Our trustees
Our trustees are responsible for the overall governance of the charity.
We aspire to the highest governance standards because we recognise the link between good governance and impact. We believe good governance is about genuinely holding ourselves to account for making a positive difference to the people we work with; helping them to speak up and make meaningful choices about what happens in their lives.
We are proud of our board’s diversity; it reflects the communities we work in. Our ‘experts by experience’ trustees draw on the challenges they face to make sure those living with mental health issues, learning disabilities and dementia have a voice at the board table. Across our board our trustees also have a vast range of diversity in skills and experience, ensuring that we are well placed to deliver on our vision and mission by drawing on a robust and varied skillset.
We’re delighted to have recently welcomed five new trustees to our board. You can find out more about them, and all our trustees, by following the links below.
Dr Dele Olajide
Dr Dele Olajide is Chair of the Board of Trustees. He previously worked as Associate Medical Director, Caldicott Guardian and Governor at the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
Read more about Dele
What experience do you bring to The Advocacy Project?
“I worked for many years as consultant psychiatrist at the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM). People with mental health conditions are vulnerable, often disenfranchised, disempowered and not able to advocate for themselves, unless they have assertive and engaged relatives. I am a firm believer in giving service users and their carers voices in the care provided for them. It is not surprising I should want to become a trustee – and now Chair – of The Advocacy Project.
As a Caldicott Guardian, my role included empowering patients and improving organisational transparency – especially when we get things wrong so we learn from our mistakes. My role also included making sure we adhered to the laws protecting patient confidentiality in our clinical and research undertakings.
At SLAM I was also involved in developing electronic systems so professionals and patients can co-produce patient records. Doctors could project information onto a screen in real time during a meeting, so a patient can see what’s written about them and update factual information. This also means professionals are thoughtful and compassionate about what they write in patient notes. It engenders trust and has led to fewer complaints. This was a welcome shift in the professional/ patient power relationship resulting in greater empowerment and autonomy for patients.
I also led on greater openness in sharing information with carers and families. Carers play an important role in managing symptoms, behaviour and effect of medication on their loved ones. They are able to carry out their caring roles more effectively if information in the patients’ records is shared with them.”
What do you like about being on the Board of Trustees?
“As a trustee of The Advocacy Project, I’m establishing robust quality initiatives to help us track what we do. Having quality data helps to make our work more effective. I am very supportive of the board reflecting the diversity of the London communities it serves”
What do you do in your spare time?
“I recently retired from the NHS and have been excited to be able to focus on The Advocacy Project and my other interests. I am an honorary medical adviser to the Actors Benevolent Fund, which provides financial support for actors who have fallen on hard times, usually because of an illness. I am passionate about opera, classical and jazz music. I love to take walks in our local park and engage in inspirational cooking for relaxation.”
Roger Skipp
Roger Skipp brings a wealth of business and healthcare experience from running a number of hospitals. He is inspired by organisations that support people with mental health issues.
Read more about Roger
What background and experience do you bring to The Advocacy Project?
“I’m Hospital Director at an acute surgery hospital in Sussex owned by the charity Nuffield Health. As well as hospitals, the organisation runs gyms across the country to help improve the nation’s health.
I started my career in the NHS, then ran acute medical/surgical hospitals in the private sector. Although I’ve worked for large corporations, each hospital has been a small unit: not too bureaucratic, and very focused on patient care. What I really enjoy is the feeling of looking after people – patients and their families – and them leaving in better shape than they came in.
I spent 10 years working for The Priory group in mental health, which was fascinating. On my regular walks around one of the hospitals I ran, young people would often avoid interacting with people in suits like me. I always knew when they were getting better because they would eventually start calling over “Hi Rog, how are you doing?” I found it hugely rewarding seeing their recovery.
I’m very appreciative of organisations like The Advocacy Project, who work with inpatients in hospitals. Advocates help articulate and protect the needs, desires and concerns of people who can’t do that for themselves because of their circumstances. And seeing people struggle with the social stigma around mental health has inspired me to be involved with organisations that make a difference in this way.”
What do you like about The Advocacy Project?
“Lots of things – particularly that the organisation is innovative, not just ticking over. The passion of the people involved means it punches above its weight. I particularly like the ways it brings people together around important topics, for example the parliamentary reception and ongoing professional seminars. The Advocacy Project is very clear in its goals and objectives, with a grounded focus on what it’s trying to achieve.”
What are your areas of interest on the board – what do you bring your skills to bear on?
“I’m focused on how the charity develops in terms of income streams. What interests me is how we can leverage the good work we do by bringing in more income and extending our reach without losing the effectiveness of the present organisation. One of my strengths is asking questions; making space to reflect on why and how we’re doing something, probing to help everyone come to the right conclusion.”
What you do like to do in your spare time?
“I’m married with two grown up step children and I love getting out and about with my family. I’m also interested in classic motoring and enjoy pottering in the garden.”
Rachel Gonzaga
Rachel has a wealth of experience in healthcare communications and patient advocacy. She’s worked across communications and government affairs and led OVID Health’s patient advocacy practice. She started her career in the Cancer Research UK press team, where she developed a passion for campaigning and creating change to improve the lives of patients by telling their stories.
