THE RUILS STAFF TEAM

Cathy Maker: Chief Executive RUILS
I oversee the services and projects that RUILS run and make sure that we are delivering the services that our clients want and need.  I have been with RUILS for just over 8 years now and have been working with a great team of trustees, staff and volunteers to develop services that support individuals to live the life of their choice. My background is in Health Psychology and I have worked in the private medical health sector as well as being a recruitment consultant.

I have two very active boys and spend a lot of time ferrying them around or standing on the side of football, rugby and cricket pitches. I love reading and walking and travelling to new places. 

cathymaker@ruils.co.uk

April Clifford - Operations Manager

I am the new Operations Manager at RUILS and am delighted at the opportunity of working for such a dynamic and exciting organisation. I previously worked in the advocacy sector for nearly eight years and am committed to ensuring that people are enabled to have real choice and control over their lives.

I hold a Masters in Modern Art and love going to exhibitions whenever possible. I have recently taken up yoga and find it to be relaxing for both the body and mind; it is an excellent way for leaving behind the stresses of life ! I also enjoy going on bike rides with my husband and getting out and about into the countryside whenever possible. I also have a cat called Monty who is a constant source of entertainment.

AprilClifford@ruils.co.uk

Surabhi Dhondiyal: Lead Transition Worker

I started at RUILS as an Independent Living Advisor and enjoyed the opportunity it gave me to meet people from different walks of life. I am now the Lead Transition Worker for the Person Centred Planning Project that RUILS is involved with and I work with young people to develop a Life Plan.  I moved from Canada a couple of years ago and, whilst I miss the snow (and, would you believe it, the cold winter weather) I have since learnt to enjoy the rain and grey skies of London. 

My family and I live close to Bushy Park and that is the favourite haunt of my two children, who like nothing better than belting cheery hellos to the deer and ducks that abound there.  In my spare time I like to read Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series as they are funny and a wonderful way to end my day.

I try to use my bicycle at work as much as possible and my current project is to find a bike seat that feels like a comfy couch.

surabhi@ruils.co.uk

Caroline Thorogood: Volunteer and Community Involvement Officer

I’m responsible for recruiting and supporting volunteers and having been a volunteer myself in the past, I’m passionate about the opportunities volunteering can offer.
Involving service-users in shaping what we do and how we do it is fundamental to the way we work and I really enjoy the research and consultation aspect of my job.
When I’m not at work I tend to be busy organising my children’s social lives. But if there is any free time, I enjoy reading (I’m a keen book group member), yoga and power-walking.

Carolinethorogood@ruils.co.uk

Alasdair Sladen - Volunteer Advocacy Co-ordinator

I am responsible for the new Advocacy Service which enables individuals and groups to understand their rights and choices and, pivotally, ensure that their voices are heard ! I am a passionate believer in the simple but effective power of people helping one another.

I have previously worked in delivering campaigns and community development for a large social care provider and have many years experience of working with volunteers at grassroots level.

When I am not working, I can often be found with my head buried in a book or watching a forgotten cult film. I also enjoy the theatre and have recently started going to the gym as an antidote for not being able to go on as many country walks as I would like which is actually proving surprisingly fun !

AlasdairSladen@ruils.co.uk

Jane Ayres - Winter Warm Project Assessor

I have worked for RUILS for a number of years as an Independent Living Advisor helping people make the most of their Direct Payment. I am now working on the Winter Warm Project in collaboration with Age UK Richmond where I am responsible for visiting elderly, vulnerable or disabled clients at home and undertaking an assessment to establish whether they are safe and warm. Clients are then referred to Age UK working trade partners for free services as part of the Project.

I am delighted to remain part of RUILS and to be involved with such a worthwhile Project.

info@ruils.co.uk

 Paula Buckton - part time project worker

I joined the RUILS team over 3 years ago as a Support Planner, but am currently working on the find-a-pa site to make it more user-friendly and to market it as a new paid for service.  I have lived in Twickenham for more than 25 years but originally I am from Leeds and like most northerners, I am fairly down to earth. I ride a bike everywhere around the Borough which means I keep fit and get to most places pretty fast. I love walking - mountains and hills are best and 20 miles is a Sunday stroll for me! At home I like to sew and cook and I can do DIY when I need to. I have one daughter at University in Newcastle.
In the past I worked as a Marketing Director for a retail food company and also in travel and tourism. I have been a Board member of a charity which funds projects for children on the street in India, Africa and the UK for the past 6 years and I have provided respite care for young people with disabilities through Family Link.