Our people
Our leadership team
Jane Pattinson (Chief Executive)
Jane joined Watford Mencap in 2005.
After finishing university Jane joined the Shaw Trust supporting people to live independently in their own homes, she then worked for several housing Associations before becoming the deputy CEO at Harrow Mencap.
Jane is also an advisory board member for Herts Care Providers Association and a member of the Hertfordshire Learning Disability Co-production Board.
Watford Mencap is a lovely place to work, with a great team. Things are always changing and moving forward
Ruth Murray (Head of Operations and Deputy Chief Executive)
Ruth joined Watford Mencap in 2001, having started her working life in the corporate world before changing direction in 1995 to become a learning disability nurse.
Ruth joined as part of the advice service before moving on to oversee our learning and leisure activities. In 2021, Ruth started her current role, having overall responsibility for all the services we offer and she also stands in for the Chief Executive, Jane when she is away.
Ruth loves seeing the people we support and the staff trying new things and growing in confidence and she is proud of the difference the organisation makes to people's lives.
Beth Smith (Operations Manager, Residential)
Beth grew up in Watford, working for Watford Mencap from 1999-2001, helping with playschemes and supporting people in their own homes alongside studying for a GNVQ in Health and Social Care. Beth went onto train and qualify as a learning disability nurse, working in a crisis team for adults with learning disabilities, offering assessment and treatment at home to reduce the need for inpatient treatment. Whist working for the NHS, Beth furthered her education, completing a postgraduate degree in mental health studies.
Beth returned to Watford Mencap in 2014 to lead the Care and Support Agency, providing support to children and adults in their own homes, helping people to develop skills, enjoy leisure activities and engage with their local communities. Beth progressed to join the senior leadership team in 2021, responsible for all of the ‘Support at Home’ services including Residential, Supported living and Outreach services. Beth says that she’s loved to see how Watford Mencap has thrived over the years with such a broad range of services and support on offer.
Nilesh Vadhwana (Operations Manager, community services )
Nilesh joined Watford Mencap in 2023. He previously worked in a variety of roles at a food charity, had his own childcare business, worked in further education colleges and in local government organisations.
He is an operations manager looking after Watford Mencap’s community daytime activities for children’s services, adult day opportunities, skills development and advice services. Being part of enabling our people to explore new activities and build confidence in trying new things and then expressing what they enjoy is what makes this such an amazing place to be.
Naomi Sword (HR Manager)
Naomi joined Watford Mencap in 2017. Naomi is CIPD qualified and has over 20 years’ experience of HR gained from the NHS, not for profit and charity sectors. She manages the Human Resources team: managing recruitment and attraction, onboarding, payroll and benefits and compliance. Watford Mencap employs around 170 staff and many volunteers to deliver its services.
Naomi has supported the achievement of gaining silver accreditation in Investors in People in 2020.
“As well as doing the day to day HR I really enjoy supporting managers, whether it’s a manager who needs support with a new process or supporting a manager with a new project.
I love to see the difference the charity makes to people’s lives every day. It’s rewarding to see the people we support learning new skills and enjoying activities. We are normally celebrating something at Watford Mencap and it’s great that we all do that together.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, going for walks with my dog, going to exercise classes and gardening."
Dipika Thakrar (Finance Manager)
Dipika Thakrar (Finance Manager) joined Watford Mencap in 2023 having worked for other charitable organisations previously and prior to that in corporate sectors.
FCCA qualified, she hopes to continuously contribute to decision making and support Watford Mencap effectively across functional teams and senior management.
Michelle Hamilton (Fundraising Manager)
Michelle joined Watford Mencap in 2014 having previously worked in the corporate sector as well as national and local charities.
She leads the team responsible for income generation and for internal/external communication.
Michelle says that coming to work everyday is a new challenge and she is proud of the opportunities the charity provides for people in our community.
Michelle is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
Our Trustees
John Good (Treasurer)
I am a qualified accountant and have worked in both the commercial and not for profit sectors. I worked at Cadbury Schweppes where I was Finance Director in Portugal and also for Africa and the Middle East. I then moved to the charity sector and worked at Leonard Cheshire Disability, International Planned Parenthood and ActionAid. I am now retired and a trustee for Hope and Homes for children which works to improve the lives of children in care systems overseas and the Treasurer for Blue Ventures which supports coastal communities to rebuild fisheries and restore ocean life.
I have been on the Watford Mencap audit committee since 1999, this and my work at Leonard Cheshire disability has shown me that people living with disability currently don't get the support they need and deserve. Making sure that the organisation is well financed is critical and this is my main area of focus
Watford Mencap does an excellent job in supporting people living with disability in South West herts. As a trustee I hope to be able to support the Team in achieving the aims of the organisation and ensure people living with disabilities can fulfill their potential and live their lives to the fullest.
