Meet the Team

Executive Leadership Team

David Hoey

Head of Operations
Over the past 25 years I have held a wide range of senior leadership roles combining both operational and commercial skills leading to measurable value in terms of service quality and regional growth
I’m now focused on leading our Service Operations Teams in delivering superior performance, making a distinctive impact and building sustainable services that provide innovative solutions. Linking People, Processes and Technology together in a thoughtful way that genuinely improves our customers lives.
Caroline Hunt

Head of People and Culture
I have worked within HR since 2010 in multiple industries, from Law, Healthcare, Education, Banking, Charity, and Agriculture.
My priorities are people and process – ensuring we promote and grow a culture of diversity and inclusivity, so it’s not only our customers that feel empowered, enjoy their time and live well, but our values employees at HoEM.
Deborah Austin FCA

Head of Finance and Commissioning
I am a Chartered Accountant with more than 35 years' experience in finance, audit, governance and organisational leadership. After over 30 years in accountancy practice, I moved into the charity sector in 2022, driven by a desire to make a more direct impact through my work.
Most recently, I was Director of Internal Operations at The Smallpeice Trust, where I led finance, HR, H&S, facilities, IT, legal and compliance functions as part of the executive team.
I am passionate about helping organisations build strong foundations that enable people and services to thrive. Alongside my professional career, I have dedicated many years to school governance, supporting educational opportunities for children and young people in my local community.
I am proud to be part of Heart of England Mencap and to use my experience to help ensure the organisation can continue making a positive difference to the lives of the people we support.

Strategic Leadership Team

Sarah Browning

Management Accountant
Having always worked in finance, over the past six years, I have enhanced my expertise by gaining CIPP payroll qualifications. After building my career in the manufacturing sector, I’m now proud to contribute to the charity sector, where I find my work both meaningful and rewarding.
Andy Whitmore

Facilities Manager
I joined HOEM as Facilities manager in 2024 because I needed a job with meaning where the beneficiaries of my work are the wonderful smiling, dynamic people that we have as customers. I am very proud to work for them.
I performed a similar function for SHAW Healthcare in Wales, and prior to that I had a long career as a senior operational manager in the civil service.
I am committed to doing my best for our customers and our staff whatever I am asked to do, anywhere in the service.
Catherine Gray

Business and Fundraising Manager
I joined HoEM in 2022, after 18 years working in education. My role allows me to build community relationships, raise HoEM’s profile, and connect with individuals and organisations interested in fundraising and collaboration to make the community we work within a more inclusive place.
I am proud to work for Heart of England Mencap, using my skills to support and empower the people we support to live their best lives
Victoria Hughes

Head of Clinical Effectiveness and Compliance
Lorna Haynes

Operations Manager - Community Team
I have been working within Health & Social Care for over 30 years in a variety of different areas (Day Opportunities, Supported living and Respite) supporting adults with learning Disabilities, always with the focus being that individuals are able to experience life choices and to be able to lead a good and fun quality of life. I am a firm believer in rights for all and that we can all achieve our aspirations!
Ciera Caffrey

Operations Manager - Transitions Team
Marie Divers

Deputy Operations Manager - Community Team
I have worked in health and social care for 19 years, primarily supporting adults with complex needs. I really enjoy my role at Heart of England Mencap - no two days are ever the same.
I’m passionate about working alongside the people and families we support and creating an inclusive environment where individuals can flourish and achieve their aspirations.
Hazel Godwin

Deputy Operations Manager - Transitions Team
Lauren Lockwood

Deputy Operations Manager