Governance

AbilityNet is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in the UK and registered as a charity in England and Wales and also in Scotland. It was established under a Memorandum of Association, which created the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed by its Articles of Association.

AbilityNet Trustees

The Board of Directors (Trustees) is responsible for the overall strategic direction and sound financial practices within the charity, working in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Senior Management Team. They hold Board meetings on a quarterly basis and receive a Monthly Business Update from the CEO. Senior Managers are invited to Board meetings to provide briefings on different aspects of the charity’s work. 

The current Trustees are:

• Alan Brooks (Chair)
• Mike Evason
• Michelle Gurney (representing WCIT)
• Conner Josey
• Alison Orsi
• Graeme Pedlingham
• Owen Purcell
• Nicky Rumsey
• Douglas Silverstone
• Leigh Smyth
• Stephen Warwick
• Suzie Woodhams

AbilityNet Ambassadors

AbilityNet Board Ambassadors support the charity’s mission and objectives by building relationships, promoting its work, and engaging with key stakeholders. They act as a positive representative of the charity’s values and brand, and help raise awareness and support for the charity’s cause.

The current Ambassadors are:

• Kush Kanodia

Senior Management Team

• Amy Low, Chief Executive Officer
• Fiona Watson, Finance Director 
• Mairéad Comerford, Human Resources Director
• Mark Walker, Head of Marketing and Portfolio
• Pam Dalton, Head of Sales and Customer Success
• Sarah Brain, Head of Free Services
• Will Sutton, Head of Consultancy

Corporate Supporters

IBM has been a supporter of AbilityNet since the early 1990s.

Other Funders and Supporters

The Worshipful Company of IT Professionals is a supporter of AbilityNet.

Audit Committee

AbilityNet’s governance structure includes an Audit Committee which considers the financial conduct of the organisation and related risks.  The Committee meets at least twice a year, one of which is with the External Auditors to review and recommend for Board approval of the Annual report and financial statements. In addition, current plans and actions are discussed and considered to mitigate potential financial, economic and operational risks included on the charity’s Risk Register. Actions are agreed where necessary and progress monitored on a regular basis.

The Committee comprises four experienced Trustees as members and is attended by AbilityNet’s Finance Director and Chief Executive.

Other Governance Information

Diversity & Equality

AbilityNet’s ambition is to provide an inclusive environment to encourage equal opportunities for its employees. We aim to deal with internal and external stakeholders and members of the public free from bias in an open and accessible way. AbilityNet provides training to its employees (mandatory) and Trustees on Diversity and Equality to add to the cultural awareness and understanding of this subject throughout the organisation.

Safeguarding

Learn about our Safeguarding policy, which applies to all individuals working on behalf of AbilityNet, including employees, volunteers, subcontractors, and other representatives. 

Legal Status

AbilityNet is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales No: 3469653. AbilityNet is a Charity, registered in England and Wales, registration number 1067673, and in Scotland registration number SC039866.
Registered Office: Suite 33, Pure Offices Plato Close, Tachbrook Park, Leamington Spa, Warwick, CV34 6WE.

Quality System

AbilityNet is ISO9001:2015 certified. This means that we have built and operate within a Quality Management System which has been independently certified. Our certificate number is 442170/2, issued by IECUK (UKAS 054), Renewal Date 17-Apr-2024. This signals our commitment to excellence in business process and continuously improving customer experience.

Our IT and Technical Security Commitment

We regularly review and update our policies and procedures with regards to our overall IT and technical security, for the assurance of both our staff and our customers. We ensure that our general environment is a safe and secure one in which to conduct our business and protecting our customers’ data is a fundamental requirement of the services we offer.

You can view our Cyber Essentials Plus - Certificate of Assurance on our website which evidences our commitment and details what we have achieved.

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