Meet our Steering Group

Denise Bowles is a passionate advocate, working with Inclusion North to make sure the voices of people with a learning disability are heard.

Denise works as a Co-Researcher and has also been involved in research with Lancaster University, helping to shape projects that focus on inclusion and improving people’s lives. Through her work, she brings lived experience into research, making sure it reflects what really matters to people. 

Jonathan Andrews is a dedicated advocate for disability and neurodiversity inclusion, with over a decade of experience shaping policy and championing visibility for disabled and neurodivergent people. He is a solicitor specialising in Entertainment and Media law at Reed Smith, where he uses his platform to promote inclusion and support others.

He currently serves as the youngest-ever Mayor of the London Borough of Bromley, where he champions inclusion across the borough and supports local disability and autism initiatives.

Jess is a co‑trainer for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, helping to deliver learning disability and autism awareness training through lived experience to care organisations and professionals. Her role supports better understanding and improved care across the health and social care workforce.

Jess is an ambassador for Loveable, a neurodivergent social group, where she serves as a Community Voices panel member, helping shape activities and support that reflect the community’s needs.

Piangfan Naksukpaiboon is a researcher based at the University of Birmingham, where she specialises in environmental forecasting – using data and models to help us understand changes in the natural world.

She first found her passion for sport through archery after moving to the UK, joining a local club and quickly developing both skill and confidence. After five years in archery, Piangfan chose a new challenge and turned her focus to climbing. She hopes to compete in the British Paraclimbing Championships this year, continuing to test her abilities and inspire others through sport.

Mary Woodall is a confident and passionate self-advocate supported by Achieve together. She is well known for speaking up for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, helping ensure their voices are heard.

Mary is part of Learning Disability England’s Representative Body, where she helps influence decisions and campaigns that affect people’s lives. She has supported important work, such as the My Vote My Voice campaign, encouraging people to have their say.

She is also Co-Chair of Unity and a member of Campaign 4 Change, working alongside others to improve services and create positive change. Mary has spoken at national events and taken part in discussions that help shape social care.

Kelsey Verity is a powerful advocate for safeguarding, driven by personal experience and a deep commitment to protecting others. She works for Dimensions as a relief quality consultant and is the Vice-Chair of the Dimensions Council, advocating for the best possible support for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. She co-chairs the North Region’s Everybody Counts group and is the Council’s representative at the National Health and Safety meeting.

Alongside this, Kelsey has worked hard to live independently, build her skills, and contribute through volunteering – including with Dimensions and the British Heart Foundation. Kelsey is a champion for safeguarding and an inspiration to everyone she meets. Her story is one of bravery, advocacy and hope – and she’s just getting started.