Read more about Rachel
What experience do you bring to The Advocacy Project?
I’m a healthcare communications and patient advocacy consultant with experience spanning senior agency roles, pharmaceutical in-house communications and health charity communications.
In my time in agency, I worked across communications and government affairs, and led their patient advocacy practice. Before this, I held global and UK communications roles at a global pharmaceutical company, which included overseeing internal and external communications as their UK Communications Director.
I started my career in the press office for a large UK medical research charity, where I developed a passion for campaigning and creating change to improve the lives of patients by telling their stories. I love using my science background to translate complicated concepts into plain English.
What do you like about being on the Board of Trustees?
I know how challenging it can be to see things from an outsider’s perspective when you are embedded in an organisation, especially when you’re working for a charity that is trying to achieve a lot with limited resources. I love the idea of being able to help bring a fresh, outside perspective to help solve problems and challenge decisions, with contributions that are grounded in my experience.
The Advocacy Project is an incredibly charity helping to give a voice to people who can’t easily speak up for themselves, and they do this through many different routes. I’ve enjoyed learning about the range of projects the charity works on, and I like the fact that the staff and board truly reflect the diversity of the communities the charity serves.
What do you do in your spare time?
I have two primary school age boys, so taking them to their football matches and birthday parties fills most of my weekends! I’m also part of our local women’s football team and enjoy travelling, especially if it involves trying out the best local restaurants.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Trustee?
Don’t worry if you feel your skill set and experience aren’t 100% within the remit of the charity. If you choose a charity with a cause you feel passionate about, the role will be very rewarding, you will be motivated to learn more about them and the space they work in, and your different perspective will be appreciated.
Jayesh Patel
“The Advocacy Project stood out as a worthwhile cause…the staff have been great and I’m delighted to be working alongside such a dedicated group of people. For me, working with people is the best thing about any role.”
Read more about Jayesh
What experience do you bring to The Advocacy Project?
I’m an enthusiastic chartered management accountant with a unique breadth of experience that spans more than 17 years in various finance, policy and strategy roles across Whitehall Departments and Local Government. I’ve had the privilege of dealing with lots of people including the most senior elected officials and executive board members. Throughout my career I’ve built a history of delivering successful projects and providing valuable advice to assist in strategic level decision making. In my current role I manage a team of Finance Business Partners.
What do you like about being on the Board of Trustees?
I wanted to volunteer and develop my professional experience – a Trustee role is the perfect opportunity to do both of those things. I looked at a number of different charities to apply to when I was seeking a role. The Advocacy Project stood out as a worthwhile cause, and what really attracted me to it are the case studies on this website showcasing just some of the valuable work. As a new Trustee, I’m still very much getting to grips with things, but the staff at The Advocacy Project have been great and I’m delighted to be working alongside such a dedicated group of people. For me, working with people is the best thing about any role.
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy running, cooking, watching films and visiting places with my partner. I also have a mounting number of DIY projects that I’m trying to slowly navigate my way through.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Trustee?
It’s a great way to build up knowledge, skills and experience and work alongside people from a range of different backgrounds and disciplines. It’s really a win-win situation – you’re volunteering but also growing yourself.
Rachel Hutchings
Rachel has over ten years’ experience within healthcare policy, research and advocacy. She is currently a Fellow at the Nuffield Trust where she undertakes qualitative research and policy analysis across a range of topics including health inequalities, digital inclusion and social care.
Read more about Rachel
Rachel has a particular interest in involving people with lived experience in her work. She has a BA in Law from the University of Oxford and a Master’s in International Human Rights Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies, where her research focused on the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and Mental Capacity Act.
What experience do you bring to The Advocacy Project?
I’ve worked in the charity sector for almost ten years always within healthcare policy, research and advocacy. I started by managing a helpline where I provided people with information and support around healthcare rights, before moving to the Alzheimer’s Society where I led policy and campaigns work on the Mental Capacity Act, human rights and end of life care. In my current role at the Nuffield Trust, my focus is on building a strong evidence base for improving healthcare in the UK and developing impactful recommendations for how to improve access to care, and address health inequalities.
What are you most looking forward to about joining the Board?
The work the Advocacy Project does is so important and I’m looking forward to supporting the organisation to think about how to continue to deliver on its objectives. There’s a huge range of work and I’m really excited to learn more about the variety of projects. This is also my first trustee role so I’m keen to learn as much as I can from my fellow trustees about how to do it most effectively.
What do you do in your spare time?
I’m a member of a cycling club and really enjoy exploring new places on my bike. I’ve also recently started gardening and growing my own fruit and veg – only partially successfully so far!
Hasib Dewan
“Our board of trustees is made up of so many experiences from different walks of life. This is critical to our success as it reflects the people we’re here to support. I’m particularly interested in developing our unique selling point in order to have as high an impact as possible in our communities”
Read more about Hasib
What experience do you bring to The Advocacy Project?
I have a track record of delivering high impact change in multiple industries including the tech, financial services and university sectors. My specialism is in developing winning strategies and being tenacious in executing against them. I’m really excited about working with the talented people at The Advocacy Project to build a unique offering and have the biggest impact in supporting people to understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.
