Our Board of Trustees

Young Epilepsy's Board of Trustees is the governing body and is ultimately responsible for everything we do and how we do it.

The board governs the affairs of the charity, ensuring that we are well run and deliver charitable outcomes that benefit children and young people with epilepsy.

Meet our board of Trustees

Jane Ramsey Chair of Trustees

Chair of Trustees

Jane Ramsey

Jane Ramsey Chair of Trustees

Chair of Trustees

Jane Ramsey

I have been the Chair of Young Epilepsy’s Board of Trustees since October 2016.

 

Before joining Young Epilepsy, I was Chair of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for 4 years, joining in November 2012 from University College Hospitals where I was vice chair.  Previously I chaired and had been a non-executive/trustee on the Boards of a wide range of public and not-for-profit organisations including the Council of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, the Department of Health Audit and Risk Committee, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, a London housing association, following years as a senior lawyer in local government.

 

I was a member of the Committee on Standards in Public Life which advises the Prime Minister on ethical standards in public life from 2016 to 2020. 

 

Following the Equality and Human Rights Commission report into antisemitism, I was appointed as Senior Advisor on Standards and Ethics to the Labour Party.

Profile photograph of Professor Helen Cross taken outside in a garden

Trustee

Professor Helen Cross OBE

Profile photograph of Professor Helen Cross taken outside in a garden

Trustee

Professor Helen Cross OBE

I was appointed to the Young Epilepsy Board of Trustees in 2008.

 

I am the Prince of Wales’s Chair of Childhood Epilepsy and Director of the UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (UCL GOS ICH). I am also Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, and Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, UK.

 

I lead the research programme across UCL GOS ICH, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Young Epilepsy. The aim of my research has been finding ways to improve outcomes in early-onset epilepsy, specifically in assessing the roles of surgery, dietary therapies and other novel treatments.

 

I’ve held key leadership roles, nationally and internationally. I’m currently President of the International League Against Epilepsy 2021–25 (the global body for professionals involved in the care of people with epilepsy) and Clinical Advisor to the National Children’s Epilepsy Surgery Service.

 

I was Clinical Advisor to the update of the NICE guidelines for Childhood Epilepsy 2018–22. I’ve published  more than 400 peer-reviewed research publications, reviews and book chapters, and have received several awards for my work.

 

I’m married with three adult daughters, one of whom is a doctor.

 

I’ve been involved with Young Epilepsy for many years since my medical training. Working with the charity has been a real privilege, allowing me to broaden the range of relevant research topics and bring user experience to the table.

Profile photograph of Professor Katie Stevens taken outside in a garden

Trustee

Katie Stevens

Profile photograph of Professor Katie Stevens taken outside in a garden

Trustee

Katie Stevens

I was appointed to Young Epilepsy’s Board of Trustees in October 2020.

 

I’m a chartered accountant with more than 30 years of finance, risk and audit experience, in the public and private sectors. Since qualifying, I’ve worked for multinational corporations in the construction industry, consumer goods and professional services, in more than 100 countries.

 

These roles gave me broad experience of transformation and project management, finance and risk management, strategic management, governance, and internal and external audit.

 

Being diagnosed with epilepsy at an early age, I quickly recognised the challenges people with health conditions and their families can face, and how important life really is.

 

As a result, I’m passionate about diversity and inclusion, with a strong desire to raise awareness and to support people to discover their inner confidence. I’m determined to help create a society that understands epilepsy and allows children and young people to thrive and be themselves.

 

That’s why I decided to retire early and dedicate myself fully to supporting, in voluntary roles, the most vulnerable in our communities.

 

I’ve been Chair of the Disability Employee Support Network for the UK rail industry and am presently an Associate Non-Executive Director for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

 

I am also Trustee and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Resources Committee for Ascent Academies’ Trust, which provides education and support for young people with special educational needs.

 

I’m a Member of Ethos Academy Trust, which provides alternative provision for young persons, a Trustee and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for Scope, Trustee and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for Camphill Village Trust, and Trustee and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion for Epilepsy Action.

 

Outside of my voluntary work I love spending time with my husband, in particular trekking together through the beautiful Northumbrian countryside.

