Director of Support Services appointed trustee for Learning Disability England (LDE)

We are delighted to announce that Debbie Neill, Director of Support Services at Advance Housing and Support, has been appointed a trustee for Learning Disability England.

Debbie joined Advance in 2015 and offers a wealth of experience gained from more than twenty years working in health and social care, firstly in commissioning roles with Huntingdonshire PCT and Cambridgeshire County Council before moving into the private sector in 2003. Debbie’s area of interest and experience was the commissioning and delivery of community based services for adults and children with disabilities. She has been a trustee of Crossroads and a voluntary non-executive director for a not-for-profit organisation which provides social care support for adults with learning difficulties.

As Managing Director of Careforce, Debbie played an instrumental role in the successful floatation of the company on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. Debbie then led the growth and development of the business taking it from 24 to 52 branches through acquisition, successful tender bids and organic growth. She has held two other director roles in large support organisations.

Debbie said of her appointment: “I look forward to working closely with the Representative Body to help ensure LDE remains true to its primary focus of giving people with learning disabilities a voice on the issues that matter to them..”

She added:” I have always had a strong interest in ensuring people are able to access community services regardless of their ability. I am delighted to have been appointed as a trustee and welcome the opportunity to share my strategic leadership experience in looking for ways to help LDE grow and develop."

The Representative Body Co-Chairs Jordan Smith, Wendy Burt and Scott Watkin said: “Members of the Representative Body led the recruitment of our new Trustees. We were pleased so many people were interested in being part of Learning Disability England. It was a hard decision to make but we are excited six new Trustees will join the Board this year.

We look forward to working with Debbie, Jodie, Jan and Paula who started as Trustees in April. Working together to build on all our different skills and experiences will make LDE stronger and most importantly help us work with people with Learning Disabilities, family members, friends and organisations to make a differences together.”