Meet our board
Our work is directed by the people who know best - our members and customers. We are run by the people who use our services and led by a board of trustees directly accountable to all other members.
We are governed by a board of trustees with majority representation of disabled people, people with health conditions, and carers.
Chandos Green
Chair
I am a disability and young person's campaigner following a nineteen yearlong battle with a brain tumour. Since a young age I have been heavily involved in representation the voice of young people in local communities where disability discrimination is an issue. Having worked alongside the Department of Work of Pensions as a user led ambassador, for a short period between 2012-2015, I then began studying at university and graduated in 2017 with a degree in social work.
I am now the director of a small community interest company that supports young people into employment through social action campaigns. While also acting as a consultant for small charities, I offer help with fundraising strategies and support with developing new youth work services.
Despite my physical and mental health disabilities I am keen to work with Independent Lives to support the voice of those in the community to get equal access to high quality support that values them as individuals.
David Hardman
Vice Chair
I have worked in sport sector for several years both in coaching & strategic management. Currently, I work at Tennis Foundation as disability tennis development manager where my main objective is to engage more disabled people to play, volunteer and coach tennis across Great Britain.
I bring my skills of event management, strategic planning and relationship building to Independent Lives.
As you would expect I am passionate about sport and have a degree in Sport & Exercise Science. I am a keen badminton player, gym goer and make time to travel the world.
Toby Hewson
Trustee
I'm a passionate advocate in the disability sector, living with cerebral palsy. Over the years, I have become a prominent speaker and champion for disability rights.
I've had the privilege of addressing audiences in the UK and internationally, sharing my insights on disability issues.
My speaking engagements have been varied, taking me to esteemed institutions like Oxford University and high-profile political venues such as the Houses of Parliament and 10 Downing Street.
I've held positions as the Trustee Chair and Co-Chair of Communication Matters, Trustee and Treasurer of One Voice, and have been involved as a Parish Councillor for Walberton. I also serve as a Trustee of the Walberton Play Centre.
I've also received several awards and accolades, including the BT ChildLine Award in 2006, recognition in the Local Hero Awards in 2012, being a finalist in the Skills for Care Accolades in 2012/13 in the best individual employer category and being listed in Celebrating Sussex’s 100 most inspirational people in 2019.
Most recently, in 2023, I received the Communication Matters Outstanding Inclusion Community Award.
Outside work, I live with my wife, Helen, and enjoy skiing, refereeing Boccia, dining out, and visiting the theatre.
Adil Siganporia
Treasurer
Born in India and I have been living in the UK for nearly 20 years. Whilst studying for my bachelor’s degree, I worked as a care assistant at St Richards in Chichester and at Huntington House care home in Hindhead.
I am a qualified accountant with over 10 years of experience working in Finance and Accountancy in manufacturing and services industries. I have worked for both, SMEs and large corporations. My area of expertise is in project and change management and business development.
I hope to utilise my experience and knowledge to date to support Independent Lives and help assist move the charity forward.
Jo Tuck
Trustee
I am a working single mum with lived experience of disability and a keen interest in health and social care. I am passionate about choice, independence and equality for all.
I was born with a hip and pelvis deformity which meant that my childhood and adolescence was dominated by clinicians and social workers trying to get me fixed enough to ‘fit’ into the world.
As a young adult I became interested in and connected with the disabled people’s movement and as I learnt and came to understand the social model of disability, I felt empowered to live independently as a disabled person and to challenge service providers and decision makers who limited my independence or choice.
I have worked in health and social care services in the community & voluntary sector for about 25 years. As a volunteer, as a service co-ordinator and as a team manager.
My current employment is with Healthwatch West Sussex, the user and public champion for health and care services in the county. I also volunteer with Girlguiding UK and enjoy being involved with community events and projects.
Simon Wilson
Trustee
Though I have Cerebral Palsy with no speech, I run my own disability consultancy called SimonsAble, providing a range of services. My particular interests are working towards achieving equality for people with disabilities, so that people both with and without disabilities have the same opportunities.
I undertake my role at Independent Lives with a critical mind and draw on my life experience to provide Independent Lives with a fresh perspective.