Lynn Green
I have been involved with Watford Mencap for over twenty years, beginning with volunteer recruitment in the early 2000s. Even after moving my career to London, I was determined to maintain my connection with the charity. Watford Mencap has always impressed me with its compassionate and professional approach—its dedicated staff, committed volunteers, and the incredible individuals who engage with our services.
I am passionate about equality and fairness. Everyone deserves to be heard and to live life on their own terms. Becoming a trustee was a natural step for me, allowing me to help ensure that people with learning disabilities in South West Hertfordshire have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
My career has largely been within the charity and health sectors, supporting organisations and volunteers who make a real difference to patients, people with disabilities, and their carers. I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of volunteers supporting individuals affected by sight loss, cancer, MS, and other conditions that can silence voices or block access to essential care.
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve led was the Butterfly End of Life initiative at Northwick Park Hospital. There, I witnessed the profound impact that a compassionate, well-trained team of volunteers can have at one of life’s most critical moments.
I live in Hertfordshire and am a proud parent of three children and grandparent to four. I also share my home with Alba, a lively and affectionate Wire-Haired Vizsla who keeps me on my toes.
Russ Teague
I have over 40 years experience of supporting people with learning difficulties of all ages - as a carer and also by listening to families and people with visual impairment.
At university I studied engineering and economic history. I then spent 24 years with a multinational, multi-cultural company both as a technical specialist and as a consultant with smaller organisations where I developed skills in Change, IT and Project Management.
Recently by listening to people with and without Learning Disabilities I help them to review, respond and develop their lives through the opportunities and challenges of our continually changing world. As a member of the Finance and Audit committee I try to help Watford Mencap make sure it has the resources to support ever more needed services for people with varied Learning Disabilities.
Nicola Cowap
I have been a trustee for about 18 months. I am a retired local GP and live in Watford. My son, Felix has a severe learning disability and has been a user of Watford Mencap’s services for the past 20 years. He is currently sharing a house in Leavesden with his friend, Stuart and they are both supported by Watford Mencap. I was keen to become a trustee, because I think that Watford Mencap is a fantastic organisation. As well as raising awareness of the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities, it works hard to enrich their lives and support their families by providing respite and giving children, young people and adults opportunities to socialise and achieve independence.
Neda Mazraeh
Neda Mazraeh is a dynamic and experienced senior leader with nearly 20 years of leadership experience across both the commissioning and delivery of services in the social care and housing sectors. She has held strategic roles within local authorities, national charities, and housing associations, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on the design, funding, and delivery of high-quality care and support.
Neda has a proven track record in service transformation, strategic commissioning, and partnership development. She has led high-impact programmes that improve outcomes for vulnerable people, including those with learning disabilities and autism, driving long-term systemic change. With a strong focus on sustainability, quality, and value for money, she has overseen the commissioning and redesign of large-scale services across social care, housing, and complex homelessness fields. Throughout her career, she has played a key role in ensuring services remain both financially viable and responsive to diverse community needs.
She is passionate about inclusive leadership and committed to continuous learning and evidence-based practice. Neda holds a master’s degree in Transcultural Mental Health Care, exploring cross-cultural approaches to care, alongside professional qualifications in leadership and housing.
As a trustee of Watford Mencap, Neda brings her strategic insight, governance experience, and sector expertise to support the charity’s mission of empowering people with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives and thrive in their communities.
Beverley Dawkins OBE (Chair)
Beverley Dawkins OBE has been working with children and adults with a learning disability in a variety of roles since she qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 1979.
Joining the Campaigns and Policy Team at the Royal Mencap Society in 2000, her focus was on those with the most profound and complex needs. She helped to develop many of Mencap’s best known campaigns, working closely with families to share their stories and speak out about their experiences.
Joining Generate Opportunities as Chief Executive in 2014, she led this community organisation for adults with a learning disability in SW London until she semi-retired in 2021. Beverley is passionate about supporting children and adults with a learning disability to live a good life.
Amanda Lynch
I joined Watford Mencap as a co-opted advisor in January 2025.
I have worked with families and children with complex additional needs and disabilities with Playskill for 4 years as a Parent Support Worker.
I have leadership experience of Central Government operations as a Civil Servant for 16 years, working in departments such as the DWP and the Government Legal Department. Specialising in Project Management, Programme Management and Change Management.
I am a parent to children who have additional needs and disabilities, and have experience of the Education, Healthcare and Social Care systems in place in Hertfordshire.
I am passionate about improving the experiences, opportunities and lives of children and adults with SEND in Hertfordshire.
Bryan Webb
