Three new members join the Prior's Court Board of Trustees - and thanks to a departing Trustee

We are delighted to welcome three exceptional new Trustees to the Prior's Court Board of Trustees.

Sue Clark, Rachel Childs and Dr Carly Jones MBE each bring a unique combination of professional expertise, leadership experience and personal commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people and their families:

• Sue Clark is a Court of Protection specialist and Head of Court of Protection at Trethowans LLP. Alongside her extensive experience supporting vulnerable individuals and families, Sue brings the invaluable perspective of a parent whose son has benefited from specialist support and education. Her knowledge of capacity law, safeguarding and family experiences will be a significant asset to the Board.
• Rachel Childs joins us with a distinguished background in education and regulation. A former headteacher and senior leader across both primary and secondary education, she has since built an impressive career in regulatory governance, holding senior positions with organisations including the Advertising Standards Authority and a number of professional regulators. Her expertise in governance, accountability and strategic oversight will strengthen the Board's work.
• Dr Carly Jones MBE is a nationally recognised autism advocate, adviser and speaker. As an autistic adult, a parent of autistic and neurodivergent children, and a leading voice in autism policy, safeguarding and inclusion, Carly brings both lived and professional expertise. Her commitment to ensuring autistic voices are heard and represented aligns strongly with Prior's Court's mission and values.

Dr Stefan Fafinski DL, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: 

“We are delighted to welcome Sue, Rachel and Carly to the Board. Each brings a unique combination of professional expertise, leadership experience and personal commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people and their families. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge, insight and experience that will help guide Prior's Court as we continue to empower autistic young people with complex needs to achieve their potential and lead happy, healthy, and more independent lives.”

Read more about our Trustees

Thank you to a previous Trustee

Additionally, Carol Unwin has stepped down from her role as a Trustee, so we would like to extend our sincere thanks for her dedication, support and contribution to Prior's Court since joining the Board in July 2021.

Carol joined the Board with a strong desire to use the skills and experience gained throughout her successful career to make a positive difference. Inspired in part by her personal experience of autism, and the challenges faced in accessing the right support and opportunities, she brought both compassion and insight to her role.

Throughout her career, Carol held senior leadership positions within the IT and business process outsourcing sectors, leading complex change programmes, modernising business processes and working across multidisciplinary teams.

Stefan added:

As Carol steps down, I would like to extend our sincere thanks for her dedication, support and contribution to Prior's Court. Her expertise in governance, strategic planning and organisational change provided real value to the Board and Executive team, and she consistently championed the needs of both the young people we support and the teams who work alongside them. We are incredibly grateful for her service and wish her every success, happiness and fulfilment in this next chapter. Thank you, Carol.

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