Trustee Week: Welcoming Mel Roberts as Midland Mencap’s New Chair
This Trustee Week, we’re delighted to introduce Mel Roberts, Midland Mencap’s new Chair of Trustees.
Mel brings over 30 years of leadership experience and a real passion for inclusion, community, and citizen-led change. We caught up with her to learn more about her background, motivations, and hopes for the future.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I’m an accountant by background, but I’ve spent more than 30 years in senior leadership roles, mostly across large international healthcare organisations. Today, I have what I like to call a “portfolio career” — I’m a Non-Executive Director, Trustee, and founder of Evol, a consultancy that helps leaders and organisations grow through strategy, coaching, and developing high-performance cultures.
What attracted you to join Midland Mencap as a Trustee, and what inspired you to become Chair?
A chance conversation with a former colleague first opened my eyes to the breadth and scale of Midland Mencap’s work. When I met Dave Rogers and the team, I immediately felt that the charity’s values aligned with my own.
With my background in health and domiciliary care, the citizen-led approach really resonated with me. Becoming a Trustee—and now Chair—felt like the perfect way to bring together my purpose, values, and experience to help the organisation go further, together.
Why is supporting people with learning disabilities and their families important to you?
Everyone deserves a good life with choice, dignity, and connection. Families and unpaid carers carry so much, often quietly, and I think that deserves recognition and support.
It’s a privilege to work with an organisation whose mission is to empower people with learning disabilities to live independently and confidently, surrounded by inclusive community services.
What inspires you most about Midland Mencap’s work?
The strength of the citizen voice and the charity’s genuine commitment to co-production. Services here are built around real lives, not the other way round.
Every day, I see the dedication of our teams and volunteers removing barriers and creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can thrive. That’s what makes Midland Mencap so special.
What do you hope to bring to the role of Chair?
I’d like to bring calm, clarity, and connection. My focus will be on providing strong governance, practical support for the Executive Team, and fostering a Board culture that’s purposeful, constructive, and forward-thinking.
With several new Trustees joining and a long-serving Chair stepping down, it’s an exciting moment to reflect on how we work together and how we can continue delivering impact that lasts.
What are your ambitions for Midland Mencap over the next few years?
We’re developing our new five-year strategy, so I won’t give too much away yet! But my priorities are to:
- Strengthen citizen voice and co-creation in everything we do.
- Secure sustainable funding and partnerships.
- Make sure our services are simple to find and easy to use.
Ultimately, it’s about ensuring more people can access the right support, when and where they need it.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
In my twenties, I actually had ambitions to play ice hockey for the Nottingham Vipers! I passed all my ice-skating grades right up to level 10, which surprises most people who know me only through my professional life.
Do you have a message you’d like to share with Midland Mencap’s citizens, carers, and supporters?
I’m honoured to serve as Chair. Thank you for your trust, your voices, and your support — they guide everything we do. Together, we’ll keep helping people live well, feel connected, and be part of their communities.
A Message from Dave Rogers, CEO
“As CEO, I’m genuinely excited to welcome Mel as our new Chair. She brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to inclusion and empowerment.
Her leadership will be instrumental in guiding Midland Mencap through the next stage of our journey — strengthening our voice, expanding our reach, and ensuring people with learning disabilities and their families thrive. I’m looking forward to working closely with Mel to shape an inspiring future for everyone connected to Midland Mencap.”