Autism Berkshire’s work is overseen by a six-strong board of trustees.
Conor O’Connor: Chair of trustees
Conor has worked in various roles across the public sector, with a particular focus on delivering excellent public and education services in the UK and abroad. He has a strong record in governance, policy issues, communications and youth work. Conor and his wife, who is autistic, live in Reading, where he also volunteers as an instructor for the Berkshire Army Cadet Force. He is passionate about improving the lives of autistic people.
Darren Browne: Trustee
Darren is the chairman of Lagonda Studios, an organisation he founded to help develop film studios across the world. He was the individual who came up with the concept for Shinfield Studios in Berkshire on behalf of the University of Reading and was a founding director of Shinfield Studios. Prior to setting up Lagonda, Darren was the managing director of Hays Technology and the CEO of Servoca Plc, an outsourcing company he founded. He received autism and dyspraxia diagnoses as an adult and has become a champion of equity, diversity and inclusion. Darren is also a Trustee of Berkshire Community Foundation.
Mark Gaugier: Trustee
Mark is a partner at the London law firm Farrer & Co, which has a significant number of charity and not-for-profit clients and a reputation as a leading practice for providing advice to the third sector. Mark’s eldest son, Miles, received an autism diagnosis over a decade ago and, since then, Mark has been passionate about helping autistic people. He has strong personal and professional ties to Berkshire, and it is through these that he became aware of the significant contribution that Autism Berkshire makes to the community. Through combining his professional skills with those of the other trustees, he hopes he can contribute to the excellent work that is undertaken by the charity.
Alison Bates: Trustee
Alison has extensive business experience, working in technology and digital leadership, and a deep commitment to driving equity, diversity and inclusion. She has first-hand experience of the transformative impact of Autism Berkshire’s services through the support her family received after her son’s autism diagnosis, including attending workshops and receiving one-on-one advice. With a focus on continuous learning, she aims to use her strategic, analytical and collaborative skills to help drive positive change and empower autistic people and their families, to create a more inclusive society.
Dr Paddy Bullard: Trustee
Paddy is Associate Professor of English Literature and Book History at the University of Reading and joint head of the department of English Literature. Members of his family are autistic.
