Mencap is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its executive team. Chris Chalkley has been appointed to the role of executive director, personal support services (England), Laura Rees will take up the executive director of people role in October and Mary Mawhinney joins as executive director of governance & company secretary in November.
Under the leadership of Jon Sparkes OBE, who became chief executive in June 2024, these additions to Mencap’s leadership team reflect the organisation’s ambitions for the next phase of its strategic direction.
Jon Sparkes OBE, chief executive at Mencap said: “These appointments will be crucial to progressing Mencap’s work to ensure people with a learning disability get the very best, empowering support, enabling them to engage fully in communities, employment, sport and other activities. This is underpinned by a truly values-based culture and strong governance. Over the next year, we will refresh our strategy, bringing further focus on ensuring the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives on their terms.”
Chris brings vast experience of delivery of social care services for people with a learning disability to this role. He first joined Mencap in 1991 as a volunteer and progressed through front line support worker roles to manage services and hold senior positions leading on quality and business development.
Since February, Chris has been serving as the interim executive director of personal support services (England) and is now taking up the role permanently where he will oversee the delivery of personal support to over 4,000 people with a learning disability in Mencap services.
Chris Chalkley said: “I am excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to continue leading and developing the work that the Mencap personal support team is doing towards ensuring that the people we support are able to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.”
Laura joins Mencap from British Red Cross, where she was senior director of people. She brings great expertise in both the charity and commercial sectors, and is recognised as a transformational leader in operational HR. She has also held senior HR positions at JLL, CBRE, ForgeRock and Bureau Veritas.
At Mencap, Laura will lead all aspects of the charity’s people operations, including HR, volunteering and work on equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. Her strategic HR expertise will be key as Mencap continues to build a diverse and inclusive workforce. She will work closely with the executive team and board of trustees to ensure that Mencap’s values are reflected throughout the organisation.
Laura Rees said: “I am excited to be joining the Mencap family and look forward to working with my team to ensure Mencap’s people have the best possible opportunities to do great work with people with a learning disability, within an inclusive environment that encourages everyone to be themselves.”
Mary served as the chief of staff at the British Red Cross and has spent her career working alongside leaders at the highest level of Government and the charity sector. This includes the United Nations in New York, serving as private secretary to the Australian Prime Minister and adviser to the Trade Minister. She is also a trustee for Step Together Volunteering, a charity that provides support, coaching and volunteering placements in the community for vulnerable and marginalised individuals.
Mary will oversee the work of Mencap’s governance team, legal team, Mencap Trust Company, and will work closely with the Voices Council – a group of 12 people with a learning disability who share their views and experiences to support senior decision making. Mary has a strong track record of supporting and collaborating with boards and committees to make informed, evidence-based decisions.
Mary Mawhinney said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the brilliant team at Mencap and can’t wait to get started.”