Lesley Steeds a member of our EGB

Trustee (Surrey County Council Representative)

Lesley Steeds

Lesley Steeds a member of our EGB

Trustee (Surrey County Council Representative)

Lesley Steeds

I’ve been a Surrey County Councillor since 2017. In June of that year, I was appointed as the council’s representative on the Young Epilepsy Trustee Board and Education Governing Body.

 

I started my career in accountancy. I was a founder member of the Women’s Association for Corporate and Certified Accountants, gained a teaching certificate and became a lecturer in Business Studies. I also have a BA in Political Studies and an MA in English Literature.

 

I worked for a family business that was awarded a Royal Warrant to HM Queen Elizabeth II.

 

I also completed a three-year counselling course, am a qualified hypnotherapist and have studied other complementary and alternative therapies.

 

I’ve worked voluntarily in the community for many years, been a governor of two schools in Tandridge and worked at Headway, Uckfield with ABI clients.

 

I’ve been involved in politics for many years and, in 2023, was re-elected as a district councilor for Lingfield and Crowhurst and Lingfield Parish Council.

Profile photograph of Nick Bell taken outside in a garden

Trustee

Nick Bell

Profile photograph of Nick Bell taken outside in a garden

Trustee

Nick Bell

I’ve been a Trustee of Young Epilepsy since 2018 and am proud to have been with the organisation through a period of transition, strengthening and growth. 

 

As a member of the Fundraising and Engagement and Health Services Committees, my role is to provide oversight and advice in these areas, and to ensure compliance with key regulatory bodies, including the Care Quality Commission and the Fundraising Regulator.

 

I’ve been a professional fundraiser and marketer for more than 20 years, working in a number of sectors, including health and social care, disability and international development. 

 

I have primary-aged twin boys who keep me busy but, when I can find the time, I play squash, cycle and write.

Profile photograph of Simon Neville taken outside in a garden

Trustee

Simon Neville

Profile photograph of Simon Neville taken outside in a garden

Trustee

Simon Neville

I joined Young Epilepsy’s Board of Trustees on 30 September 2020 and have recently been reappointed to my second term of office ending in 2026.

 

I sit on the Finance and Audit and Estates committees, where I apply my professional skills to ensure we remain a well-funded and efficiently managed organisation able to deliver on our strategy and charitable objectives.

 

I’ve previously been a governor of a London college and enjoy working with young people.

 

I’m a chartered certified accountant by training and moved into the more specialised areas of corporate finance and treasury some 30 years ago.

 

I currently advise Taulia, a leading Fintech (technology to improve and automate financial services) owned by SAP. I previously held senior leadership positions in Centrica, a major energy provider.

 

For eight years, until May 2021, I worked at Reckitt Benckiser, a global consumer group and the UK’s 11th largest listed company. My teams at Centrica and Reckitt managed all aspects of funding, foreign exchange and risk.

 

I was attracted to Young Epilepsy because it’s a purpose-driven charity that makes a massive difference in people’s lives and improves health outcomes. This sense of purpose, coupled with the contributions I can make in marketing and financial and estate management, make being a trustee hugely rewarding.

 

I like to travel widely, have managed to visit almost 80 countries and lived in eight. I also enjoy cooking. When younger, I played semi-professional tennis.

Profile photograph of Tamsin Jones taken outside in a garden

Trustee

Tamsin Jones

Profile photograph of Tamsin Jones taken outside in a garden

Trustee

Tamsin Jones

I am a serving Police Officer with the Metropolitan Police Service working across frontline policing and more recently within Learning and Development. Prior to joining the MPS, I held a number of senior leadership roles within the education sector both in schools and further education colleges across Surrey, London and Worcestershire.

 

I have a wide range of leadership and management experience and have been responsible for leading organisational turnaround, curriculum development, quality improvement, commercial growth and an enhanced learner experience.

 

My educational background includes a degree from Cardiff University, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and an MBA from Warwick University.

I  joined the Education Governing Body in October 2020 and I am currently Chair.

Profile photograph of Amit Bali taken outside in a garden

Trustee

Amit Bali

Profile photograph of Amit Bali taken outside in a garden

Trustee

Amit Bali

I joined the Young Epilepsy Board of Trustees in November 2020. Through my trustee role I get to help, support and oversee the great work Young Epilepsy does for children, young people and families affected by epilepsy.

