Trustees
Employ-Ability is led by its Trustee Board. which fulfils its statutory obligations as set out by the Charities Commission. The Board have executive oversight and responsibility for the overall finances of the organisation, its strategic management, business planning, sustainability, priority work streams and delivery ensuring the appropriate management of risk.
Company Secretary
Debbie joined the board of trustees after having worked as an employment specialist at Employ-Ability. Debbie has a diverse experience of working in the charity and commercial sector which has given her a good insight into the demands of employers and employees. Debbie is a qualified counsellor and enjoys sewing in her spare time.
Trustee
Jeff joined Employ-Ability with these responsibilities in March 2004 having recently retired from a career in the City. Where he had started as an investment analyst before becoming an investment manager of final salary pension fund portfolios in the private sector and for Local Authorities. He also managed funds for charities.
Chair
I joined the Board as a Trustee having completed a second period as manager, this time as temporary service manager from February to July 2021. After working in supported employment in London and for a consultancy in Bishop’s Stortford, I began working with Ideas Plus in 2000. The working name was changed to Employ-Ability and the service to specialising in working with people experiencing serious mental illness. We moved from predominantly grant funding to largely contract funding and grew from being a Harlow charity to an Essex charity. Now back in retirement I enjoy walking and wood woodwork.
Trustee
I am a new trustee having joined the board late in 2021 having Lived experience of Mental Illness and have had experience of Employment services I felt I wanted to give back a big Thank you. I not only sit on The board of this organisation but also on The board of BATIAS independent Advocacy service and also I’m a public governor representing Mid and South Essex on Essex Partnership Foundation Trust. I also work nationally for the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the National Charity Together and sit on their National Steering Group.
Treasurer
My name is Louise Gu. I am the new treasurer of Employ-Ability and my background is 7 years working in Financial Services sector. Currently, I work in Credit Management for large corporate clients within a global investment bank. I hope to utilise my financial knowledge in particular scrutinising business and financial risks for Employ-Ability. Outside of work, I am married looking after 2 rescued cats and is also a school governor of 2 schools plus a Community Assembly member at Newham Council. I am extremely passionate on D&I initiatives and also involved as a steering member at my work place.
I joined Employ-Ability in 2018 and am also a member of the HR sub-committee. A background in HR, Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility, Manufacturing and Operations management across education, healthcare, manufacturing, third sector and local authority sectors, although having retired from work in 2023, I remain passionate about contributing to organisations supporting disability and social inclusion.
