise is vital to our success.

If you’re passionate about our mission and have a background in accounting, we’d love for you to consider joining us as our Treasurer. Your skills can help us continue making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Feeling inspired? Want to learn more about becoming a Trustee? Get in touch with us! Together, we can drive positive change and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.