 

I work as a Consultant Paediatrician with Expertise in Epilepsy at Barts Health NHS Trust and am currently the Epilepsy Regional Clinical Lead for North Thames. I bring my healthcare knowledge and experience to the Young Epilepsy Board and its Health Services Committee.

 

My two young children keep me busy but I still find time to enjoy football and running. I even raised money for Young Epilepsy by running a marathon in my younger days. 

 

I’m lucky to have had a long association with Young Epilepsy, joining as a Darzi fellow in 2014 and continuing on with research and policy work. I’m particularly proud of the work I’ve carried out in partnership with young people and families. I’ve seen first-hand the fantastic work the charity does, and the difference it has made to their lives.

Tamsin Jones Chair Designate

Trustee

David Pierpoint

Tamsin Jones Chair Designate

Trustee

David Pierpoint

I have lived close to St. Piers School & College for over 20 years and have always been aware and hugely impressed with the excellent care and support provided by Young Epilepsy to children and young adults who suffer from severe forms of epilepsy and related conditions.

 

In 2018 when I too was diagnosed with epilepsy the importance of the role of the School and College and the support they provide became even more apparent. My diagnosis motivated me to become more actively involved in Young Epilepsy and to provide more help and assistance and this is why I applied to become a Governor and was appointed in July 2019.

 

I am proud to be the Vice Chair of the Education Governing Body and the Chair of the Finance & Resources Sub-Committee and to be able to help the Young Epilepsy Management team and all the teaching Staff.

 

In October 2023 I was appointed as a Trustee on the Young Epilepsy Trustee Board.

 

Prior to retiring in 2023 I worked for DHL in the role of Divisional Managing Director with responsibility for managing all their Life Sciences and Healthcare business. This gave me the opportunity to work with some of the largest global Pharmaceutical and Medical Device companies, many of whom supplied the innovative and sometimes life savings drugs and products that people who suffer from epilepsy rely upon.

 

In my spare time I am a keen cyclist and runner and often enjoy jogging around the campus and meeting the Pupils and Staff.

Tom Hadley Young Epilepsy Trustee head shot

Trustee

Tom Hadley

Tom Hadley Young Epilepsy Trustee head shot

Trustee

Tom Hadley

I am the founder of HadleysComment, a provider of training, coaching and consultancy services as well as public speaking and event facilitation support. I launched my own business following several years as Policy and Campaigns Director and a member of the Senior Leadership Team at the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC).

 

I have a track record of influencing public policy and of building partnerships between education, charities, government, and employers. This has been at the heart of my past work on initiatives like Disability Confident. My current projects for the International Labour Organization (ILO) shine a light on innovative approaches to community engagement and to delivering social impact from across the world. I look forward to reaching into this to support the pioneering work of Young Epilepsy.

 

My sister Elizabeth lived with epilepsy for many years and dedicated her working life to caring for young people with disabilities. She remains an inspiration and I fundamentally believe in the vision of creating a society where young people with epilepsy can thrive and fulfil their potential. Being a Trustee and Board Member of Young Epilepsy is an honour and a privilege; it is an opportunity to work with a great team and to make change happen.

 

I was appointed as a Trustee of Young Epilepsy in October 2023.

Paolo Morris, Young Epilepsy Trustee

Trustee

Paola Morris

Paolo Morris, Young Epilepsy Trustee

Trustee

Paola Morris

I was appointed to the Young Epilepsy Board of Trustees in 2023.

A native Italian, I spent most of my adult life in the UK prior to moving to Beijing, my first international posting with Education In Motion (EiM). I have been with EiM for the past ten years, spending the last seven as a Director of Business Administration and Bursar at Dulwich College (Singapore), overseeing most of the non-academic functions in the College including Human Resources, Finance, Procurement, Nursing, Operations and Facilities, ICT, Governance, Compliance and Quality Assurance.

I believe that all children and adults, irrespective of age, gender and disability, should be able to enjoy the rights that are inherent to their human dignity without discrimination of any kind, and that society must adapt its structures to ensure this happens. I am committed to improving hiring practices that seek to build an inclusive society and enable lives of persons with disabilities, continuously seeking ways to better integrate differently-able talent into the workplace. I am also the Designated Safeguarding Lead and am committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of students at the College.

In my free time, I enjoy reading or watching the TV. I also love spending time with family back in the UK as a grandmother of two.