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Barry explains how Swanswell's Supporting People service helped him with non-clinical needs including housing and volunteering opportunities.

The team leading Swanswell

Meet the trustees

‘It’s a privilege to be part of Swanswell; a dynamic organisation with the interests of service users at its heart.’

Rita Stringfellow

Our trustees are talented, ambitious, enthusiastic and innovative thinkers who love a challenge. Most importantly they’re passionate about our vision and cause. Our trustees make sure Swanswell fulfils its charitable aims and objectives. Learn more about them below.

Rita Stringfellow (Chair of the Board)

Rita Stringfellow’s currently a member of the British Association of Social Work. She has experience in social care and health which she led on as North Tyneside council leader. She was previously chair of Day Care Trust and is now chair of Family Rights Group. Rita was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2012 for her work in the voluntary sector.

Dr John Bland (President)

Dr John Bland’s a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners where he’s a part-time practitioner. He’s also a fellow of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care, and lead doctor of sexual health and family planning in the North of Warwickshire and Rugby.

James Watkins (Vice Chair)

James Watkins is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and former Chair of the Birmingham Volunteer Reading Help. James was both the former Political Adviser to the Japanese Government at the Embassy of Japan and the Executive Director of Business Voice West Midlands.

Kevin Warwick (Professor)

Kevin Warwick’s Professor of Cybernetics at the University of Reading. He’s a Chartered Engineer, and a fellow of both The Institution of Engineering and Technology and the City and Guilds of London Institute. Kevin’s also a patron and regular presenter for the Shrewsbury Darwin Festival.

Richard Fass

Richard Fass is a Chartered Accountant who currently works as a consultant and is the Treasurer of Penrose, a mental health housing charity. He's also Non-Executive Director of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust.

Tom Rutherford

Tom Rutherford has 14 years’ experience working with charities within the private wealth industry. He’s currently the Head of Charities Team and Executive Director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in London. He’s also an Associate of the UK Society of Investment Professionals and an FSA Approved Person.

Seema Malhotra

Seema Malhotra’s the MP for Feltham and Heston, and a freelance management consultant. She has experience of business, political and government organisations across the UK and is currently working as Strategic Programmes Director for the UK interactive entertainment industry.

Clarence Mitchell

Clarence Mitchell is Managing Director and Practice Chair of UK Public Affairs, providing strategic counsel, issues and crisis management and C-suite media training across all practice areas and global markets. He joined Swanswell Board of Trustees in September 2012, to advise on governance and strategic direction, with a particular focus on media and public affairs policy.

Meet the executive

Our executive team reports to the board and is made up of the following members.

Debbie Bannigan (Chief Executive Officer)

Debbie is the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the strategic management, promotion and leadership of the organisation. She has extensive knowledge of running a business with a customer focus to a high standard, and has the ability to communicate effectively to a diverse audience. In her role here, Debbie drives the organisation forwards ambitiously, taking an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to business development.

Chris Robinson (Director of Services)

Chris is the Director of Services and oversees the implementation stage of all new contracts ensuring resources are mobilised efficiently and cost-effectively. During her 20 years at Swanswell she has held a number of roles. Chris currently line manages a team of Special Projects workers who are responsible for leading on new services and business development to ensure Swanswell remains a market leading service provider.

Will James (Director of Clinical Governance)

Will provides clinical expertise to monitor and analyse Swanswell’s quality and performance, specifically clinical effectiveness, service user experience and service user safety. Will advises the Executive Team and the Board of Trustees on all clinical matters and leads the establishment of policy relating to the quality of clinical care. Will is also responsible for monitoring overall compliance with the registration requirements set out by the Care Quality Commission.

Will has extensive experience working in the health and social care field and has worked as a clinician and manager in both the public and third sectors.

Chris Beynon (Head of Business Resources)

Chris is the Head of Business Resources and oversees Business Systems, Human Resources, Health and Safety, Talent Development, Finance, Administration, Quality Management, Environmental Management, Organisational Risk Management and Swanswell’s project management approach and reporting. He manages a team of 23 people responsible for these areas.

Jo Cheshire (Head of Sales and Marketing)

Jo is the Head of Sales and Marketing. She oversees marketing, PR, Sales, Fundraising, Internal Communications, Public Policy and Website Development. Jo has over ten years marketing experience and is responsible for Swanswell’s strategic direction, brand integrity and development within Sales and Marketing.