Greater support for neurodiversity in focus as the Donaldson Trust announces a trio of appointments
Scotland’s national body for neurodiversity, the Donaldson Trust, has made a trio of appointments to its growing team as it plans to extend its reach to support even more neurodivergent people.
The charity, which provides support to children, young people and adults has recruited Samantha King as Director of Services and Stephen Caulfield as Policy Lead. Louise Storie, who has worked with the charity for almost ten years, has been appointed as Head of Connect, a new training, consultancy and advice service.
Samantha joins the charity with over 20 years of experience in the health and social care sector, having worked with Barnardo’s leading service development and systems redesign. Her role will support the expansion of creative person-centred and innovative services across Scotland.
Influencing change and empowering neurodivergent voices will be the focus of the new Policy Lead role that Stephen Caulfield steps into. Joining from the National Autistic Society Scotland, and prior to this as a parliamentary officer, Stephen is experienced in influencing policy and campaigning to create a society that works for neurodivergent people.
The launch of a new Connect training, consultancy and advice service will be headed up by Louise Storie who is an experienced trainer and facilitator through her work at the Donaldson Trust and delivering the AT-Autism’s National Autism Trainer Programme across NHS England. With a career spanning three decades of strategic and operational leadership, Louise will lead on the development and delivery of neurodiversity training and development programmes, resources and packages of support throughout the UK and beyond to improve access and opportunity for neurodivergent people.
The Donaldson Trust’s Chief Executive, Laura Watkins, said, “These key appointments will accelerate the Donaldson Trust’s ambition and commitment to extend our reach to a wider group of people, providing a range of services that will promote and support the needs of neurodivergent children, young people and adults.
“Working in partnership with organisations, businesses and governments to improve support for neurodiversity, these roles will be pivotal in encouraging understanding, driving excellent practice and creating a society in which neurodivergent people are understood, accepted, treated fairly and valued.
