Ash Verma
Chair of the Board
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We make key strategic decisions for Community ConneX. Our work ensures that we keep true to our goals and core values in all that we do.
Chair of the Board
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Vice Chair
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Treasurer
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Trustee
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Trustee
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Trustee
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Trustee
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Trustee
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Chair of the Board
“We bring business and communities together for good causes.”
I provide leadership and support to the Board in the governance, performance, and strategic oversight of Community ConneX. I consult and liaise with our Chief Executive on key emerging issues and challenges in the health and social care sector. My ambition for Community ConneX is to contribute to its future development and growth and help foster connections with likeminded charities and organisations in the UK and abroad.
I’ve had a successful fifty-year career as a leader of innovative regeneration, community development and diversity initiatives that make a positive difference to businesses and communities across London and overseas.
Vice Chair
“We challenge and inspire each other to help people achieve their dreams.”
I ensure that we maintain the highest standards of governance by reviewing and developing the skills we require as a Board and by ensuring we are accountable. I also attend community activities so that I can engage with people who use Community ConneX services. This supports us in developing more responsive services, tailored to meet needs of individuals and families.
My background is in education and I know the difficulties faced by young people with a range of additional needs, and those of their families.
Treasurer
“We build on solid foundations to reach and support more people.”
As Treasurer I work closely with the Board and Executive team to ensure the financial stability of Community ConneX.
I have spent my entire working life in financial services. This has provided me with a sound understanding of all financial and non-financial risks associated with running an organisation and allows me to advise both the Senior Leadership Group and Board members of any key risks likely to impact on Community ConneX.
Trustee
“As an expert by experience, I campaign for people to have choices in how they live their lives.”
The rights of people with learning disabilities and autism have been central to me throughout my life and I use my lived experience to support our engagement and Campaigns at Community ConneX.
My background as a carer and my role as a self-advocate have revealed the numerous obstacles that under-represented people encounter. I do my best to empower others to identify, overcome and hopefully remove the obstacles to ensure equality for all.
Trustee
“I engage with our volunteers and clients to address challenges and bring people together.”
I work together with the other Trustees to ensure the organisation manages its resources responsibly. As part of this I visit different services within Community ConneX. I do this so that I can gain insights into how we are performing as an organisation. I also get the opportunity to listen to clients, families and staff and measure the positive impact we have on individuals and communities.
My experience within the retail corporate environment, specifically in finance, enables me to support the work of Community ConneX.
Trustee
“We listen to clients, families and communities to create opportunities.”
I work closely with the Chair, Trustees and the Chief Executive to ensure that the organisation is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit and complying with governance and the law. It is crucial that the organisation is run with care and skill and resources are managed effectively.
My background in business development and international trade management enables me to support with new business ventures and create opportunities for Community ConneX. I’m passionate about supporting the community and am a trustee with various other charities, including Our NHS Our Concern, Arts & Culture and Tribal Healthcare.
Trustee
“We roll our sleeves up and connect communities as our name states.”
As a PR consultant with over 20 years’ experience working for recognised corporate organisations and charities, I use knowledge, skills and experience to raise the profile and awareness of what we provide at Community ConneX.
I started volunteering with Community ConneX (then Harrow Mencap) in 2016. I was impressed with how actively the charity operates with both clients and the wider community. I knew that I had a role to play in publicising the services and the outreach work of Community ConneX.
Trustee
“I believe everyone should be valued equally, listened to and included.”
As a carer myself, I engage with other carers, to ensure that their views are heard directly by our Board and that the organisation acts in the best interests of both the organisation, our clients, carers and staff. Our clients and carers experiences should be at the heart of all we do.
With a working knowledge of psychology and talking therapies, I champion voices that are not always heard. I’m passionate about Community ConneX services having seen the support my brother has received over many years of support from this forward-looking charity.
We work collaboratively to provide strategic and operational oversight of the organisation and our staff, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to our clients.
Chief Executive & Company Secretary
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Deputy Chief Executive
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Director of Operations
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Finance Director
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HR Director
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Chief Executive & Company Secretary
“I’m passionate about addressing inequalities and removing barriers.”
I define and embed the culture and values that underpin every facet of our organisation’s structures, services, and campaigning activities. I lead the development and execution of our strategic goals and ambitions, whilst operating on a sound financial footing. I also act as the public face of Community ConneX by developing and maintaining positive and constructive relationships with key stakeholders. As company secretary I ensure we have an effective governance structure that operates within financial and legal regulations.
I have worked for over 40 years in health and social care, housing and Charity sectors with 30 years of experience in senior management and executive roles at local, regional and national levels.
Deputy Chief Executive
“I am committed to making sure everyone has the same opportunities to lead fulfilling lives and be able to access the right support to achieve their goals.”
I am responsible for making sure our organisation delivers high-quality services that meet the needs and aspirations of the citizens we support. I work with the Board and Senior Team Leaders to set out our strategic priorities, ensure new business opportunities are identified and developed so that we can address gaps, increase choice and extend our reach.
With over 25 years working in social care and 12 years in senior leadership roles, I have extensive experience in managing and delivering services for people with learning disabilities. My finely honed ability to identify best practice guides my approach to developing all of Community ConneX services.
Director of Operations
“Supporting people and communities to lead better lives is one of the most rewarding experiences in life.”
I lead and manage most of the operations teams that deliver the crucial services for our clients. I am also leading on growing the Community ConneX business so that we can help and support more people.
No one organisation is the same, but as a leader in the not-for-profit and charity sectors after a successful career in the civil service, I am confident I can use my wealth of experience to help Community ConneX realise our ambitious growth plans.
Finance Director
“We achieve growth through strategic planning, effective monitoring, and robust financial control and management practices, whilst ensuring a healthy cash flow.”
It’s my responsibility to provide strategic insights and support that positively impact our financial health and decision-making processes. This is how we ensure smooth deliveries through efficient resource management, financial prudence, transparency, and accountability.
I am a Chartered Accountant with extensive international experience in public financial management. As a former Accountant General for an entire country, I am confident in my leadership of our organisation’s strategic financial planning, analysis, reporting and control.
HR Director
“Empowering our people to serve our community through a great culture and as an employer of choice is so rewarding.”
I lead all elements of the employee experience, from joining Community ConneX to career development and beyond. Through our HR policies and practices, I make sure our people are in the best position to deliver great individual care and make a different to people’s lives.
I have a diverse HR portfolio comprising both global corporate roles and also local and personal support of community-based organisations. With over 25 years of leadership and HR expertise, I bring a pragmatic approach that keeps us moving forward to achieve the objectives of Community Connex.
Your donation could bring someone out of social isolation, help support autistic people, people with a learning disability, and their families. We also use your donations to provide disadvantaged children and young person with opportunities to develop themselves and grow.
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