What do you like about being on the Board of Trustees?
I joined the Advocacy Project for two main reasons. Firstly, giving back has always been important to me and I have worked in various voluntary roles throughout my career. Secondly, I have a personal interest in the services the Advocacy Project provides due to a family history of dementia.
As a trustee, you have this amazing opportunity to share your skills and knowledge outside of the workplace and have an impact on people’s lives. Being a trustee is something I draw positive energy from every day.
What do you do in your spare time?
My wife and I recently moved into our new home, so I’m mostly learning about (and often failing at) DIY projects. Outside the house renovation, I’ve got a keen passion for almost any sport and will either watch it or try it. Most recently I’ve picked up squash, I’m awful but hope I’ll get a bit better over time.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Trustee?
Being a trustee is a commitment, and if you are able to invest the time you can have a significant impact and make positive change. Because of this I think it’s really important to join an organisation or cause that you are passionate about.
Pankaj Shah
Pankaj Shah joins us as Treasurer to the Trustees. With a wealth of experience across a broad range of financial disciplines, he is well positioned to help us meet one of our key goals aligned with our new organisational strategy – to achieve a sustainable business model through current areas of work, whilst maintaining the high quality we are known for.
Read more about Pankaj
What experience do you bring to the Advocacy Project?
I am a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 45 years’ experience across a broad range of financial disciplines, including accounting, auditing, taxation, and business advisory and management. Over the years, I had built and led a highly successful accounting practice, gaining expertise with a strong track record in supporting clients and growing businesses as a Trusted Advisor.
I have been a Treasurer and Trustee of Sufra NW London for 2 years 6 months and of Sense International for 11 years. In addition, whilst in practice, I was the lead partner for audits of charity clients (including my own community charity, Oshwal Association of the UK). All this has helped me gain a deeper understanding of the issues that charities face.
What are you most looking forward to about joining the Board?
I am most looking forward to the opportunity to give back to the community through meaningful charitable work. Philanthropy has always been close to my heart and, having retired from full time practice I have more free time now, which I am keen to use purposefully. I am excited to be part of a small local charity and use my skills gained over the years to make a real difference.
What do you do in your spare time?
Having recently entered semi-retirement, I can now enjoy some well-earned free time. I am looking forward to becoming more actively involved with a variety of charitable organizations, as well as dedicating more time to family, friends, and travel. I am also now a proud grandfather, and I am especially excited to spend quality time with my granddaughter who recently moved to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I also plan to travel as much as possible with friends whilst I can, and if time permits, I plan to take up golf.
Deborah Finding
Dr Deborah Finding is a Chief People Officer and HR Consultant. She has 15 years of experience in senior People and Culture Roles in global organisations across multiple sectors, including technology, manufacturing, finance, hospitality and NGOs, and she currently works with Galop, the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. Deborah started her career as a mental health support worker and has remained passionate about the power of advocacy and support ever since.
Vivienne Modebe
Vivienne is a lived-experience trustee for The Advocacy Project, bringing both personal insight and extensive professional expertise to the organisation’s governance. She has lived experience of mental health services, which informs her commitment to ensuring that advocacy is compassionate, trauma-informed, and genuinely responsive to the needs of those it supports.
Read more about Vivienne
Tell us a little more about yourself
Alongside the above, Vivienne has worked as a criminal defence solicitor for nearly 20 years, representing individuals facing complex legal and social challenges. Her professional background gives her a strong understanding of how justice and mental health systems operate in practice, and where they can fall short for those who rely on them most.
This combined perspective enables Vivienne to contribute a grounded, thoughtful voice at board level, helping to challenge assumptions constructively and promote inclusive, person-centred approaches. As a trustee, she is particularly passionate about access to justice, meaningful participation, and embedding lived experience into decision-making in a way that is respectful, informed, and impactful.
What experience do you bring to The Advocacy Project?
I bring a combination of lived experience of mental health services and nearly 20 years’ experience as a criminal defence solicitor. This has given me insight into how systems can feel from the perspective of the individual, as well as how decisions are made within those systems. Together, these experiences allow me to contribute a trauma-informed, practical perspective at board level and to help ensure that advocacy remains person-centred, inclusive, and effective.
What are you most looking forward to about joining the board?
I am most looking forward to working collaboratively with fellow trustees, staff, and people with lived experience to help shape the organisation’s strategic direction. I value the opportunity to contribute to a board that takes lived experience seriously and embeds it meaningfully into decision-making. I am also keen to support the organisation in continuing to strengthen trauma-informed practice and high-quality, independent advocacy.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy creative activities that allow me to unwind and recharge. I am an avid knitter and crocheter and enjoy the focus and satisfaction that comes from working with my hands to create something tangible. I also enjoy cake decorating, which combines creativity with precision and attention to detail.
In addition, I play the piano and value the sense of calm, structure, and expression that music brings. These creative pursuits are an important part of maintaining balance and wellbeing alongside my professional and trustee responsibilities, and they reflect my belief in the importance of creativity, patience, and self-care.
