We are excited to share some DS Achieve people news with you! Please be reassured that these changes will not impact our services. These behind-the-scenes updates are designed to strengthen how we govern, operate and grow - ensuring we’re in the best possible shape for the future.
Board of Trustees: Chair and Trustee Roles
After five years leading DS Achieve as Chair of Trustees, Co-Founder Gillian Warwick-Thompson is stepping down from the role. We are immensely grateful for Gillian’s outstanding leadership, dedication and unwavering belief in what DS Achieve can accomplish. She has worked tirelessly to establish the charity and expand the range of services we offer, whilst continuously supporting and developing the team and individual families with the challenges they’ve faced.
We’re thrilled to say Gillian will remain on our Board, continuing to share her expertise and guidance. Thank you, Gillian, for everything you’ve done - and continue to do - from everyone at DS Achieve and on behalf of our families.
We’re equally delighted to announce that fellow Co-Founders Michelle Bolton and Kelly Harris will succeed Gillian, jointly stepping in to Co-Chair the charity. Both have a long-standing history with DS Achieve, having previously been Co-Chairs, and Michelle has also been our Head of Operations for the past five years. Their deep knowledge and passion for our mission will ensure strong continuity at Board level as we continue to drive the work of the charity forward. Kelly has taken on her new role from 1st May, with Michelle joining her from September. Thank you to Kelly for re-joining the team as Co-Chair and to Michelle for her firm and ongoing commitment to leading DS Achieve into the next phase. DS Achieve is fortunate to have such strong leadership for the future.
The four other members of our Trustee Board (Rob, Selena, Tina and Huw) will also continue to contribute their time and expertise to our governance and strategic development. We are hugely grateful for all they volunteer to do for the charity.
Changes to our Management Team
When Michelle moves to her new Co-Chair role in September, we’re pleased to announce that Fiona Forster will lead Operations going forward. Fiona joined DS Achieve as Operations Manager in September 2023 and quickly established herself as a core part of the DS Achieve senior team. Over the past 18 months, Fiona has shown great leadership in both service delivery and team management. She guides our employee team with a calm and thoughtful approach, and has been instrumental in developing and launching new services. This next step is a well-deserved recognition of her contribution to DS Achieve and we wish Fiona every success in her new role.
To support Fiona in her new role, we are in the process of recruiting a part-time Services Administrator. The closing date was 6th May 2025 and interviews will shortly be underway, with a view to making an offer in the coming weeks. Our aim is for our new team member to complete their induction and settle into their new role before the end of the academic year.
Join our Board of Trustees
Finally, we’re always keen to hear from individuals who are interested in becoming Trustees. We’re proud to have a Board with a strong and diverse mix of skills and experience and we’d particularly welcome those with lived experience of Down Syndrome, or backgrounds in education or social services, safeguarding, fundraising, or relevant professional fields. If you’re passionate about making a difference and you can commit 5-10 hours per term, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us on info@dsachieve.org to arrange an informal chat.
Thank you for your continued support - we’re excited about the next chapter for DS Achieve and the opportunities it brings. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
We wish everyone success in their new roles.