Who we are?
Board members
Michelle Simpson Chair
I have been aware of DIB for some years, DSN’s Macclesfield office and DIB’s office are next to each other.
In September 2021, I had the opportunity to become a Trustee. The staff, trustees and volunteers, are warm, friendly, and welcoming.
I have worked for Deafness Support Network (DSN) for 18 years, but in Deafness for the past 36 years, when I landed a part time administrator role for AIDS Ahead, A Health, Education and Advice for Deaf People. This led me into becoming a qualified Counsellor/Psychotherapist, providing direct therapy for the Deaf and Deaf/Blind Community. At the time Deaf people were unable to get counselling in their first and preferred language of British Sign Language (BSL), this was quite ground-breaking back in the 1980’s.
I currently, work for DSN as the Executive responsible for the Supported Living Services, Day Services, and the Communication Team.
I love working within the Deaf community, BSL is a beautiful and expressive language and it is an honour to be able to converse with the Deaf community using their language. I have had some amazing experiences working within the Deaf community, including, having the honour to being invited to the Queens Garden Party, and the opportunity to meet her, and Prince Philip, I was also privileged to meet Princess Diana on many occasions, all when I worked for The British Deaf Association as Princess Diana was the Parton of the BDA at the time.
Gill Peate Trustee
I joined the Disability Information Bureau in 2015 after moving to Macclesfield with my job. I work as a solicitor dealing with cases involving Clinical Negligence and Serious Personal Injury.
Prior to qualifying as a Solicitor, I trained as a Nurse and worked as a Ward Sister at Withington Hospital. Both professions have helped me to appreciate the many hurdles experienced by our clients at the DIB. I am married with 2 children and enjoy cycling, hill walking and travel.
Mary Passmore Trustee
I started to volunteer at DIB in March 2023 and my first role was on Reception. I had chosen DIB, as in the past I have always had excellent support and advice from DIB, which has made a very positive change in my life. So, I felt I could pass that experience onto other people.
I was honoured to be asked if I would be interested in becoming a Trustee? This was a totally new venture for me. I read the Trustee Handbook and made the decision to become more involved at a different level. This is a huge learning curve.
Being part of the Volunteering Team for me is a very enjoyable role, very supportive, together with sharing skills and experiences. This was obvious at the 30th Anniversary Event, where much work was required before and during the day, great fun teamwork. I particularly enjoyed promoting DIB.
I have had many varied volunteering roles over the years, covering Mental and Physical Disabilities and other related issues. Having dealt with a range of authorities relating to vulnerable people in our community, I feel I can use these experiences to help in my role as both Volunteer and Trustee at DIB.
Andrew Richards Treasurer
Andrew joined the Board of Trustees in November 2020 and is now the Honorary Treasurer. Andrew spent most of his career working in the private hospital industry in the finance department, managing the accounts function in several hospitals. The last part of his working life was spent undertaking variety of financial interim management contracts in several organisations. He is also a Trustee of The Rossendale Trust. Andrew was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis approximately four years ago, having been suffering from it for over ten years. It was mis-diagnosed ten years earlier and now causes him some mobility issues.
Ali Herdson Trustee
I started volunteering for the DIB in 2020 after lockdown. Prior to this I had worked in the legal sector as a conveyancer in property. The stress at work became too overwhelming and I took early retirement for medical reasons.
My first role for the DIB was data entry and editing the database so management were able to interpret the data of clients to enable the DIB staff to assess where help was needed.
In 2023 I was asked if I would be interested in becoming more involved by becoming a Trustee on the Board. I feel previous work experience and ability to navigate the world whilst having my own physical limitations makes me a useful Board member.
Shopmobility staff
Jacqui Kendall Shopmobility Officer
I first came to DIB in 2012, as I needed their help filling in forms and I have been receiving there help ever since. They have helped me to gain IT skills and a teaching certificate allowing me to pass on a different skills and help other people to show their talent. I love the fact that the DIB want me but really its them that I need.
Staff members
Anna Berwick WWW Project Administrator
I joined the Disability Information Bureau in 2016 as a reception volunteer. After six months I got an opportunity to join the New Leaf Team and could not believe my luck! I love to work for DIB. I feel like I am a part of something special, meaningful, that makes the real difference to people who need support and very often can’t get it anywhere else. I am very grateful for this amazing opportunity and the all the support that I have personally received from DIB’s staff and volunteers. I have met a lot of fantastic, passionate people that made a big impact on my life.