Our Trustees & Advisors
Our First Trustees
Our launch event on Tuesday 6 October 2015 held at the Middlesbrough Hotel and our First Trustees, Jan Rock (Founder), Ann Dale and Dr Maeve O'Sullivan.
Jan Rock - FOUNDER TRUSTEE & CEO
Jan worked in local government for 22 years, mainly in European and domestic funding programmes aimed at physical, social and economic regeneration, Her skills include: Strategic Planning, Public Sector Administration, Problem Solving, Project Management, Business Case Authoring, Fundraising and Bid Writing. Jan has a degree in Public Service Management, an ILM Post Grad Certificate in Leadership and Management; and is trained to Prince2 Practitioner level.In 2010 her son had a terrible accident, which opened her eyes to a world of inequality she didn't know existed for children and young people with brain injuries. Post discharge her family experienced first-hand the lack of knowledge, help and support that is available to child brain injury families; so Jan and her husband undertook lots of research and developed an innovative approach to neuro-rehabilitation therapy that delivered significant positive outcomes for their son. This later drove her to found MATRIX Neurological as a registered charity.
She said: "In founding this charity my passion now is to share our experiences to help improve the provision of services for children and young people who have sustained an acquired brain injury (ABI) and support their families to ensure they are able to access the help and support they are entitled to. We are also working to deliver significant improvements to the long term outcomes for these forgotten children and young people; than is currently happening. We are making a significant contribution to that process."
Since founding MATRIX Neurological, Jan has spoken at many conferences and influential people about childhood acquired brain injury. She delivers brain injury awareness training from the 'lived-experience' perspective to a range of professionals and agencies. She also regularly undertakes Continuous Professional Development Training with professionals to keep abreast of new developments and current practice in paediatric neuro-rehabilitation.
In February 2020, Jan was appointed into the Chief Executive role following written approval from the Charity Commission. Jan has remained a Founder Trustee on our Unitary Board and represents operational aspects.
Sara Tweddle - CHAIR
Sara is a highly experienced Project and Programme Manager with a proven track record of success in leading, planning and implementing operational reform and other complex projects, programmes and strategic plans. She has worked at a senior level in high profile roles within the health, social housing and independent sectors. Until recently Sara worked as a key member of the NHS North of England Commissioning Support, New Business Team, where she was Programme Manager for the Cumbria Success Regime and worked with regional Health and Justice Teams. She also delivered special projects for the national Health and Justice Service for Children & Young People.Sara’s qualifications include: a BA (Honours) Degree in Housing Studies; a CMI Management and Leadership Post Graduate Diploma; PRINCE2 Practitioner; APM Managing Successful Programmes – Practitioner; and achieved The Board Development Agency's Governance Award.
Sara is highly organised, skilled in customer focussed services and has advanced analytical and problem-solving skills. She also has excellent communication skills and she is a skilled influencer and negotiator. Her experience includes stakeholder management and writing and presenting briefings for government ministers.
Sara said about becoming a Trustee,
“I am excited about becoming a Trustee for Matrix Neurological and am looking forward to using my extensive skills and experience, gained while working at a senior level in high profile roles within the health, social housing and independent sectors, for the benefit of the charity.”
We are delighted that Sara has decided to join us with such a highly valuable skillset.
Sarah Jones - TRUSTEE
Sarah is an experienced manager and relationship builder with a strong commitment and integrity to use her extensive skills in developing, coordinating, and implementing services within the VCSE and public sector. Her skills include conflict resolution, negotiation skills and business development initiatives in target-based environments, and enhancing performance though the use of relevant legislation, data analysis and assessing outcomes.I first met Matrix when I started working again within the VCSE and thought the opportunities and support they provide are brilliant. I hadn’t heard of them beforehand, but I wished this service was available to me and my family, when my nephew had an acquired brain injury many years ago.
When the role of trustee became available, I was excited to be able to apply and be accepted into the role. The ability to offer support any way I can to provide better outcomes for children and young people with acquired brain injuries and their families makes me feel a part of something that makes a real difference. In her spare time, Sarah loves to be beside the sea, watching the sunset and paddling with her family.
Abi Murtala - TRUSTEE
Abi has a communications background in both in house and agency before moving into the NHS. She has an interest in acquired brain injuries and brings a broad experience of health communications, marketing strategy and team development.Abi applied to be a Trustee with us because she wishes to use her skills, knowledge and experience to support the continued development and success of Matrix Neurological.
